Structural analysis for the design of VLFS

A review is presented here with respect to linear and nonlinear structural analyses for the design of very large floating structures (VLFS), with a particular focus on the pontoon-type VLFS, developed during the Mega-Float project in Japan. The role of structural analyses for the design of VLFS is first described through a structural design flow typical of VLFS and design limit states. Structural modeling techniques for hydroelastic global response analysis and a two-step approach for stress analysis of detailed structures, based on the results of global response analysis, are outlined. Regarding the assessment of structural safety for accidental loads, a simulation of airplane collision on VLFS is presented. Finally, a method of progressive collapse analysis of VLFS under abnormal wave loads, based on the idealized structural unit method (ISUM), is introduced.