The Dynamic Finite Element Analysis for Gravitational Settling of a Sunken Ship in Soft Foundation

Abstract:

The calculation for the gravitational settling and position of a sunken ship can provide important information for a reasonable salvage program. A 3D elastic-plastic dynamic finite element model was established to calculate the gravitational settling of a sunken ship in soft foundation of Tianjin port in China. The results showed that a large amplitude settlement had happened in previous seconds, and then settlement tended to be stable. The stable value was in keeping with the field observation value. Besides, a collapse pit on the top surface of soils under the hull induced by the gravity of dredge was formed while soils around the compression region were raised. Moreover, the strain value increased rapidly in previous seconds which induced a large amplitude settlement of the ship and then tended to be stable.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 638-640)
• Pages: 605-608
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.638-640.605
• Online since: September 2014
• Authors: Zhong Xiao*, Yuan Zhan Wang
• Keywords: Contact, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Gravitational Settling, Nonlinear Dynamic Explicit Method, Soft Foundation, Sunken Ship

References

[1] A-man Zhang, Xue-yan Cao, Fu-ren Ming and Zhi-Fan Zhang: Investigation on a damaged ship model sinking into water based on three dimensional SPH method, Applied Ocean Research Issue 42 (2013), pp.24-31.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2013.03.006

[2] D. Sheng, K. D. Eigenbrod and P. Wriggers: Finite element analysis of pile installation using large-slip frictional contact, Computers and Geotechnics, Issue 32 (2005), pp.17-26.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2004.10.004

[3] K. A. Fischer, D. Sheng and A. J. Abbo: Modeling of pile installation using contact mechanics and quadratic elements, Computers and Geotechnics, Issue 34 (2007), pp.449-461.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2007.01.003

[4] H. Sedarat, A. Kozak, Y. M. A. Hashash, A. Shamsabadi and A. Krimotat: Contact interface in seismic analysis of circular tunnels, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Issue 24 (2009), pp.482-490.

DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2008.11.002

[5] I. Shmulevich, Z. Asaf and D. Rubinstein: Interaction between soil and a wide cutting bladeusing the discrete element method, Soil & Tillage Rearch, Issue 97 (2007), pp.37-50.

DOI: 10.1016/j.still.2007.08.009

[6] K. Tani and W.H. Craig: Bearing capacity of circular foundation on soft clay of strength increasing with depth, Soils Found, Vol. 35 (1995), pp.21-35.

DOI: 10.3208/sandf.35.4_21

[7] C. H. Le and R. K. Sung: Evaluation of vertical and horizontal bearing capacities of bucket foundations in clay, Ocean Engineering Issue 52 (2012), pp.75-82.

DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2012.06.001