Comparative Assessment of Pipeline Plough Performance Prediction Models Against Field Experience in Sand

The ability to predict offshore pipeline plough performance (e.g. tow forces and progress rates) in a variety of ground conditions is an important part of project planning. This may be estimated based upon experience from nearby locations or similar ground conditions, but existing empirical plough force prediction models are available and recent updates have been made. With the increasing use of digital data, it is hoped that greater reliance can be placed on these models and this process can be automated and integrated into Geographic Information System type applications. This paper uses real offshore plough data from three trenching projects in sand to compare plough performance prediction models