To evaluate the structural response and safety of a six-legged self-installing offshore converter station platform, physical model tests were conducted under transportation, installation, and in-place service conditions. A 1:50 scale model was tested under combined wind-wave-current loads. Platform motions and structural responses were measured under different wave headings, wave periods, leg configurations, and leg diameters. The results show that beam seas (90° wave heading) induce the maximum responses. During installation, single-leg insertion produces the most severe local loads and potential collision risk. Increasing leg diameter from 32 mm to 34 mm significantly improves structural stiffness and reduces bending responses. Double-leg insertion performs better than single-leg insertion in load distribution. Regular waves amplify structural responses more consistently, while irregular waves cause stronger disturbances in attitude control. The study provides guidance for structural optimization and risk management of self-installing offshore platforms.
Wang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.