Material Selection and Structural Assessment of Offshore Aquaculture Floating Structures for Seaweed Farming

Abstract

The materials used for offshore aquaculture floating structures in seaweed farming usually have less durability due to oceanic environmental factors. This affects the production of seaweed and increases the cost of production due to the breakdown of the structures. The floating structure of seaweed farming can be improved by choosing a suitable material based on the material's properties, strength, and safe working load. Studies have shown that high modulus Polyethylene is a very suitable material for offshore structures. Past materials used by farmers are reviewed to assess suitable material for offshore structures and the hydrostatic analysis is carried out to determine the pressure and load that the structures can withstand.