Modelling of elastically connected barges

In this paper, the behavior of elastically connected barges, freely floating or moored to the seabed, is investigated numerically. The connecting structure is modelled as a spring system which allows relative motion between the barges only along selected directions. The studied coupled fluid-structure interaction is representative of float-over operations for the deployment of topsides of jacket structures. The mooring line dynamics is fully accounted for and the hydrodynamic loads on the barges are computed with a linear potential approach in the time domain which allows fast computing of the response. The numerical results included here concern the system response under different headings for which the relative motion between the elastically connected barges is excited. Comparison with the case of independent or rigidly connected barges is carried out, also showing how the presence of mooring affects the system dynamics.