Date of Award

Summer 2019

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Ocean Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Robinson Swift

Second Advisor

Kenneth C Baldwin

Third Advisor

Barbaros Celikkol

Abstract

ABSTRACT

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING OF AN OPEN

WATER MARITIME SECURITY BARRIER

by

Jackson S. Coyle

University of New Hampshire, September, 2019

A 60 m long Halo Triton floating security barrier, made up of four 15 m segments, was deployed at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) offshore research site from January to May 2018. The barrier was constructed with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), allowing it to be robust, yet compliant, in order to function in high seas. Computer models of the Triton system’s sea keeping response and mooring system had been developed, yet required field testing for validation. The project entailed on-site evaluation to monitor the environmental conditions, the barrier’s dynamic response, mooring forces, and the overall integrity of the Triton barrier system. The barrier was deployed offshore for five months where winter storm events provided a rigorous test of the Triton’s structural integrity. Post deployment, a Froude scaled physical model of the Triton barrier and mooring system were developed for further analysis in the UNH Ocean Engineering wave tank. Motion and load responses were analyzed to allow the barrier’s response in a wide range of open water environments to be known. The basic HDPE pipe construction has been demonstrated to be suitable for sites exposed to severe storm conditions. Careful design of end connections to reduce fatigue and assembly methods that prevent loosening of threaded connections, however, should be employed.

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