Protection solutions for pipelines, umbilicals, and cables from accidentally dropped objects are generally implemented with concrete mattresses, though concrete does not effectively dissipate shock loading. The presented work investigated relative absorption properties of two materials (concrete and polystyrene), singly and in combination, with an aim to ultimately advance the protection of subsea assets from falling objects. A series of experiments were undertaken to measure the impact force from dropped objects of varied mass and height on single and stacked plates of varied thickness. It was concluded that the combination of absorptive and non-absorptive materials could be beneficial; specifically, a protection shield for a subsea asset could comprise concrete at the base, polystyrene through the middle, and a thin shell layer of concrete on the outer surface. The proposed next phase will seek the combination of concrete strength and polystyrene compression to provide optimum levels of absorption.

Item Type:	Refereed Conference Paper
Keywords:	ocean engineering
Research Division:	Engineering
Research Group:	Maritime Engineering
Research Field:	Ocean Engineering
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding Knowledge in Engineering
UTAS Author:	Balash, C (Dr Cheslav Balash)
ID Code:	124395
Year Published:	2017
Deposited By:	Education
Deposited On:	2018-02-21
Last Modified:	2019-12-24
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