Abstract
While flexible concrete mattresses have been used extensively in the offshore industry for many decades, relatively little peer-reviewed published data exists to define the hydrodynamic forces and failure modes of these structures.
This paper presents a series of 3D CFD models which provide the predicted hydrodynamic force coefficients for a typical subsea bidirectionally-flexible concrete mattress. In addition, the CFD models also provide insight into the flow dynamics between and within the concrete blocks, allowing an understanding of the relative hydrodynamic forces on each block. The model results provide useful insight when interpreted in conjunction with physical model tests and field data to provide the potential for new design guidance to be developed.