Selection of protective measures against scouring at the foundations of offshore gravity platforms

Abstract

One of the main problems in offshore engineering is associated with scour protection at marine structures. Operation of gravity platforms may be unsafe if the soil is washed out from under their foundations due to the effect of waves and currents. The structures may lose stability and collapse. When designing a fixed platform, it is necessary to exclude the occurrence of a significant bottom scour near its base. There are various measures to protect soil foundations under offshore gravity structures from local scour. This article gives an overview of existing constructions, proposes a classification of such structures and provides recommendations on the method of selecting protective measures. In conclusion, it asserts the importance of setting the terms of their inter repair maintenance, monitoring and inspection.