Seabedsupported

Seabed-supported refers to structures or components whose primary structural support comes from contact with the seabed, typically via foundations that are either resting on the seabed or embedded into it. This contrasts with floating or buoyant systems that rely on buoyancy or mooring lines for support. In offshore engineering and geotechnical practice, seabed-supported installations include gravity-based foundations, suction caissons, and pile-supported structures such as monopiles, jackets, or tripods. These foundations transfer loads from the superstructure through the foundation into the seabed soils, resisting vertical loads, horizontal loads, and moments caused by waves, currents, and wind.

Key design considerations include seabed characterization and soil-structure interaction. Geotechnical investigations determine bearing capacity, settlement behavior, soil stiffness, and potential scour around bases. Geophysical surveys map seabed morphology and identify hazards such as faults or cavities. The design must account for dynamic environmental loading, construction-induced soil disturbance, and long-term effects such as corrosion or material degradation.

Common applications are fixed offshore platforms in the oil and gas industry, offshore wind turbine foundations (typically monopiles or jackets), subsea pipelines or cables anchored to the seabed, and components of tidal or wave energy devices. Installation methods depend on foundation type and soil conditions and may involve gravity placement, driving, drilling, suction installation, or jacket/stringer assembly on the seabed.

Seabed-supported solutions offer stability and constructability advantages in suitable depths and soils, but they require thorough geotechnical assessment and careful management of scour, seabed mobility, and decommissioning considerations.