Work

Effects of Mooring-Design Parameters and Layout Configuration on the Dynamic Responses of Modular Floating Structures

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Mooring systems for modular floating structures (MFSs) in shallow water require designs that account for a limited water depth, restricted footprint, and coupled responses among floaters, connectors, and mooring lines. This study aimed to identify an effective mooring design for an MFS under shallow-water constraints. Time-domain simulations were performed using OrcaFlex, and the numerical model was validated against the model test results for a 1×2 MFS with hinge and rigid connectors. Extreme loads corresponding to a 100 year return period were applied under collinear wave, wind, and current conditions. The mooring-line length, nominal diameter, spread angle, footprint, clump weight, and connector type were examined. The results showed that the maximum offset varied monotonically with the line length and diameter, whereas the maximum mooring tension exhibited a nonlinear behavior due to snap loads. A spread angle of = 30° provided a balanced performance by limiting excessive motion and maintaining structural safety. Clump weights reduced the required footprint by up to 76%, although they slightly increased the mooring tension. The spring–fender connector reduced excessive motions and peak tensions when compared with those observed with the hinge connector. These findings support an integrated mooring-design approach for shallow-water MFSs.

Source: Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology

DOI: 10.26748/ksoe.2026.024

Authors: Min Ju Maeng, Dong Hee Choi, Bo Woo Nam

Institution: Seoul National University

Language: English

Topic: Offshore Engineering and Technologies

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $300