Experimental investigation of a novel modular multi-purpose floating structure concept

Modular multi-purpose floating structures (MMFS) provide a possible solution to the growing need for space resulting not only from the rapidly growing global population but also from the emerging blue economy and specifically offshore renewables sector. The desired space is generated in a more sustainable way than traditional land reclamation methods, by interconnecting together modular floating platforms, making this technology adaptable and suited to a broad range of possible offshore activities. This study experimentally investigates the hydrodynamic response of a novel concept of modular multi-purpose floating structure, composed by floating modules connected with semi-rigid connectors and moored at the seabed using a taut mooring system solution. The 1:50 model consists of three hexagonal floating platforms, linked together by a semi-rigid connector system that emulate the mechanical behaviour of the full-scale system. The model has been tested under representative sea state conditions at the wave basin of the Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering (LIDR) of Università degli Studi di Bologna. This paper describes the experimental setup and preliminary results of the dynamic behaviour of the MMFS system, with particular focus on platforms kinematics, mooring and connectors loads.