

the loading will probably not occur during the test period. Contro?led 

 lo>^ing of the mooring system in deep water, at an acceptable site for a 

 serviceability test, would require a number of ocean-going tugs, would 

 be very difficult to achieve, and would be economically unjustified. 

 Instead, the des.ign load capacity of the mooring system should be demonstra- 

 ted by: 



1. Proof loading of mooring line specimens and U-joints and swivels 

 in a terrestrial test facility before and after deployment in the service- 

 ability test 



2. Very limited model anchor testing, using the 1-m-diameter model 

 from the hydrodynamic tests, to verify the assumed soil deformation 

 patterns under various combinations of lateral and vertical load in both 

 clays and sands | 



It is possible, of course, to deterniine the ultimate lateral hold- 

 ing capacity of the anchor by placing the anchor in a nearshore location 

 where the required lateral load could be supplied by winches tied to 

 deadmen, with both established on terra firma. The anchor could-be both 

 lowered to the shallow seafloor (e.g., 10 to 20 m) and recovered, using 

 attached tanks of compressed air for varying the buoyancy. Such a test 

 of ultimate load capacity is at this time considered not cost effective. 



Recommend Practice . Following demonstration of this free-fall 

 anchor technology to industry, this technology should be documented, 

 difficulties noted, and possible solutions indicated. This guide for 

 practice should include details on optimum shear key configuration, 

 thoughts on when to consider scour protection and approaches to cor- 

 recting potential scour problems, and thoughts on in-place ballasting of 

 the deadweight anchor to increase its load capacity. Possibly this 

 reconunended practice guide could offer several "standard" free-fall 

 anchor designs. The standard anchor designs would be established to 

 accommodate a particular near-surface seafloor soil condition and a 

 jparticular loading condition. Standardized anchor designs should reduce 

 overall costs by eliminating the cost of repeated, individual design for 

 each anchor and by providing for standardization or reuse of some fabrica- 

 tioK and forming items. 



18 



