Numerical Analysis for Pipeline Installation by S-Lay Method

S-lay method is widely used in pipeline installation from shallow water to deep water for decades. However, previous researches on S-lay method are not so complete because they are based on some assumptions, such as calm water and rigid seabed, which make the results deviate from precision. In this paper, a novel numerical model for analyzing pipelines in the S-lay problem is proposed to investigate the overall configuration, internal forces and strain of the pipeline taking into account the influence of ocean currents and seabed stiffness. Such a model is of great advantage because it can properly consider many influential factors in the real situation, including the variation position of the liftoff point, the change of stinger radius, the influence of ocean currents, seabed stiffness and the strain of the pipeline. Moreover, the solution process of this model is easy and not time consuming, so it is suitable for engineering application.