Seafloor Construction Experiment, SEACON II An Instrumented Tri-Moor for Evaluating Undersea Cable Structure Technology
Abstract
SEACON II is a major undersea construction experiment whose major goal was the measurement of a complex, three-dimensional cable structure's steady-state response to ocean currents, and the use of these measurements to validate analytical design models. A secondary goal was to provide a demonstration and critical evaluation of recent developments in ocean engineering technology required to site, design, implant, and operate large, fixed subsea cable structures. The SEACON II structure consisted of a delta- shaped module tethered by three mooring legs in 2,900 feet of water. The top of the structure was positioned approximately 500 feet below the surface. The mooring legs were 4,080 feet long, with each arm of the delta 1,000 feet long. Experimental explosive anchors embedded two of the legs, while a 12,500-pound clump anchor containing a radioisotope thermoelectric generator held the third leg. The entire structure was heavily instrumented in order to collect current profile data and position data. These data were used to validate the computer program DESADE. It was found that the program is capable of predicting the steady-state response of complex, submerged cable systems if the drag coefficient for the cables and the current regime are properly modeled.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA040278
Entities
People
- G. A. Edgerton
- N. D. Albertsen
- T. R. Kretschmer
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center