Numerical Study on the Effect of Water Waves and Depths on Inclined Braces with Respect to the Stability of VLFS Platforms in the Caspian Sea

Abstract

Abstract Very large floating structures (VLFSs) have various applications, such as recreational applications, port facilities, etc. A surge in the population, the advantages of building floating structures compared to traditional methods of land extraction from the sea, and the development of construction technologies, have led to engineers paying attention to very large floating structures. Bracing systems are capable of controlling and reducing the horizontal responses of a floating platform, but they have no major impact on its vertical responses. In the present study, the semi-floating platform was numerically designed to be least affected by the three factors of wave force, horizontal torsion, and horizontal displacement. In order to optimize the design, the semi-floating platform was simulated and subjected to the three wave directions with collision angles of 40, 45 and 55 degrees in the environmental conditions of the Caspian Sea and by exerting the wave effect in a Flow-3D model. Examination of the platform’s movements has demonstrated that the arrangement of an eight-way restraint system with a 40-degree restraint angle responds better to the impact of waves and is more economical compared to other designs.