Motion responses of a moored barge in shallow water

Motion characteristics of a floating structure in shallow water are of great concern in ocean engineering. Shallow water effects will significantly affect the hydrodynamic performance of a floating structure. In this study, both numerical and experimental studies have been conducted to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of a barge in shallow water. Numerical simulations are conducted in both frequency and time domains based on 3D potential theory. Second-order wave forces have been incorporated in the numerical model through the calculation of fully quadratic transfer function. The numerical results are validated through a series of physical model tests, including free decay test and irregular wave tests. Responses of the floating structure in different water depths and sea states are studied to clarify the safe conditions for a float-over installation in shallow water. Based on the numerical and experimental results, some conclusions have been drawn. Furthermore, a critical depth for shallow water effects is clarified.