Model testing to reveal the mechanics of pipeline ploughing in mega-ripples

The paper reports an investigation of offshore pipeline plough behaviour in regions of seabed mega-ripples. Of particular interest is how the drag force and trench geometry are affected. Information was achieved by conducting a series of reduced scale laboratory tests using a 1/50(th) scale model plough. A parametric study revealed that the wavelength and amplitude of the sand waves with respect to the plough length are the key parameters influencing plough-sand wave interaction. The results have implications for offshore pipeline installers when encountering these geo-hazards.