Investigation into the effect of plough share leading edge geometry on cable plough performance

Cable ploughing is one of the most common means by which subsea cables are buried. Prediction of the cable plough behaviour is important and has the potential to reduce installation costs for offshore renewables. Prediction of tow force and final burial depth is a key factor in choosing appropriate installation equipment and estimating progress rates and the duration of construction. These predictions are currently made using semi-empirical models which create difficulties when attempting to optimise plough designs or predicting plough response in soil conditions which have not previously been experienced. To overcome this issue, the University of Dundee and Durham University, UK are carrying out a project to improve estimation of plough behaviour using small scale physical model testing and Material Point Method numerical analysis. This paper focuses on an effect of plough share leading edge geometry on tow force and final embedment depth based upon small scale model test using model plough shares with different leading edge inclinations. Tests were undertaken in sand at two different relative densities.