Experimental and analytical assessment of the bending behaviour of floating inflated membrane beams

The study aims to study the bending and failure behaviour of the inflated membrane beams under floating conditions to support their application in floating platforms. Bending tests are conducted to assess the structural stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity of the beam with various diameters and inflated pressures. With the elastic modulus determined through four-point bending tests, a new analytical formula based on Winkler elastic foundation theory is then developed to predict the deflection of the beams. The results revealed that the beams initially undergo total submersion, followed by end turn-up and anti-arching deformation in the loaded section. The bearing capacity of the beams increases with the increase in internal pressure and diameter. Localised wrinkling is a typical failure mode at low internal pressures, while at high pressures, the failure mode shifts to boundary failure, characterised by submerging in water. The experimental and analytical results show quite good agreement, confirming the accuracy of the current analysis. Overall, this paper contributes to understanding the bending and failure behaviour of inflated membrane beams under floating conditions and supports the offshore structure safety design.