Nearshore Trenching Technology Development.
Abstract
Cables and pipelines that traverse the nearshore and surfzone regions often fail because of damage from hydrodynamic forces and anchor snags. This report discusses the technology base necessary to design and operate ocean-bottom trenching equipment for operation in sand, rock, and coral. It also reviews the state-of-the-art in all operational trenching concepts. This investigation addresses only the trenching mechanism and does not consider the platform for its support or transportation underwater. Two basic trenching concepts have been identified as applicable to the Navy's needs: The ladder-type mechanical trenching system using carbide cutters can (with limitations) improve the performance of the Navy's trenching capability using state-of-the-art technology; and The high-pressure waterjet trenching system utilizing the cavitation phenomenon is the development area that shows the most promise for providing significant performance improvements. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA057941
Entities
People
- W. R. Tausig
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center