Because it reflects the response of seafloor soils in situ, Equation 7 is 

 suggested for predicting the time required for the breakout of partially embed- 

 ded objects from cohesive seafloor soils in field operations. It is suggested 

 because it reflects the appropriate permeability conditions, has the form indi- 

 cated by the more rigorously controlled laboratory studies, and, in any case, 

 does not differ significantly from Equation 6. A more complete discussion of 

 how to apply it is included in the SUGGESTED PROCEDURE section. 



SUGGESTED PROCEDURE 



The procedure suggested for determining the effort required to achieve 

 unaided breakout of partially embedded objects is shown graphically by the 

 block diagram of Figure 6 and described by the following outline. The letter- 

 number designations included in the blocks refer to sections of the outline. It 

 is assumed that the object has been located and that its geometry is known or 

 can be measured. 



A. Measure object geometry parameters A, B, and L; embedment 

 depth, D; and buoyant weight, W;,. 



1 . A is the horizontal cross-sectional area of the object at the 

 soil— water interface. 



2. B is the least lateral dimension (width) at the soil— water 

 interface. 



3. L is the largest lateral dimension (length) at the soil— water 

 interface. 



4. D is the embedment depth. It is assumed equal to V^/A, 

 where V^ is the volume of that portion of the object embed- 

 ded beneath the soil— water interface. 



B. Determine whether this is a partially embedded object. 



1. Calculate D/B. If it is greater than 1 .0, embedment is not 

 considered partial; and anchor-type breakout equations 

 must be used.^-^ 



2. If D/B is less than or equal to 1 .0, the problem is considered 

 to be one of partial embedment and the relationships of this 

 report can be used. 



C. Determine the general type of seafloor soil involved. 



1 . This can be accomplished either observationally from a 

 submersible or by obtaining a disturbed, grab sample. 



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