Development of an Integrated Jack-up Installation System

摘要

Jack-up geotechnical hazards such as unpredicted leg penetration, rapid leg penetration and punch-through continue to occur at an increasing rate despite efforts by the jack-up industry to minimize these risks. Improvements in installation guidelines and site specific assessment are essential to achieve safe jack-up rig installation. Assessment of spudcan penetration is one of the key aspects required in a jack-up site specific assessment. An accurate spudcan penetration prediction underpins reliable site specific assessment. In this paper, current practice for spudcan penetration prediction is reviewed. Design approaches to obtain a spudcan penetration curve from field penetrometer data are proposed. The design approaches to predict spudcan penetration are then incorporated into an integrated jack-up installation system. The system calculates the spudcan penetration curve based on penetrometer data and then closely monitors progression of spudcan installation. The aim is to assist jack-up operators in making decision on what measures should be taken during an offshore installation to prevent or mitigate a potential geotechnical hazard.