Perspective Review on Subsea Jet Trenching Technology and Modeling

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review on subsea jet trenching technology via a critical analysis of its principle, mechanism, devices, modeling approaches, as well as properties of subsea sediments. This review shows that the success of jet trenching operations is closely related to some key factors including the soil conditions, trencher specifications, and characteristics of pipelines or cables. Three case histories are presented to demonstrate the importance of these key factors and their interrelationships. This paper also points out a number of challenges pertaining to the implementation of the jet trenching method in carbonate sediments, as well as some limitations and gaps in the existing modeling approaches. Future perspective researches that are recommended to develop: (1) promising theories, like turbulent submerged flow, and (2) robust numerical approaches, such as the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and material point method (MPM) to substantiate the experimental experience and reveal possible hidden mechanisms.

Ground-Return Parameters of Submarine Cables Buried in the Seabed

“…The installation practice of HVDC submarine cables of the Italian TSO Terna S.p.A. changes with respect to the distance from the coastline. Up to 400 m, the cables are buried at 0.7−1 m under the seabed surface through jet trenching technology [33] to avoid that trawling or anchoring activities may damage them. Beyond 400 m, the two cables are laid directly on the seabed interface.…”