Multiple Hinged Floaters – An Experimental Study on Hydrodynamic Responses in Waves

Exploiting space at sea is a conceivable solution in case of land scarcity in coastal areas. A modular floating platform can meet this growing need. The modularity allows platform expansions by linking multiple floaters with dedicated connectors. A durable structural design of connectors requires a reliable prediction of loads in waves. Multi-body hydrodynamics and effects of wave shielding are decisive factors that need to be considered. This experimental study comprised the measurement of motions and loads in long-crested waves with different configurations of floaters. Three component force gauges captured the loads acting on the connectors. An optical tracking system measured the motions of the connected floaters in regular waves and irregular sea states of different steepness’. The experimental results revealed higher order structural responses, relative motions, and impact loads subject to the wave’s steepness. Tensioning and compressing loads showed to be asymmetric and occurred at different return periods.