Parametric Method Applicable in Assessing Breakout Force and Time for Lifting Slender Bodies from Seabed

The article presents a parametric method applicable in assessing the suction force of a slender body to the seabed, and prognosing the body extrication time. Along with the body weight in water, the information on the suction force is essential for assessing the force needed to lift the object from the seabed. Based on the Foda theory and the resulting integral equation, which relates the maximum suction force with basic parameters of the issue of concern, the parametric method has been developed which can be widely applied in engineering practice of lifting objects. A set of discrete values of parameters selected from the range of typical values for engineering practice was the basis for developing algebraic formulas approximating the integral Foda equation for slender bodies. The included results of tests present the variability of suction force characteristics and the envelopes of maximum forces needed to extricate the body from the seabed.