Scaling effects in the 1 g modelling of offshore pipeline ploughs

Refining existing models to predict the rate of progress and likely tow forces encountered during offshore ploughing for pipeline installation typically requires an extensive parametric study. Due the difficulties in separating the various components of plough resistance from full scale field measurement details and issues of geotechnical variability it is more efficient and reliable to undertake such studies at laboratory scale. Due to the large number of parameters and long mobilization distances such studies are better suited to 1 g rather than centrifuge. Various scale 1 g testing facilities were developed to undertake a parametric study under a wide range of conditions. The modeling systems developed are presented and the adequacy of the 1 g approach is verified through the modeling of models. This study also highlights the difficulties of modeling the behavior of low effective stress operations and highlights the need for appropriate parameter selection determined at effective stresses applicable to the application.