The Design and Model Testing of a Collision Tolerant Pile Structure.
Abstract
A Collision Tolerant Pile Structure (CTPS) for deploying navigation aids was developed having the ability to sustain collision by barge traffic. The CRPS concepts consists of the aid itself mounted at the top of a pile which is hinged at the mudline. The hinge is omnidirectional, possesses complete downwards articulation, and provides a restoring moment to return the structure to the vertical position. To serve as a design tool, computer programs were developed for simulating pile dynamics during operating, hurricane, and collision conditions. Using preliminary computer model results, several hinge concepts were developed and evaluated, and a central universal joint, peripheral stay arrangement was determined to be the best system. A design based on this concept was developed, and a physical scale (1/15) model was built for testing. Initial experiments were conducted out of water to evaluate hinge stiffness characteristics, then uniform current tests were conducted at the Coast Guard Academy's circulating water channel. Results from both experiments indicate that the CTPS has sufficient stiffness to remain nearly vertical during operating conditions. Collision experiments carried out at the contractor's indoor pool showed that the pile can endure barge collisions. A final computer model simulation showed that this CTPS design should be successful. Keywords: Marine structure; Daymark; Pile structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA155485
Entities
People
- K. Baldwin
- M. R. Swift
Organizations
- University of New Hampshire