Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in the academic community. We look forward to seeing you there!
PO080: Rock anchor drill speed predictions: cutting balance of plant installation times
Nicholas Kaufmann, SCHOTTEL Marine Technologies
Abstract
The historical benchmark for drilling speed in rock anchoring solutions has long been established by the installation durations of large, grouted pile solutions. However, the timeframes sometimes associated with conventional drilling and grouting processes can lead to significant financial burdens for marine assets. Additionally, these potentially prolonged installation periods could render BOP installations more susceptible to weather-related risks. A potential remedy lies in the adoption of mechanically locked, direct embedment rock anchors, presenting an innovative alternative. These anchors stand out due to their compact physical dimensions relative to their load-bearing capacity, as well as an enhanced cutting configuration. These features collectively contribute to swift drilling operations, thereby mitigating drilling times. Since no additional grouting stage is required for these anchors, the increased drilling speed and reduced overall installation time consequently drive down overall project expenditures. This research examines mechanically locked, direct embedment rock anchors, with a specific focus on their cutter design. The study systematically evaluates the drilling performance of these rock anchors by leveraging data collected from a series of drill trials conducted across diverse geotechnical contexts. Building upon this empirical foundation, a comprehensive model encapsulating the drilling and installation speeds of such rock anchors is presented and validated. The verified numerical model subsequently serves as the cornerstone for projecting drill speeds and estimating installation durations for floating wind anchoring solutions. By harnessing this predictive framework, it is possible to gain invaluable insights into the temporal aspects of the anchoring process, enabling more informed marine operational planning.
