Development of a jet trenching model in sand
Journal
Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics II
Pages
889-894
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
This paper presents a jet trenching model applicable to realistic jetting configurations that has been developed based on earlier research focussing on idealised jetting configurations (Vanden Berghe, 2008). Specifically, oblique and upright swords featuring multiple jets of different orientations are considered here. The swords are modelled after the jetting swords of the jet trenchers operated by CTC Marine Projects for cable and pipeline burial tasks. The jet trenching model has been validated and calibrated on the basis of a set of laboratory small scale tests. The tests were conducted at scale 1:30 with jetting tools modelled after the swords of CTC jet trencher. The experiment analysed the parameters influencing the trenching performance. It included the total jetting power, the progress rate of the trencher and the sand bed properties. Comparison between laboratory and model results were presented and discussed. The results of this research make it possible to better understand the mechanisms controlling the performances of pipeline burial operations by jet trenching. The proposed model helps the engineers in assessing the performance of the jet trenching machines. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, London.
Type
book chapter