Optimization of Operationality Thresholds Using a Maneuver Simulator. Case Study: Floating Gate at Campamento Shipyard

Abstract

Floating structures elements are part of complex systems in which climatic agents, those derived from human interaction during use and exploitation and freedom constraints are applied. Such complexity requires different analysis techniques for its comprehension This paper presents a methodology to define and optimize operationality thresholds of floating structures using a global scaled simulator in which all agents and system's responses are modeled during a complete operational process.Keywords: operationality thresholds, floating structures, simulator, floating gate, physical modeling INTRODUCTION AND MOTIVATIONFloating structures are widely used in port and ocean engineering. They are also present in any activity related to marine structures, dock's or lock's gates, barges, floating cranes, floating terminals or vertical caisson for breakwater construction are just some examples. Even though these uses for floating bodies can be very different, most of the difficulties related to their use and exploitation are closely related. They are all part of a very complex system in which the agents are those called climatic (wind, waves and currents) but are also exposed to those derived from the use they were designed for. In addition to this, the reactions of floating bodies to such demands are frequently constrained by mooring lines, fenders or even the sea bed. All these interrelations make very difficult the comprehension and prediction of the response of such systems. One of the main reasons to study such structures is the need to establish a threshold for one, or more, agents under which the operation of the floating facility is safe and profitable. It is very common to define operativity thresholds after an iterative process of analytical and then numerical analysis (Terencio,2011) and once this has been accomplished, those threshold are revised during normal operation of the floating structure. Such revision usually represents a higher level of operationality and therefore an increase in the operator's profits. Works as the one described in (DELTARES,2008) come closer to the optimal threshold by means of a physical model in which most of the agents and operation conditions are modeled. But there was still room for an improvement (Cabrerizo, 2007) Therefore the principal aim of this study is to develop the methods and tools to achieve a deep knowledge of those floating systems and obtain capabilities to optimize their operationality thresholds by modeling not only climatic agents, but also those derived from the use and exploitation during a complete operation in a single test. A secondary objective has been to design and implement a global scaled simulator (1:22) in which all factors and agents are present; this includes climatic agents, those derived from operational design, operator's immediate decisions and every aspect related to human interaction.

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“…Notice that defining, for example, a wave agitation threshold of 1 m for forecasting whether a cargo loading/unloading operation will be carried out or not is quite a simplistic approach and, at the same time, it requires expert criteria and deep knowledge about that operation in particular. Indeed, most studies found in the literature applying a threshold approach to maritime operations are focused on singular maneuvers (Cabrerizo-Morales et al, 2012 [47] and Cabrerizo-Morales et al, 2018 [48]).…”

Assessing Operability on Berthed Ships. Common Approaches, Present and Future Lines

“…Refers to the original contribution of Mr. Herbert Smitz to the WG 24 (PIANC, 1995[14]) as an internal document 4. Nonpublished research work directed by Mr. Hans Moes relating other criteria and physical and numerical modelling at the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa) for contract projects.…”