BRITISH STANDARD BS 6349-6:

1989

Code of practice for

Maritime structures
Part 6: Design of inshore moorings and
floating structures

UDC [624.034.3/.4 + 69.034.3/.4]

BS 6349-6:1989

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Civil

Engineering and Building Structures Standards Policy Committee (CSB/-) to
Technical Committee CSB/17, upon which the following bodies were
represented:

Association of Consulting Engineers

British Ports Association and the National Association of Ports Employers
British Steel Industry
Concrete Society
Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency)
Department of Transport (Marine Directorate)
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Health and Safety Executive
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Structural Engineers
Oil Companies International Marine Forum

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Civil Engineering
and Building Structures
Standards Policy Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Board of BSI
and comes into effect on
30 June 1989
Amendments issued since publication

BSI 10-1999 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference CSB/17
Draft for comment 86/12351 DC

ISBN 0 580 16761 5

 BS 6349-6:1989

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword v
Section 1. General
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Definitions 1
1.3 Symbols 1
Section 2. Environmental loads
2.1 General 3
2.2 Return period and limiting conditions 3
2.3 Combined loading 3
2.4 Wave loading 3
2.4.1 Wave climate 3
2.4.2 Description of wave loading 3
2.4.3 Basic design principles 3
2.4.4 Simple estimates of forces and motions 4
2.4.5 Physical models 6
2.4.6 Computational models 6
2.5 Wind loading 6
2.5.1 General 6
2.5.2 Basic wind speed (3 s gust) 6
2.5.3 Design wind speeds 6
2.5.4 Force coefficient 8
2.5.5 Trim and heel 8
2.5.6 Simplified method of evaluating wind loading 8
2.6 Current loading 10
2.6.1 General 10
2.6.2 Design speed 10
2.6.3 Force coefficients 10
2.6.4 Evaluation of model tests and theoretical formulae 11
2.6.5 Simplifications in design 13
Section 3. Moorings
3.1 General 14
3.2 Types of moorings 14
3.2.1 General 14
3.2.2 Anchor leg moorings 14
3.2.3 Mooring dolphins and booms 16
3.3 Selection of mooring system 18
3.3.1 Operational and environmental considerations 18
3.3.2 Commonly adopted mooring systems 19
3.4 Design of anchor leg mooring 19
3.4.1 Checklist of design activities 19
3.4.2 Environmental and geotechnical data 19
3.4.3 Selection of number of mooring legs 20
3.4.4 Length of mooring line 20
3.4.5 Selection of mooring components 20
3.4.6 Capacity of mooring components 20
3.5 Analysis of moorings 21
3.5.1 General 21

BSI 10-1999 i
BS 6349-6:1989

Page
3.5.2 Methods of analysis 21
3.5.3 Mooring line characteristics 21
3.5.4 Directional effects 22
3.5.5 Factors of safety 22
3.6 Design of mooring dolphins and booms 23
3.6.1 Dolphins 23
3.6.2 Mooring booms 23
3.6.3 Fendering and guides 23
3.7 Anchors 23
3.7.1 Types 23
3.7.2 Anchor holding power 24
3.7.3 Summary of features 25
3.7.4 Manufacture and certification 25
3.8 Mooring equipment 26
3.8.1 Chains 26
3.8.2 Chain fittings 27
3.8.3 Wire ropes 29
3.8.4 Fibre ropes 29
3.8.5 Winches, windlasses and capstans 30
3.8.6 Permanent mooring buoys 30
3.8.7 Miscellaneous fittings 31
3.9 Maintenance and inspection of moorings 31
3.9.1 General 31
3.9.2 Admiralty type and general inshore moorings 31
3.9.3 Floating docks and pontoons 31
3.9.4 Light vessel and similar moorings in exposed locations 31
3.9.5 Single point moorings (SPMs) 31
3.9.6 Inspection of wire rope during service 32
3.9.7 Inspection of fibre rope during service 32
3.9.8 Inspection of chain during service 32
3.9.9 Inspection of connections in service 32
3.9.10 Inspection of anchors 33
Section 4. Floating structures
4.1 General 34
4.2 Loads 34
4.2.1 Types 34
4.2.2 Load conditions 34
4.2.3 Load factors 35
4.3 Codes and classification society rules 35
4.3.1 General 35
4.3.2 Steel structures 35
4.3.3 Concrete structures 35
4.4 Stability 35
4.4.1 General 35
4.4.2 Stability calculations 36
4.4.3 Intact stability 38
4.4.4 Damage stability 38
4.5 Motion response 38
4.5.1 General 38

ii BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Page
4.5.2 Basic design considerations 39
4.5.3 Formulae for natural frequency 39
4.5.4 Equations for natural frequency angular displacement 40
4.6 Longitudinal strength 40
4.6.1 General 40
4.6.2 Static analysis 40
Section 5. Pontoons, floating docks and floating breakwaters
5.1 General 42
5.2 Pontoons 42
5.2.1 General 42
5.2.2 Siting 42
5.2.3 Loads 42
5.2.4 Design considerations 42
5.2.5 Mooring of pontoons 43
5.2.6 Accessways 44
5.3 Floating docks 44
5.3.1 General 44
5.3.2 Siting 44
5.3.3 Loads 44
5.3.4 Design considerations 45
5.3.5 Floating dock moorings 46
5.3.6 Construction and trials 46
5.4 Floating breakwaters 47
5.4.1 Suitability and limitations 47
5.4.2 Layout 48
5.4.3 Types 48
5.4.4 Design 48
5.4.5 Mooring design 48
5.4.6 Installation 48
5.4.7 Long-term performance 48
Appendix A Bibliography 49
Appendix B Wind speed map 50
Appendix C Typical drag embedment anchors 51
Figure 1 Wave particle amplitude of motion versus water depth 5
Figure 2 Longitudinal drag coefficient for rectangular pontoon
in deep water 11
Figure 3 Transverse drag coefficient for rectangular pontoon
in deep water 12
Figure 4 Longitudinal drag coefficient at various water depths
for rectangular pontoon with current head on 12
Figure 5 Transverse drag coefficient at various water depths
for rectangular pontoon with current beam on 13
Figure 6 Admiralty type mooring buoy 14
Figure 7 Single anchor leg mooring 15
Figure 8 Catenary anchor leg mooring or single point mooring
(SPM) for tankers 16
Figure 9 Various arrangements of spread buoy moorings 17
Figure 10 Dolphins used to restrain a landing stage 18
Figure 11 Mooring boom 18

BSI 10-1999 iii

BS 6349-6:1989

Page
Figure 12 Fluke to shank angle 24
Figure 13 Comparison of chain strengths 27
Figure 14 Chain fittings 28
Figure 15 Metacare M, centre of gravity G and centre of buoyancy B 37
Figure 16 Righting lever (GZ) 37
Figure 17 Areas for moment versus heel angle 38
Figure 18 Trochoidal profile 41
Figure 19 Typical curves for longitudinal strength 41
Figure 20 Typical use of pontoons 43
Figure 21 Typical section through floating dock 45
Figure 22 Stability of floating dock 46
Figure 23 Mooring arrangement for a floating dock 47
Figure 24 Maximum 3 s gust speed in metres per second at 10 m
above the sea surface with an average recurrence period of 50 years 50
Figure 25 Typical drag embedment anchors 51
Table 1 Wind speed factors for use over the open sea 7
Table 2 Wind force coefficient Cf for rectangular bodies 9
Table 3 Typical current drag coefficients for wall-sided boxes 11
Table 4 Suggested criteria for selecting the capacity of
mooring components 21
Table 5 Chain catenary: geometry and tension applicable at all
water depths 22
Table 6 Approximate anchor efficiency 24
Table 7 Typical inspection schedules 31
Table 8 Partial load factor fL for floating structures 35
Table 9 Typical values of metacentric height and range of stability 36
Table 10 Derivation of trochoidal profile 41
Publications referred to Inside back cover

iv BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Foreword

This Part of BS 6349 has been prepared under the direction of the Civil
Engineering and Building Structures Standards Policy Committee.
This code of practice contains material which is both for the information and
guidance of engineers and material which forms recommendations on good
practice. As such conformity with its recommendations is not obligatory and
variations from its recommendations may well be justified in special
circumstances and engineering judgement should be applied to determine when
the recommendations of the code should be followed and when they should not.
A code of practice is intended for the use of engineers having some knowledge of
the subject. It embodies the experience of engineers successfully engaged on the
design and construction of a particular class of works so that other reasonably
qualified engineers may use it as a basis for the design of similar works.
It is not intended that it should be used by engineers who have no knowledge of
the subject nor that it should be used by non-engineers.
A code of practice represents good practice at the time it is written and,
inevitably, technical developments may render parts of it obsolescent in time. It
is the responsibility of engineers concerned with the design and construction of
works to remain conversant with developments in good practice, which have
taken place since the publication of the code.
Following suggestions from the Maritime and Waterways Board of the Institution
of Civil Engineers, the Standards Committee for Civil Engineering Codes of
Practice set up an ad hoc panel to make further studies. The panels report,
presented in 1975, concluded that existing British codes were inadequate for the
special aspects of maritime structures and that there was a need for such a code.
A format was proposed that divided the work into two distinct stages.
The standard will be issued in seven Parts as follows:
Part 1: General criteria;
Part 2: Design of quay walls, jetties and dolphins;
Part 3: Design of dry docks, locks, slipways and shipbuilding berths, shiplifts
and dock and lock gates1);
Part 4: Design of fendering and mooring systems;
Part 5: Recommendations for the dredging of waterways and for land
reclamation1);
Part 6: Design of inshore moorings and floating structures;
Part 7: Design of breakwaters and training walls1)2).
The full list of the organizations which have taken part in the work of the
Technical Committee is given on the inside front cover. The Chairman of the
Committee is Mr J T Williams OBE, C Eng, FICE, F I Struct E and the following
were members of the Technical Committee.
R W Bishop3) OBE, B Sc (Eng), C Eng, FICE
D F Evans C Eng, FICE, F I Struct E
M D Hazel3) B Sc (Eng), C Eng, FICE
D Kerr MICE
P Lacey C Eng, FICE, F I Struct E, FIHT, FRSA
J Read MA, C Eng, FICE
T F D Sewell3) B Sc (Eng), C Eng, FICE
P D Stebbings B Sc (Eng), C Eng, FICE
D Waite C Eng, F I Struct E, MICE, FFB
C J Whitlock3) M Sc, C Eng, FICE

1)
In preparation.
2) To be issued initially as a draft for development.
3) Past member.

BSI 10-1999 v
BS 6349-6:1989

M J C Wilford C Eng, M I Struct E

A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to vi,
pages 1 to 52, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

vi BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Section 1. General

1.1 Scope 1.2.4

centre of buoyancy
This Part of BS 6349 gives guidance and
recommendations on the design of moorings and the centroid of the underwater volume of the vessel;
floating structures at inshore locations. The it is the point through which the total buoyancy
mooring of ships alongside fixed structures is force acts
included in BS 6349-4. 1.2.5
Information on wave, wind and current loads which metacentre
is specific to moored floating structures is contained the point at the intersection of vertical lines through
in section 2. It should be used in conjunction with the centres of buoyancy in the initial and slightly
the general information for all maritime structures, inclined positions
contained in BS 6349-1.
1.2.6
The selection, design and analysis of moorings is metacentric height
covered in section 3 which also includes information
on anchors, mooring equipment and maintenance the distance between the centre of gravity and the
and inspection of moorings. Detailed information on metacentre
the design of deepwater mooring structures for the 1.2.7
offshore industry is beyond the scope of the code, free surface effect
and is not included. the reduction in the value of the metacentric height
Design criteria which are specific to floating resulting from the presence of liquid in any tanks in
structures are covered in section 4. Loads, codes and the vessel
classification society rules are considered together
with fundamental information and criteria on 1.3 Symbols
stability, motion response and longitudinal
The following symbols are used in this Part of
strength.
BS 6349. Several meanings are given to some of the
General information on pontoons, floating docks symbols and the specific meaning is given in each
and floating breakwaters is provided in section 5. case in the text where the symbols are used.
Information on the detailed design of such
structures is not included since specific codes and A Waterplane area
rules already exist (see 4.3 for guidance). An Area normal to flow
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover. The numbers in square Ax Effective wind area normal to x axis
brackets used throughout the text relate to the bibliographic
references given in Appendix A.
Ax Effective current area normal to x axis
Ay Effective wind area normal to y axis
1.2 Definitions
Ay Effective current area normal to y axis
For the purposes of this Part of BS 6349, the
definitions given in BS 6349-1 apply together with B Breadth
the following. B Beam of vessel or structure
1.2.1 (BM) Distance between centre of buoyancy and
intact stability metacentre
the stability that covers the non-damaged condition
b Dimension normal to wind
of a vessel
C Damping force
1.2.2
damage stability CD Drag force coefficient
the stability with one or more watertight Cf Wind force coefficient
compartments flooded as a result of damage
(collision) Cx Wind force coefficient for x axis
1.2.3 Cx Current force coefficient for x axis
displacement (of a vessel) Cy Wind force coefficient for y axis
the mass of water displaced by a vessel
Cy Current force coefficient for y axis
NOTE Displacement is sometimes expressed as the volume of
water displaced. D Draught of vessel or structure
d Distance

BSI 10-1999 1
BS 6349-6:1989

d Still water depth P Amplitude of the harmonic force

d Dimension measured in direction of wind (maximum wave force)

F Chain tension at fairlead Py Maximum hydrodynamic pressure at

elevation y
F Trochoidal wave profile factor
q Wind pressure
f Wave frequency
q Proportion of critical damping
fc Frequency of cyclic loading
q Submerged unit mass of chain
FD Drag force
R2 (f) Drift force coefficient at wave frequency f
Fmax Maximum wave force per unit length of
S (f) One-dimensional spectral density function
structure
of surface elevation, at wave frequency f
fN Natural frequency of structure or member
t Time variable
FRW Resultant wind force V Displaced volume of water
FWD Mean wave drift force V Incident current velocity
Fx Wind force acting along x axis V Basic wind speed
Fx Current force acting along x axis Vw Design wind speed
Fy Wind force acting along y axis w Mass
Fy Current force acting along y axis w Lesser horizontal dimension
x Horizontal displacement
fy Characteristic strength of reinforcement
y Vertical displacement
g Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s2)
Maximum wave slope
(GM) Metacentric height
Angle of wind or current to the axis
(GZ) Righting lever
Phase angle
H Wave height
fL Load factor
H Horizontal component of chain tension
Instantaneous height of water surface
Hinc Incident wave height above still water level
Hs Significant wave height Angle of heel
h Horizontal distance from fairlead to chain Angle of chain to horizontal, at fairlead
touch down point on seabed Wave particle horizontal amplitude

I Second moment of area
Ratio of circumference to diameter of
k Radius of gyration circle
K Stiffness of mooring system Mass density of water
(KB) Vertical distance of centre of buoyancy 1 Mass density of a liquid
above keel
Angular displacement
(KG) Vertical distance of centre of gravity above
keel 0 Amplitude of natural angular
displacement
(KM) Vertical distance of metacentre above keel
L Length of vessel or structure
L Wavelength
L Length of chain from fairlead to touch
down point
l Greater horizontal dimension
M Mass of water displaced
mD Displacement of vessel

2 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Section 2. Environmental loads

2.1 General 2.4 Wave loading

The various environmental phenomena which 2.4.1 Wave climate
should be considered for investigation at a coastal The wave climate and design wave properties
site and methods of data collection are included in should be estimated in accordance with section 4 of
section 2 of BS 6349-1:1984. Information on sea BS 6349-1:1984. The range of conditions considered
states is contained in section 4 of BS 6349-1:1984 should reflect the characteristics of the vessel or
and general information on loads, movements and structure, and the moorings. It should be noted that
vibrations is contained in section 5 of the response of moored vessels and structures to
BS 6349-1:1984. waves is highly dependent on wave period and wave
The purpose of this section is to provide information length. For example, maximum response may occur
on wave, wind and current loads which is specific to when a wave period coincides with the natural
vessels and floating structures. For ships moored frequency of motion of a structure, or when a wave
alongside a quay or jetty the information contained length coincides with the structure length.
in clauses 30, 31 and 42 of BS 6349-1:1984 should
2.4.2 Description of wave loading
be used.
The primary wave-induced forces on a vessel or
2.2 Return period and limiting structure are oscillatory and have, in general, the
conditions same frequency characteristics as the waves
themselves. They are usually defined as first order
A floating structure should normally be designed for forces, which are proportional to wave amplitude. In
extreme environmental conditions having a return addition to the oscillatory forces there are slowly
period of not less than 50 years. varying drift forces which act on the vessel or
The moorings for a vessel or floating structure may structure and are primarily due to non-linear
be designed for conditions having an average return second order terms in the pressure field associated
period of less than 50 years provided that there are with the waves. These drift forces are proportional
contingencies which allow the vessel or structure to to the square of the wave amplitude and have a
be safely removed before the design limits of the much smaller frequency than the first order forces.
mooring are reached. For example, procedures may The magnitude of the forces is small compared to
be laid down for a vessel to leave a mooring under its first order forces. There is a resulting mean value,
own power, and/or with tug assistance. In such commonly called the mean drift force. This mean
instances the procedures should reflect the drift force is similar to the wave set-up observed
operational limits of tugs and/or line boats. when a wave reflects off a fixed wall or shoreline.
Most floating structures are of sufficient size to
2.3 Combined loading cause disturbance of the waves incident on the
The environmental conditions assumed to occur structure. Physical models, and computational
simultaneously should be not less severe than the models based on diffraction theory can be used to
following: simulate wave disturbances and hence the forces
and resulting motions of a structure. Simple
a) the still water levels over a range equal to the
estimates of wave loading can be made for the two
range of the highest annual spring tide plus
limiting cases of:
positive and negative storm surges;
a) no disturbance of the waves;
b) the 1 min mean wind speed for the return
period being considered4); b) complete reflection of the waves.
c) the 10 min mean current for the return period 2.4.3 Basic design principles
being considered; 2.4.3.1 First order forces and resultant motions.
d) the wave condition corresponding to the return Vertical motions (pitch, roll and heave) cannot
period being considered. normally be suppressed by a mooring or restraining
Combinations of wind, current and waves should be system and should be allowed to exist unimpeded.
considered for all directions.

4)
Loads due to gusts of less than 1 min will usually be damped out in water. However, the effect of gusts should be checked for
taut line mooring systems, small structures and small vessels.

BSI 10-1999 3
BS 6349-6:1989

Horizontal motions (surge, sway and yaw) can be where

suppressed by stiff restraining systems such as
dolphins. However, significant wave action (of the
is the mass density of water (in t/m3);
order of 2 m height or over) will cause large first g is the acceleration due to
order forces. These forces can be avoided by gravity (9.81 m/s2);
providing a soft system, e.g. a chain or wire mooring,
such that the structure moves freely. is the elevation relative to still water level,
measured positively upward (in m);
In the case of a stiff restraining system, e.g. sets of
dolphins, the stiffness of the system can be used in Hinc is the incident wave height (in m);
theory to predict the response of the vessel or d is the still water depth (in m);
floating structure to waves. However, in practice the
softness or slackness of guide systems and fendering L is the wavelength (in m).
will allow motion which will generally be erratic and
Equation (1) neglects the set-up of the wave due to
unpredictable. As a consequence, a stiff restraining
the presence of the vessel or structure.
system should be designed with an allowance for
impact load added to the force required to hold the For a structure extending to the seabed the
structure rigid. maximum wave force for unit length of the structure
(in a horizontal direction), Fmax (in kN/m), is given
For sheltered locations it may be sufficient to make
by the equation:
simple estimates of forces and motions, as outlined
in 2.4.4. The use of physical or mathematical models Fmax = gHinc L tanh (2d/L)/2 (2)
should be considered for exposed locations.
For deep water equation (2) reduces to:
2.4.3.2 Drift forces and slowly varying motions. The
mean drift force acting on a vessel or structure Fmax = gHinc L/2 (3)
should be considered as a steady force which acts in
combination with steady forces due to wind and For shallow water the equivalent equation is:
current. For locations where the significant wave Fmax = gHinc d (4)
height is less than 2 m, it is sufficient to make a
simple estimate of mean drift force as outlined 2.4.4.2 Response to first order forces. The response of
in 2.4.4. Slowly varying drift forces and resultant a vessel or floating structure to regular waves can be
motions may be neglected provided that the mean described in terms of response amplitude operators
drift force is shown to be small. (RAOs) which give the ratio
For exposed locations, or locations where long waves
amplitude of motion of vessel or structure
are known to exist, mean and slowly varying drift -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
forces should be estimated by taking account of the amplitude of wave motion
wave climate, the motions of the structure and the
for a defined wave frequency or period, or length.
stiffness of the moorings. Physical or computational
Simple estimates of RAOs can either be made from
models which input irregular waves can be used to
known estimates for similar vessels or structures, or
obtain estimates.
recourse can be made to physical or mathematical
2.4.4 Simple estimates of forces and motions modelling.
2.4.4.1 First order forces. When a vessel or structure In deep water the horizontal amplitude of motion of
is small or slender it will have little effect on wave a wave particle at the surface is equal to the vertical
form, and forces may be estimated by the use of amplitude. As the water depth decreases, horizontal
Morisons equation as described in 39.4.4 of particle motions increase, as indicated in Figure 1.
BS 6349-1:1984. This increase should be allowed for when assessing
When a vessel or structure is of a shape such that horizontal motions.
waves impingeing on it are reflected, forces can be
estimated as for a standing wave. The maximum
pressure on the structure elevation , relative to
still water level P (in kN/m2), is then given by the
equation:

(1)

4 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 1 Wave particle amplitude of motion versus water depth

2.4.4.3 Mean wave drift. The mean wave drift force, For a motionless structure the value of R2 (f) tends
FWD (in kN), in an irregular sea is given by the to a maximum of 0.5 for waves of large frequency
equation: (small period). This value indicates full reflection of
Z
FWD = 2gL \0 S(f)R2 (f).df (5) waves off the structure.
A simple conservative estimate of mean drift force
where can be made, without recourse to the modelling of a
structure, by assuming that all waves are fully
is the mass density of water (in t/m3);
reflected off the structure, i.e. the value of R2 (f)
g is the acceleration due to gravity is 0.5. The mean drift force in an irregular sea is
(9.81 m/s2); then given by the equation:
L is the length of the vessel or structure 2
gLH s (7)
normal to the wave; F WD = ---------------------
16
S (f) is the one-dimensional spectral density
function of surface elevation, at wave where Hs is the significant wave height (in m).
frequency f; Similarly the mean drift force for a regular sea is
R2 (f) is the drift force coefficient at wave given by the equation:
frequency f. 2
gLH (8)
F WD = -------------------
The mean wave drift force in a regular sea is given 8
by the equation:
where H is the regular wave height (in m).
FWD = gLR2 (f) (H/2)2 (6)
The equations for an irregular sea will generally
where H is the height of the regular wave (in m). apply. However, in certain instances, such as when
a steady swell of almost invariant height exists, it
Physical and mathematical models have been used
may be more appropriate to consider the more
to determine values of drift force coefficient R2 (f) for
conservative regular sea equation.
tankers, semi-submersible vessels and
barges [1, 2, 3, 4]. Various definitions of drift force
coefficient exist, and care should be taken when
interpreting results.

BSI 10-1999 5
BS 6349-6:1989

2.4.5 Physical models 2.5 Wind loading

Guidance on the use of physical models is contained 2.5.1 General
in 31.3.2 of BS 6349-1:1984 and [5]. Tests are
This clause covers factors considered to be of
performed either in a narrow wave tank or a wave
particular relevance to vessels and floating
basin of large plan area. Tests in wave tanks
structures in coastal waters. It is intended to
normally allow accurate modelling of the vessel or
supplement CP 3:Chapter V-2. It should generally
structure and moorings. However, the wave climate
is simplified in that it is essentially be used in conjunction with CP 3:Chapter V-2.
two-dimensional. The tests are often performed in However, sufficient information is included in this
clause to allow loads on simple structures in open
order to calibrate mathematical models. Tests in
locations to be calculated without reference to
wave basins often allow modelling of changes in
CP 3:Chapter V-2. The information contained
wave climate due to topography, coastline and
herein is also intended to supplement other codes
harbour features. However, care should be taken
that the inclusion of these details does not lead to applying to locations outside the British Isles.
problems of scale when modelling a vessel or 2.5.2 Basic wind speed (3 s gust)
structure and moorings. In CP 3:Chapter V-2 the basic wind speed is defined
Model tests should be conducted by experienced as the 3 s gust speed estimated to be exceeded, on
personnel. The accuracy of tests will depend on the the average, once in 50 years. A map of basic wind
ability to satisfy scaling laws, the ability to model speeds at 10 m above ground in an open situation is
vessel or structure properties, the method of wave provided in CP 3:Chapter V-2. A wind map for
generation and the accuracy to which waves, vessel offshore locations is contained in Appendix B and
motions and mooring forces can be measured. The has been derived by extending the wind map in
degree of accuracy of tests should be stated in test CP 3:Chapter V-2 from the coast. These maps are
reports. Particular care should be taken when compatible, and either may be used for coastal sites
applying results to conditions which are different in the British Isles. However, the accuracy of the
from those modelled, such as for instance when data and the availability of further data should be
results are scaled up to represent more severe sea checked where necessary using expert advice such
states. as that provided by the Meteorological Office.
The load factors and factors of safety normally Where local data is used to calculate basic wind
applied in design should not be reduced as a speeds, care should be taken in converting wind
consequence of model tests. speed to differing duration and height above sea
2.4.6 Computational models level to the basic speed. If data from offshore
locations such as weather ships or light vessels are
Computational models are described briefly to be used, the use of expert advice should be
in 31.3.4 of BS 6349-1:1984. Most models use a considered. The following information is a guide for
three-dimensional source technique to account for data at the standard height of 10 m above sea or
the incident waves, diffraction of the waves by a ground level:
vessel or structure, and the radiation of the waves
due to the motions. The basic theory is usually a) for data from offshore sites:
referred to as diffraction theory [6]. 3 s gust speed = 1.30 10 min mean speed;
In order to model vessels or structures they have to 3 s gust speed = 1.37 hourly mean speed;
be divided into a number of small elements. Waves b) for data from coastal or land station:
can be treated as either regular or irregular. 3 s gust speed = 1.5 hourly mean speed.
However, irregular waves have to be modelled in
order to calculate slowly varying drift forces. This information is based on the fact that gust
speeds over the open sea are similar to those over
Computational models are complex and should be open land. However, mean speeds over the open sea
run by personnel experienced in their calibration are higher than over land.
and operation. Where possible, results should be
checked against those obtained from physical model 2.5.3 Design wind speeds
tests or other calculations. Particular care should be 2.5.3.1 General. The design wind speed should be
taken to ensure that the most severe load cases are calculated by taking account of the type of structure,
considered when evaluating factors of safety for the height above sea level and the return period
moorings. being used.

6 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

2.5.3.2 Type of structure and height above sea level.Wind speed factors for open country (contained in
The height above sea level and type of structure can CP 3:Chapter V-2) are similar to those contained
be accounted for by applying the factors given in Table 1, except for heights of less than 10 m. The
in Table 1 to basic wind speeds of 3 s duration. factors in CP 3:Chapter V-2 can be used but are not
Categories A, B and C (see Table 1) should be used generally applicable to floating structures at
for the design of individual members or heights of less than 10 m due to the fact that the
substructures. Category D (see Table 1), which is wind is influenced less by the sea than by the
based on a 1 min mean speed, should be used to ground. CP 3:Chapter V-2 does not contain
derive the total loads on a vessel or floating information on 1 min mean speeds. A study of land
structure. These recommendations are based on the based data for open sites provides an approximate
relationship between the 1 min mean speed 10 m
fact that very short gust loads (less than 1 min) have
above ground level and the 3 s gust speed, as
little effect on the moorings of most floating vessels
or structures unless they are small and are on taut follows:
lines. 1 min mean speed = 0.82 3 s gust speed.
This information should be used with caution. The
use of Table 1 to calculate 1 min mean speeds will
lead to more generous estimates. For example, for
the open sea at 10 m above sea level:
1 min mean speed = 0.85 3 s gust speed.
Table 1 Wind speed factors for use over the open sea
Height Categorya

A B C D

3 s gust speeds 5 s gust speeds 15 s mean speeds 1 min mean speeds

Individual members, For use with

Small structures Large structures
etc. maximum wave

5 0.95 0.93 0.88 0.78

10 1.00 0.98 0.93 0.85
20 1.05 1.03 0.99 0.93
30 1.09 1.07 1.02 0.97
40 1.11 1.09 1.05 1.00
50 1.13 1.11 1.08 1.03
60 1.14 1.13 1.09 1.05
80 1.17 1.16 1.12 1.09
100 1.19 1.18 1.14 1.12
120 1.21 1.20 1.16 1.15
150 1.23 1.22 1.19 1.17
a The four categories are as follows:
a) Category A refers to individual members, and equipment secured to them on open decks for which the 3 s gust speed applies
with a factor for increase of speed with height according to a power-law equation having an exponent of 0.075.
b) Category B refers to parts or the whole of the superstructure above the lowest still water level whose greatest dimension
horizontally or vertically, does not exceed 50 m, for which a 5 s gust applies using a power-law exponent of 0.08.
c) Category C refers to parts or the whole of the superstructure above the lowest still water level whose greatest dimension,
horizontally or vertically exceeds 50 m, for which a 15 s mean speed applies using a power-law exponent of 0.09.
d) Category D refers to the exposed superstructure, regardless of dimension, to be used when determining the wind forces
associated with maximum wave or current force which predominates, for which a 1 min mean speed applies using a power-law
exponent of 0.12.

BSI 10-1999 7
BS 6349-6:1989

2.5.3.3 Return period. A factor S3 (defined in 5.6 of The design wind speed Vw may be taken as
CP 3:Chapter V-2:1972) based on statistical the 1 min mean speed, and can be related to the
concepts can be applied to take account of the degree basic wind speed (3 s gust) V by
of security required and the period of time, in years, Vw = 0.85 V.
during which there will be exposure to waves. A
factor of 1 should normally be applied, equivalent to The wind pressure q (in kN/m2) may be taken as:
a period of 50 years. For periods of exposure other q = 0.613 103 Vw2 (9)
than 50 years the factors presented in Figure 2 of
CP 3:Chapter V-2:1972 and described in where Vw is the design wind speed (in m/s).
Appendix C of CP 3:Chapter V-2:1972 should be
The wind forces on the structure are as follows:
applied.
Fx = qAx (Cx cos !) (10)
2.5.4 Force coefficient
Information on coefficients for ships is contained in Fy = qAy (Cy sin !) (11)
clause 42 of BS 6349-1:1984. Coefficients are
FRW = (Fx2 + Fy2) (12)
provided for longitudinal, transverse and rotational
forces for winds in any direction.
where
Information on coefficients for individual structural
members is contained in CP 3:Chapter V-2. x and y are the major axes of the structures;
Coefficients for the forces along the major axis of the Fx is the wind force acting along the x axis
members are provided for intervals of wind (in kN);
direction of 45. Fy is the wind force acting along the y axis
Information on coefficients for box like structures (in kN);
is provided in Table 2. The coefficients have been
q is the wind pressure (in kN/m2);
derived from Table 10 of CP 3:Chapter V-2:1972
and apply to winds acting normal to surfaces. For Ax is the effective wind area normal to the
winds acting at an angle to the surface, forces may x axis (in m2);
be evaluated as described in 2.5.6.
Ay is the effective wind area normal to the
2.5.5 Trim and heel
y axis (in m2);
Trim or heel of a vessel or structure is usually only
significant in open seas. Increases in wind loading Cx is the wind force coefficient for the x axis;
due to trim or heel of a moored structure can usually Cy is the wind force coefficient for the y axis;
be ignored.
is the angle of the wind to the x axis;
2.5.6 Simplified method of evaluating wind
loading FRW is the resultant wind force (in kN).
A detailed evaluation of wind loading cannot always The use of this method for loads on ships gives
be justified. A simplified approach may be sufficient reasonable agreement with the method described in
for the following:
clause 42 of BS 6349-1:1984. The application of
a) temporary moorings; force coefficients of 1.0 to barge and pontoon hulls is
b) mooring of vessels, where contingencies exist standard practice, i.e. Cx = Cy = 1.0. The simplified
for leaving the mooring; approach outlined above should be used to check
c) mooring where large factors of safety apply; more detailed calculations.
d) locations where limited wind data exist;
e) feasibility studies.
A simple method for evaluating wind loads is
provided below. The following assumptions are
made:
1) the site is open;
2) the height of the vessel or structure is
small (< 20 m);
3) the structure is predominantly solid.

8 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Table 2 Wind force coefficient Cf for rectangular bodies

Plan shape l b Height/breadth ratio

w d Up to 1 2 4 6 10 20
(see note) (see note)
Wind force coefficient Cf

W4 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

W4
u 0.7 0.7 0.75 0.75 0.75

3 1.1 1.2 1.25 1.35 1.4

3
1/3 0.7 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.8

2 1.0 1.05 1.1 1.15 1.2

2
0.75 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9

1 0.95 1.0 1.05 1.1 1.15

1
2/3 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1.0

1 1 0.9 0.95 1.0 1.05 1.1 1.2 1.4

NOTE
b is the dimension normal to the wind;
d is the dimension measured in the direction of the wind;
l is the greater horizontal dimension;
w is the lesser horizontal dimension.

BSI 10-1999 9
BS 6349-6:1989

2.6 Current loading where

2.6.1 General FD is the steady drag force (in kN);
This clause complements clause 42 of CD is the drag force coefficient;
BS 6349-1:1984.
is the mass density of water (in t/m3);
2.6.2 Design speed
V is the incident current velocity (in m/s);
The design speed should be assessed taking account
of the most unfavourable combinations of tide, surge An is the area normal to the flow (in m2).
and wind-induced currents for the return period
being considered. It is normal to correlate current Drag coefficients for common pile shapes are
measurements with tide records. The assessment of contained in 38.2 of BS 6349-1:1984.
maximum currents should reflect the accuracy and There is very little data on forces or coefficients for
detail of the data on tide elevations and current floating structures such as barges and pontoons.
speeds available. A simple assessment from chart However, towing tests on barges have been
data or Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots) should performed, and graphs of typical drag coefficients
allow for the fact that values quoted are often are reproduced in Figure 2 to Figure 5 [7]. Towing
typical rather than proven maxima. tests on wall-sided boxes have also been performed
The calculation of wind induced currents should be and results are reproduced in Table 3 [4].
based on a wind of 12 h duration. The surface The coefficients in Figure 2 and Figure 3 and
current speed is generally found to be 2 % to 3 % of Table 3 apply when the water is deep
the wind speed, and a linear decay of the wind (depth/draught W 5). The coefficients in Figure 4
induced current with depth is usually assumed. and Figure 5 apply in shallow water. The correction
It is recommended that a 10 min mean current factor for ships in shallow water, given in Figures 29
speed is used in design. and 30 of BS 6349-1:1984 may be used in place of
the data in Figure 4 and Figure 5.
2.6.3 Force coefficients
The following equations should be used when
The nature of the forces on floating bodies is applying the coefficients given in Figure 2 to
considerably complex and not fully understood. In Figure 5.
theory, the forces depend on factors such as speed of
flow, area normal to the flow, total wetted area, Fx = (Cx V 2 Ax) (14)
roughness, detailed form or shape, and the
proximity of the seabed or other boundaries and Fy = (Cy V 2 Ay) (15)
bodies. In practice, simplifications are made when
describing forces. For bodies where areas normal to where
the flow are small compared to their length parallel Fx is the current force along the longitudinal
to the flow, such as the longitudinal forces on ships, (x) axis (in kN);
the forces are usually described by a coefficient
which relates the force to the current speed and the Fy is the current force along the transverse (y)
wetted area (usually defined in terms of length and axis (in kN);
draught). Coefficients for ships are given in Cx is the longitudinal current force drag
clause 42 of BS 6349-1:1984. coefficient;
For bodies presenting significant cross-sectional Cy is the transverse current force drag
area to the flow (compared with length parallel to coefficient;
the flow), the force is usually described by a
coefficient which relates the force to the current is the mass density (in t/m3);
speed and the cross-sectional area of the body. Such Ax is the effective current area normal to the
an example is transverse loading on a ship. longitudinal (x) axis (in m);
Coefficients for transverse loading are given in
clause 42 of BS 6349-1:1984. Ay is the effective current area normal to the
transverse (y) axis (in m);
For a body where width normal to the flow is similar
to the length parallel to the flow, the governing V is the incident current velocity (in m/s).
factor is usually assumed to be width not length. For
forces on structural members such as cylinders or
piles the following equation is used:
FD = (CDV2 An) (13)

10 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Table 3 Typical current drag coefficients for 2.6.4 Evaluation of model tests and theoretical
wall-sided boxes formulae
Shape of model Breadth/draught Drag force Considerable care is required when interpreting
ratio B/D coefficient CD model tests and theoretical equations due to
Square 8.1 0.72 difficulties in defining and scaling the various
3.4 0.70 components contributing to the force or resistance of
1.6 0.86 a body.
Octagon 8.1 0.57 The drag force coefficient CD is usually referred to
(face leading) 3.4 0.52 as a total drag coefficient, since in theory it is
1.6 0.60 composed of several components such as pressure
Octagon 1.8 0.58 drag, skin friction drag and wave making
(corner leading) resistance. The total drag coefficient may not have
Cylinder 8.1 0.47 been corrected to allow for depth or width
3.4 0.39 limitations in the model tests. The use of corrected
1.6 0.45 values of coefficients implies that no boundaries
NOTE 1 A drag coefficient of 1.0 should be used unless more exist near the body. If boundaries such as the seabed
reliable values can be obtained. do exist near the body, the coefficients may be
NOTE 2 The data source for this table is reference [4].
factored to allow for the boundary.

Figure 2 Longitudinal drag coefficient for rectangular pontoon in deep water

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BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 3 Transverse drag coefficient for rectangular pontoon in deep water

Figure 4 Longitudinal drag coefficient at various water depths for rectangular pontoon
with current head on

12 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 5 Transverse drag coefficient at various water depths for rectangular

pontoon with current beam on
The use of uncorrected values of coefficients
assumes that the proximity of the real boundaries is
similar to those in the model.
The assumptions on which the scaling of a model are
based should be checked to ensure that the results
are suitable for application to full size.
2.6.5 Simplifications in design
In instances where wind and wave loads are
dominant, a simplified approach to evaluating
current loads may be justified. The application of a
drag coefficient of 1.0 to a projected area normal to
the flow will generally provide an adequate estimate
of forces for deep water. A correction factor for depth
should be applied for depth/draught ratios of
less than 5.

BSI 10-1999 13
BS 6349-6:1989

Section 3. Moorings

3.1 General 3.2.2.2 Single anchor leg mooring (SALM). This

consists of a seabed anchor connected to the moored
The selection and design of moorings is considered
object by chain or wire or a combination of both
in 3.2 to 3.5. Information on anchors and mooring
(see Figure 7). The anchor for inshore moorings may
equipment is contained in 3.6 and 3.7. Inspection of
be of the clump weight or gravity type. In certain
moorings is considered in 3.8. instances piles may anchor a template to the seabed
to resist the uplift forces. The single anchor leg
3.2 Types of moorings mooring can be designed to maintain constant
3.2.1 General tension on the line by deballasting the buoy. This
Moorings can be composed of chain or wire lines has the advantage of restricting the excursions and
spanning from the surface to seabed anchors, is known as a tension leg mooring.
structures such as dolphins which are fixed to the 3.2.2.3 Catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM). This
seabed, or structures such as lattice booms which is the common term frequently given to a multi-line
span between a fixed shorepoint and the moored mooring system connected to a buoy where the
structure. Moorings which employ chain or wire mooring lines are pre-tensioned against each other
lines are referred to as anchor leg moorings. They and remain in catenary at all times (see Figure 8).
are described in 3.2.2. Dolphins and mooring booms This system is frequently used for mooring buoys
are described in 3.2.3. connected to submarine pipelines where the buoy is
also used as a support for the oil product flowline
3.2.2 Anchor leg moorings
which is in turn connected to the tanker which can
3.2.2.1 Admiralty type mooring buoy. This system weathervane around the buoy (see Figure 8). The
involves a buoy connected by chain to a ground ring system can be used without oil product flowlines
which lies on the seabed and connects ground and is frequently used with smaller mooring buoys
anchors together (see Figure 6). in a spread buoy mooring system.

Figure 6 Admiralty type mooring buoy

14 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 7 Single anchor leg mooring

BSI 10-1999 15
BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 8 Catenary anchor leg mooring or single point mooring (SPM) for tankers
3.2.2.4 Spread buoy moorings. These consist of The frames have to be adequately fendered, using
several buoys which are positioned around the flat faced buffers or rollers, which allow vertical
moored vessel or structure (see Figure 9). The buoys movement (throughout the tide range) without
can be free of each other or they can be linked. causing excessive horizontal movement. Small
3.2.3 Mooring dolphins and booms pontoons or jetties are often restrained using single
piles rather than multi-pile dolphins.
3.2.3.1 Dolphins. A typical arrangement of mooring
3.2.3.2 Mooring booms. Mooring booms
dolphins used to hold a pontoon in position is shown
(see Figure 11) provide a simple control of a
in Figure 10.
structures position over the rise and fall of a tide.
The dolphins generally consist of a pile cap, vertical They are also suitable for controlling structures
piles and in some cases raking piles for resisting whose draught is likely to vary significantly, such as
horizontal loads. Pontoons often bear against floating docks. They cannot accommodate
vertical frames attached to the dolphins. In some horizontal forces due to environmental or impact
cases mooring booms or mooring chains can be used loads, unless energy absorption anchorages are
to prevent the pontoon drifting away from the provided. Booms are hinged at each end.
vertical frames of the dolphin. Alternatively, steel
frames attached to the pontoon can be fixed around
guide piles.

16 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 9 Various arrangements of spread buoy moorings

BSI 10-1999 17
BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 10 Dolphins used to restrain a landing stage

Figure 11 Mooring boom

3.3 Selection of mooring system c) restrictions on operations due to motions (roll,

pitch etc.);
3.3.1 Operational and environmental
considerations d) limitations, if any, on mooring excursions,
e.g the need to be close to a pipeline terminal or
Selection of the mooring system should be based on overhead conveyor;
full knowledge of the operational requirements of
the moored structure or vessel, and the e) the type of access required;
environmental conditions. f) the ability to attend to and adjust the mooring
The following factors should be considered: system;
a) the prevailing direction of wind, wave and g) the available searoom around the vessel or
current, and the influence of water depth; structure and the required underkeel clearance;
b) the tidal range;

18 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

h) the mooring of other vessels alongside, for all 3.3.2.9 Floating breakwaters and offshore pontoons
or part of the time; would in most instances be moored using a
i) seabed conditions for piling or anchoring; conventional catenary anchor leg mooring system
with drag embedment anchors or piles.
j) limitations on mooring layout due to sea-walls,
breakwaters, etc.;
3.4 Design of anchor leg mooring
k) limitations on mooring layout due to other
vessels operating in the vicinity; 3.4.1 Check list of design activities
l) the ease of manoeuvring into the mooring. The following activities should be performed in
designing a mooring system.
3.3.2 Commonly adopted mooring systems
a) Obtain environmental data for the mooring
3.3.2.1 Small craft moored in sheltered waters can location (wind, wave and current), hydrographic
be connected bow and stern to pre-installed buoys or data from charts and surveys and geotechnical
single piles. data for the probable anchoring area.
3.3.2.2 Small craft moored in exposed locations can b) Obtain general arrangement and detailed
be allowed to weathervane around the mooring drawings of the object to be moored and establish
buoy to minimize the mooring loads and prevent the its operational and maintenance requirements.
craft from being swamped by beam seas.
c) Define design environmental criteria and
3.3.2.3 Ships can be moored to a buoy or dolphin and calculate the environmental forces (consider
allowed to weathervane but care has to be taken to direction and the summation of wind, wave and
prevent overrunning the mooring, and adequate current).
searoom has to be available. Alternatively,
d) Select the preferred mooring layout (number
depending on the degree of exposure of the location
and operational requirements, they can be and position of mooring legs) and resolve the
connected to a spread buoy mooring arrangement on environmental forces along the mooring legs.
a fixed heading. e) Determine the design safety factors for the
components under consideration and select the
3.3.2.4 Tankers which load or unload their cargo
anchor leg components (chain, wire, anchors,
through submarine pipelines usually need to be
shackles, etc.).
moored on a fixed heading with a spread buoy
mooring if loading is via floating hoses and a side f) Analyse the mooring line tensions and
manifold. If the tanker is large and the location excursions of the moored object (by desk
exposed, a single point mooring system is generally calculation or computer, as appropriate).
adopted. g) Modify the mooring system following the
3.3.2.5 Bulk carriers which are loaded via a detailed analysis, e.g. by adding sinkers,
conveyor are usually required to moor on a fixed extending the length of the leg, or increasing the
heading, using a spread buoy mooring system. number of legs, as appropriate.
3.3.2.6 Ships laid up or undergoing repairs or which h) Prepare detailed plans and elevations
are used for permanent storage are moored using a ensuring that all components can be connected to
spread buoy mooring system or single point each other, and check the strength of the mooring
mooring. They can be moored on a fixed heading point on the moored object.
using anchor buoys to supplement their own i) Investigate and prepare detailed mooring
onboard system if searoom is restricted. procedures which will include any pre-laying of
3.3.2.7 Landing stages and pontoons are frequently moorings and anchors, pre-tensioning of the
moored alongside piles or dolphins which restrict system and post-tensioning after the moored
movement under operating and environmental object has been connected.
loads. Mooring booms are used in areas of high tidal 3.4.2 Environmental and geotechnical data
range. Anchor leg moorings are often used to hold
3.4.2.1 General. Information on environmental
the pontoons against the piles or dolphins.
conditions, sea state and geotechnical
3.3.2.8 Dry docks can be moored alongside quays or considerations is given in section 2, section 4 and
piles and dolphins, or they can be moored in open section 6 respectively of BS 6349-1:1984.
water locations using a conventional catenary
3.4.2.2 Wind, wave and current. Section 2 gives
anchor leg mooring system. Pre-installed spread
information on the effects of wind, wave and current
buoy systems are also used.
on moored structures.

BSI 10-1999 19
BS 6349-6:1989

3.4.2.3 Hydrographic data. Hydrographic charts The following summarizes the salient points in
showing water depths at the location of the moored selecting the major components of a mooring
object and over the whole mooring area are system.
essential. They should include submarine pipelines, 1) Chains are preferred for catenary moorings
obstructions, wrecks, and other moorings which because of their greater weight, durability and
may foul the proposed mooring. Special attention robustness. They are proof tested to 70 %
should be paid to the possibility of mooring lines breaking load.
crossing each other or of lines passing over pipelines
2) Wires are frequently used for lines above water
or other seabed obstructions.
due to their high strength to mass ratio, a typical
3.4.2.4 Geotechnical data. The extent of application being the connection of vessels to
geotechnical investigations required for anchor floating buoys. They have a much shorter
selection will depend on the degree of sophistication operational life than chains. They can be used for
of the mooring design, but the minimum underwater moorings when frequent inspection
requirement is to determine the nature and depth of is carried out.
the upper layer of sediment at the proposed anchor
3) Man-made fibre ropes are used in horizontal
location.
short term moorings where their elasticity and
Where there is a risk of rock outcrops fouling the light weight is of advantage. They are susceptible
mooring lines then seabed investigations should to fatigue failure, abrasions, etc. and have to be
include the planned route of each mooring line. replaced at frequent intervals.
3.4.3 Selection of number of mooring legs 4) Drag embedment anchors are the most
In general, the least number of mooring legs common form of anchor. They can be separated
possible should be selected. This is because the into two main types, i.e. stock and stockless
distribution of forces under these circumstances is anchors of the traditional type and the modern,
more easily predicted and the costs thus reduced. more effective, high holding power anchors. The
Selection of the number of legs will depend on former have a holding power to mass ratio of
obtaining the correct balance between the between 5 and 10 whilst the latter have a ratio of
reasonable size of components, the degree of between 10 and 30 according to the anchor type
redundancy required, the maximum allowable and seabed characteristics.
movement of the moored object, the site conditions 5) Sections of chain are joined by Kenter type
and ease of handling. In this context, the degree of shackles which are of the same size as a common
redundancy can be defined as the provision of link and can pass over a windlass.
additional mooring legs to cover possible failure in 6) Chain and wires are connected to each other
one line. For example, a 4-leg mooring has more and to anchors and other fittings with either bow,
redundancy than a 3-leg, and a 5-leg more than Dee or anchor shackles. Shackles are proof tested
a 4-leg, etc. to twice their safe working load (SWL) and have
3.4.4 Length of mooring line a breaking load of the order of six times SWL.
The length of the mooring line should be such that 3.4.6 Capacity of mooring components
maximum line tension does not give uplift forces on Chains and wires are normally designed using
a drag embedment anchor. The length can be factors of safety (FOS) against breaking (see 3.5.5).
calculated using Table 5. If vertical forces at the Shackles are generally designed according to safe
anchor cannot be avoided then alternative forms of working load. Mooring points are usually designed
anchor (piled, deadweight, etc.) should be used. for ultimate capacity (see 4.2.1.3). Anchors are
3.4.5 Selection of mooring components usually designed by considering the holding power
Reference should be made to the relevant clauses in prior to dragging. Suggested criteria for selecting
this Part of BS 6349 for detailed descriptions of the the capacity of each of the above mentioned
various components used in a mooring system as components are given in Table 4.
follows:
a) anchors: 3.7;
b) chains: 3.8.1;
c) chain fittings: 3.8.2;
d) wire ropes: 3.8.3;
e) man-made fibre ropes: 3.8.4.

20 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Table 4 Suggested criteria for selecting the capacity of mooring components

Component Normal operating conditions Extreme conditions

Chain (see 3.5.5) FOS = 3.0 FOS = 2.0

Ropes (see note 1) (see 3.5.5) FOS = 3.0 FOS = 2.0
Maximum load = SWL
Shackles Maximum load < proof load

Mooring point on structure Ultimate capacity = 1.2 chain or wire
(see 4.2.1.3) breaking load
Drag embedment anchors The holding power should be greater than
(see note 2) the maximum load expected, but
generally less than the breakload of the
chain or wire
Piled anchors Ultimate capacity at least minimum
breaking load of chain or wire
NOTE 1 Adequate inspection and/or renewal is assumed. Higher factors of safety should be considered if the location is exposed
such that heavy cyclic loading occurs.
NOTE 2 The consequences of anchor drag should be considered when selecting holding power.

3.5 Analysis of moorings 3.5.2.3 Frequency domain analysis. This method is

used where the first and second order motions of the
3.5.1 General
vessel or structure are significant. The response to
This clause refers to the analysis of anchor leg regular or irregular waves, combined with steady
moorings in order to find line tensions and forces due to wind, current and waves can be found
excursions of a moored vessel or structure. by assuming the load and deflection characteristics
3.5.2 Methods of analysis of the moorings to be linear for the range of motions
anticipated. The method relies on standard
3.5.2.1 General. Mooring line tensions should be frequency response analysis for a multi-degree of
calculated taking into account both steady forces on freedom system. Wave forces are generally
the moored vessel or floating structure, and motions computed using diffraction theory (see 2.4.6). The
of the vessel or floating structure. The three method should only be used if the load and
principal methods of evaluating line tensions are deflection characteristics of the mooring system can
quasi-static analysis, frequency domain analysis be linearized for the range of motions expected and
and time domain analysis, see 3.5.2.2, 3.5.2.3 the steady forces being considered. The method
and 3.5.2.4 respectively. Essentially, they differ requires the use of a medium to large capacity
only in the method by which the motions of the computer.
vessel or floating structure are allowed for in the
analysis. 3.5.2.4 Time domain analysis. This method is used
where the first and second order motions of a vessel
3.5.2.2 Quasi-static analysis. Quasi-static analysis or structure are significant and the load and
is the most common form of analysis, and is deflection characteristics of the moorings are highly
invariably sufficient for the design of most non-linear for the range of motions anticipated. The
moorings. Analysis can be performed using either a method of solution relies on standard integral
computer or desk calculations. However, in the techniques. Wave forces are generally computed
latter case it is usually necessary to simplify the using diffraction theory (see 2.4.6). It is a time
action of the moorings, such that each line gives consuming method of analysis and can only be
restraint in either a longitudinal or a transverse performed on medium to large capacity computers.
direction, but not both.
3.5.3 Mooring line characteristics
The analysis is used for moorings where second
order motions due to long waves are not significant Mooring lines should be modelled using data on
(see 2.4.2). The characteristics of most moorings are mass stiffness, proof loads and breaking loads
such that they will not affect first order motions. supplied by manufacturers (see 3.8.1.5).
The maximum first order motions are assessed Calculations should allow for tension in a line due to
independently of the mooring system and then horizontal forces from a moored body and vertical
added to the movements of the structure or vessel forces due to line mass. Vertical pull due to motions
due to steady loads from wind, current and mean of the structure can often be neglected. The
wave drift. Methods of assessing first order motions possibility of a line becoming sufficiently taut to
and steady loads are discussed in 2.4.1. cause uplift on an anchor should be allowed for.

BSI 10-1999 21
BS 6349-6:1989

Calculations should be performed using standard b) operating with one line broken: FOS = 2;
equations for catenaries. Data applicable to
non-elastic chain of uniform mass anchored to a flat c) extreme conditions: FOS = 2;
(horizontal) bed is contained in Table 5. where the factor of safety is defined as the minimum
3.5.4 Directional effects breaking load of the line divided by the maximum
line tension. It is commonly accepted that the FOS
The tension in each line should be analysed for for extreme conditions can be reduced from 2 to 1.4
forces from a range of directions. For simple in cases where it can be shown that line failure will
moorings with high factors of safety it is sufficient to result in a floating structure moving away from
take a number of standard directions, such as the neighbouring installations.
direction of each line, or eight points of the compass.
In the latter case it is common to define a major axis Information on factors of safety for various
of the floating structure as north. In certain cases components of a mooring line is contained in 3.4.6.
where safety factors are low it will be necessary to The factors of safety given in a) to c) are only a
evaluate tensions in each line by considering a small guide. Each mooring should be evaluated taking
interval (of the order of 15) between directions of account of the degree of redundancy of the system,
force. and the consequences of a vessel or structure
moving outside its normal operating area, or
3.5.5 Factors of safety completely breaking free.
The acceptability of factors of safety will depend
largely on the function of the mooring and
contingencies in the event of failure. The effects of
any one line failing should be evaluated. Commonly
accepted values for the factor of safety against a line
breaking are as follows:
a) normal operating conditions: FOS = 3;

Table 5 Chain catenary: geometry and tension applicable at all water depths

L h Lh F H
---- --- ----------- ------- -------
d d d qd qd
90 1.00 0 1.0000 1.00 0.00
60 1.73 1.32 0.4151 2.00 1.00
55 1.92 1.55 0.3684 2.35 1.35
50 2.14 1.82 0.3258 2.80 1.80
45 2.41 2.13 0.2864 3.41 2.41
40 2.75 2.50 0.2495 4.27 3.27
35 3.17 2.96 0.2146 5.53 4.53
30 3.73 3.55 0.1813 7.46 6.46
25 4.51 4.36 0.1493 10.67 9.67
20 5.67 5.55 0.1183 16.58 15.58
15 7.60 7.51 0.0889 29.35 28.35
12.5 9.13 9.06 0.0732 42.20 41.20
10 11.43 11.37 0.0584 65.80 64.80
07.5 15.26 15.21 0.0437 117.00 116.00
05 22.90 22.87 0.0291 263.00 262.00

22 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

3.6 Design of mooring dolphins and 3.7 Anchors

booms 3.7.1 Types
3.6.1 Dolphins 3.7.1.1 Deadweight anchors. Deadweight anchors
3.6.1.1 General design. The design of piles and consist of solid blocks of steel or concrete which are
dolphins should be in accordance with sections 6 also known as clumps or sinkers. They rely only
and 7 respectively of BS 6349-2:1988. Additional on their weight and friction with the seabed to
information on flexible dolphins is contained generate holding power. Although these anchors are
in 4.9.3 of BS 6349-4:1985. It should be noted that of the earliest form they are still used today in
the term flexible is used in relation to berthing various sizes which can be up to several hundred
energies absorbed and does not imply that flexible tonnes. They have a poor holding power efficiency
dolphins can absorb wave motions. and can be expensive to install if large in size. Their
3.6.1.2 Special considerations. Dolphins should be most frequent use is in mooring small craft and
designed to take combined wind, current and wave yachts but they have been successfully used for
loads acting on the moored structure and any mooring large structures in areas of poor holding
vessels alongside. There should be sufficient ground, and where uplift forces need to be resisted.
resistance to peak wave forces and an allowance for 3.7.1.2 Drag embedment anchors
motions of the structure, within the tolerances of 3.7.1.2.1 General. Drag embedment anchors
any fendering or guide system installed for control penetrate the seabed under load and generate their
of the structure, should be made (see 4.5). Berthing holding power by building up a wedge of material in
loads are covered in BS 6349-4. They should include front of the anchor fluke. Drag embedment anchors
an allowance for accidental berthing. Possible are known by their type or trade name. Some are
variations in tidal conditions and draught of the manufactured and supplied under licence, others
structure should be considered when evaluating exclusively by the designer. Examples of the more
stresses in a dolphin. common types presently available are illustrated
3.6.2 Mooring booms in Appendix C and described in 3.7.1.2.2
Careful detailing of shore and structure connections to 3.7.1.2.5.
are required to ensure that all likely motions can be 3.7.1.2.2 Hook anchors. Hook anchors, which are
accounted for. the earliest form of ships anchor, are of a V form
Booms should be designed to ensure that buckling and made from cast iron and wood. These anchors
does not occur. Impact loads due to accidental are reliable on all types of sea floor, but their
collision or heavy berthing are difficult to absorb at holding efficiency is very low when compared with
boom anchorages. Loading of booms can be limited modern design.
by providing additional restraints such as dolphins 3.7.1.2.3 Stockless anchor. This drag embedment
or chains. type of anchor replaced the hook anchor at the turn
of the century and is widely used today in the
3.6.3 Fendering and guides
shipping industry. It is robust and well suited for
3.6.3.1 Fendering. The design of berthing fenders is varying seabed conditions but it does not have the
included in BS 6349-4. Guidance on materials for most efficient holding capacity by modern standards
fendering and rubbing strips is contained in 60.3.4, because it is stockless and therefore has a relatively
and 67.2.2 of BS 6349-1:1984. The general small fluke area.
principles of fendering between vessels for transfer
3.7.1.2.4 Articulated stock anchor. Stocks were
operations can be found in [8] and [9].
added to anchors to give greater stability and roll
3.6.3.2 Guides. Guide systems such as piles resistance when penetrating the seabed.
surrounded by roller bearings or collars of Articulation between the fluke and the shank
steelwork can contain buffers which reduce impact allowed for adjustment to suit different soil
loads and wear and tear on steelwork. Provision conditions and better stowage. Typical stock
should be made for adjusting and replacing guide anchors are Danforth, LWT, AC 14, Stato, Boss and
brackets. The consequences of a guide jamming Moorfast. This type of anchor has been widely used
should be considered. on barges and semi-submersible platforms
since 1942.

BSI 10-1999 23
BS 6349-6:1989

3.7.1.2.5 High holding power anchors. High holding Anchors of the gravity or deadweight type have the
power anchors have been developed since lowest efficiency, and the modern high holding
about 1970 due to the offshore petroleum industrys power anchors have, as their name suggests, the
requirements to moor large structures in exposed highest efficiency because they are designed for
locations offshore thus requiring holding power in maximum penetration. The deeper the anchor
the range of 200 t to 500 t. The most efficient type of penetrates the greater the volume of soil that is
high holding power anchors are the Bruce anchors, mobilized.
the Stevin range (Stevmud, Stevfix, etc.) and the The holding power of the drag embedment types of
Flipper delta. These anchors are a further anchor (i.e. stock, stockless, high holding power) is a
development of the stock anchor and are all of the function of:
drag embedment type.
a) fluke area;
Stock anchors, although generally being less
b) fluke to shank angle (see Figure 12);
efficient, may however fall into the category of high
holding power because their efficiency (see 3.7.2) is c) shear strength of the soil.
significantly greater than the early stockless The fluke to shank angle can be pre-set on most
anchors. Such anchors include those listed forms of modern anchor and should be 32 for
in 3.7.1.2.4 [10, 11]. cohesive and 50 for non-cohesive soils.
3.7.1.3 Piled anchors. Piled anchors consist of
tubular steel (or concrete) piles driven or drilled into
the seabed with padeyes or other fittings which
allow connection to mooring chains and wires. These
anchors are used generally only for long-term
moorings because, once installed, they usually
cannot be removed. Piles can be used singly or in
clusters to secure anchor frames to the seabed. Such
anchors are better suited for resisting uplift forces Figure 12 Fluke to shank angle
than all types of drag embedment anchor which will
become unstable and pull out of the seabed if any Table 6 gives the approximate range of anchor
vertical uplift force is applied. efficiencies for the different anchor types.
3.7.1.4 Special anchors. A variety of novel anchoring Further information on anchor holding power can be
methods has been developed in recent years. These obtained from anchor manufacturers and standard
are not suited for most types of mooring systems texts [10, 12].
because their proven experience is limited. In Table 6 Approximate anchor efficiency
certain circumstances they may be used where
Anchor type Range of efficiency
unusual mooring requirements exist. Examples are:
Poor soils Good soils
a) vibro-driven anchors, which are formed of an
anchor plate which is vibrated into the seabed Silts and soft Sand and
and rotates such that it mobilizes the passive clay firm clay
pressure of the soil; Deadweight anchors 0.3 to 0.5
b) penetrant anchors, which are pushed into the Stockless anchors 2 to 5
seabed and open up to provide resistance to Stock anchors 5 to 10
upward forces; High holding power
c) suction anchors, which provide resistance by anchors 10 to 30
creating a vacuum in a drum on the seabed;
NOTE Anchor efficiency = anchor holding power
-----------------------------------------------------------
d) fluidization anchors, which penetrate the anchor mass (in air).
seabed by a water injection system which
fluidizes the soil and allows the anchor to sink
under its own weight.
3.7.2 Anchor holding power
Anchor holding power is a function of the mass of
the anchor and its ability to mobilize the passive
resistance of the soil by penetrating the seabed.
Holding power is typically defined as the anchor
efficiency which is equal to the holding power
divided by the anchor mass.

24 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

3.7.3 Summary of features d) They will move horizontally (defined as anchor

3.7.3.1 Deadweight (clump) anchors (see 3.7.1.1). drag) as well as vertically downwards (anchor
The salient features of deadweight (clump) anchors penetration) in developing their holding power.
are as follows. e) They require the fluke to trip open during the
a) They are robust and have a holding power initial load application to commence penetration.
generally independent of the seabed conditions. f) They can be designed to provide holding
b) They are suitable for lower mooring line capacities of over 1 000 t equal to the strongest
tensions especially where the force may be chains available and are frequently used for
omnidirectional. holding loads in the range 200 t to 500 t.
c) In larger sizes they require heavy lifting g) They are of welded steel construction which
equipment for installation and recovery. (theoretically) gives no limit on the size of anchor
that can be manufactured (current largest size
d) They can be built to any size, providing marine is 65 t).
lifting equipment is adequate but limited
generally by cost effectiveness of installation h) They cannot accept any vertical uplift forces
method. without reducing efficiency.
e) They can be made self-buoyant in large sizes 3.7.3.4 Piled anchors (see 3.7.1.3). The salient
and ballasted on to the seabed with gravel or features of piled anchors are as follows.
concrete or similar high density material. a) They are ideal where anchor drag during load
3.7.3.2 Traditional stock and stockless anchors application is not permitted.
(see 3.7.1.2.2 to 3.7.1.2.4). The salient features of b) They cannot be recovered and therefore are
traditional stock and stockless anchors are as only suited to long-term mooring applications.
follows. c) They only become cost effective when installed
a) The anchors own mass represents a higher in quantity or as part of another piling operation,
percentage of ultimate holding capacity than in because of cost of mobilizing piling rig.
the case of high holding power anchors. d) They are suitable when the mooring line needs
b) They are robust and require a less scientific to be removed for maintenance at regular
approach in their design and selection. intervals, except in shallow water or in locations
c) They do not require great depths of soft where easy diver access to the connecting
sediment for adequate penetration. shackles is possible.
d) They are made from cast iron or steel which, 3.7.3.5 Special anchors (see 3.7.1.4). The salient
although making them robust, does restrict their features of special anchors are as follows.
size to a maximum of about 30 t. a) They are less predictable during installation,
e) They have holding power within the normal e.g. they can be deflected off course by boulders.
capacity of inshore moorings. b) They give less predictable holding capacity.
f) They can accept some uplift forces without c) They usually require a more complicated
significantly reducing their holding power. mechanical method of installation.
g) They are more suited to ships moorings and d) They may be suitable for unusual mooring
single point moorings where the mooring load is requirements, e.g. low loads in deep water where
applied over a wide horizontal angle. other anchors may require heavy marine
3.7.3.3 High holding power drag embedment equipment.
anchors (see 3.7.1.2.5). The salient features of high e) They are not frequently used in the marine and
holding power drag embedment anchors are as offshore industries.
follows. 3.7.4 Manufacture and certification
a) They require a seabed which can be The manufacture of anchors is in most cases
penetrated, i.e. one where the upper layer approved by one of the leading classification
consists of soft to firm clay, silts or sand. societies (Lloyds Register, DNV, ABS, etc.).
b) They rely on a large fluke area to mobilize the
passive resistance of the soil.
c) They require a depth of sediment which allows
at least full penetration of the anchor and
therefore has to be at least 0.5 m for anchors of up
to 1 t in mass and 3 m to 5 m for anchors of
over 1 t and up to 20 t.

BSI 10-1999 25
BS 6349-6:1989

This approval involves an independent check of the 3.8.1.3 Shots. Chain is normally manufactured in
structural components and overall structural design lengths of 27.5 m which are known as shots. Chain
of the anchor together with material analysis, can be ordered in continuous lengths, thus avoiding
physical tests and a proof test on completion of the need for expensive joining shackles. For most
manufacture. Certificates are issued for each anchor inshore moorings the convenience of having chain
showing that it has been approved. These should supplied in shots outweighs the additional costs
correspond with stamp marks on the anchor. The involved.
proof test involves jacking the fluke away from the 3.8.1.4 Studs. Chain can be ordered with or without
shank to a specified force and measuring the inserted studs. In order to maintain the same
permanent set, if any, on release of the proof load. It strength, chains without studs (i.e. open links) need
should be noted that the point of application of the to be formed of metal of 20 % greater diameter than
force on the fluke is one-third of the fluke length chain with studs. For the moorings covered within
from the tip of the fluke. this Part of BS 6349, inserted stud link chain only
should be used. The studs should not be welded as
3.8 Mooring equipment this can lead to a greater risk of manufacturing
3.8.1 Chains defects.
3.8.1.1 Grades 3.8.1.5 Proof load. The exact size of chain and
theoretical breaking load will vary slightly with
3.8.1.1.1 General. Mooring chain is manufactured each manufacturer, and reference should be made to
from four different internationally accepted printed literature from the supplier to obtain quoted
qualities of steel, designated grade 2, grade 3, oil rig breaking loads and proof loads. All chain is proof
quality (ORQ) and grade 4, in bar sizes which range load tested to about 70 % of the estimated breaking
from about 20 mm to 180 mm diameter. Chain of load and a 3-link sample is tested to breaking load.
grades 2, 3 and 4 is manufactured to Classification
Societies Specification (Lloyds Register etc.) and 3.8.1.6 Break test. Up to one break test is taken per
ORQ chain is based on the American Petroleum shot or heat treatment batch.
Industrys (API) Specification. Grade 1 chain is no 3.8.1.7 Identification. Chain is usually identified at
longer manufactured. the end links with hard stamping, and the length
3.8.1.1.2 Grade 2. Grade 2 chain is the lowest supplied with a certificate of proof load and break
quality chain manufactured. It has been used tests and of proper manufacture issued by one of the
successfully in moorings but, as stated in 3.8.1.1.3, classification societies (e.g. Lloyds Register of
grade 3 chain is recommended. Shipping).
3.8.1.1.3 Grade 3. For most inshore mooring
configurations grade 3 chain is the most suitable. It
is the most common grade used and its cost per unit
mass is only marginally greater than that of grade 2
which is significantly heavier for a comparable
breaking load.
3.8.1.1.4 Oil rig quality. ORQ chain, although
having the same mass to strength ratio as grade 3,
has special properties which make it more suited to
deepwater offshore moorings. It is more brittle than
grade 3 and therefore more affected by handling
blemishes, e.g. notches, scours.
3.8.1.1.5 Grade 4. Grade 4 chain is only used where
a high strength to mass ratio is required. It is very
brittle and is not suited for the moorings covered in
this Part of BS 6349.
3.8.1.2 Sizes. The most commonly used chain sizes
for mooring are in the range 50 mm to 75 mm which
have breaking loads varying from about 1.37 MN
to 6 MN, depending on the material and diameter
(see Figure 13).

26 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 13 Comparison of chain strengths

3.8.2 Chain fittings e) Joining shackle, type Kenter [see Figure 14 (e)].
3.8.2.1 Types. Individual lengths of chain, and This is a carefully machined shackle which splits
connections between the chain and the anchor or in two halves, both halves being secured with an
chain locker, are normally made with a shackle. angled taper pin and lead sealing plug. It is of
Figure 14 shows the different types of individual compatible size with common links and is thus
connections, and their application for coupling to used to join lengths which have to pass over a
the anchor and between lengths as follows. windlass. This type of shackle is also known as a
lugless shackle.
a) Common link. See Figure 14 (a) which shows
an inserted stud link. f) Anchor shackle, type Dee [see Figure 14 (f)].
This is used to connect the anchor to the end link.
b) Enlarged link [see Figure 14 (b)]. This is
commonly used in connection with an anchor g) Anchor shackle, type Kenter [see Figure 14 (g)].
swivel. This is an alternative to f).
c) End link [see Figure 14 (c)]. This is often used h) Swivel [see Figure 14 (h)]. This is used to
as the connection between a swivel and anchor release rotational forces in the chain.
shackle or between the end of a chain and the i) Swivel shackle [see Figure 14 (i)]. As the name
chain locker connection. suggests this is a combination of two components.
d) Joining shackle, type Dee [see Figure 14 (d)]. 3.8.2.2 Identification. Chain fittings are normally
The pin is removable, and the shackle is used to manufactured at works approved to supply steel
secure the end of the chain in the locker or to join castings or steel forgings, as appropriate. All fittings
lengths, but not in ships. should be subjected to a proof load test.

BSI 10-1999 27
BS 6349-6:1989

On completion, fittings are identified by hard

stamping, and supplied with a certificate of
material, proof load and break test (if appropriate),
by a recognized classification society. Typically,
shackles are proof tested to twice their safe working
load (SWL), and the ultimate capacity of a shackle is
six times SWL.

NOTE D is the bar diameter.

Figure 14 Chain fittings

28 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

3.8.3 Wire ropes 3.8.3.8 Selection. Factors to consider when selecting

3.8.3.1 Method of construction. A wire rope consists a wire rope are:
of several strands, usually six, laid helically around a) tensile strength based on maximum applied
a central core. Each strand is made up of several load with an appropriate safety factor;
wires laid helically in one or more layers. A spiral b) ability to withstand fatigue and bending;
strand rope is just one single strand. c) ability to withstand abrasion due to metal
3.8.3.2 Behaviour. The behaviour characteristics of being worn away;
wire rope and its durability under a given set of
d) ability to withstand crushing and distortion
operating conditions are largely determined by
due to bending which reduces its strength;
certain basic features of the design including:
e) ability to resist corrosion;
a) number of strands in the rope;
f) reduction in capacity due to bending.
b) number and arrangement of the wires in the
strands; Wire ropes in moorings have a very limited life and
should not be used in preference to chains unless
c) tensile strength of the wire;
their characteristics of low mass and elongation are
d) type of core in the rope; of benefit.
e) special processing applied, such as 3.8.4 Fibre ropes
pre-forming;
3.8.4.1 General. Man-made fibre ropes are stronger
f) coating and lubrication. and lighter than natural fibre ropes and should be
3.8.3.3 Lay of rope. Wire ropes are made either in used in preference to natural fibre ropes. The
ordinary lay or in Langs lay. In ordinary lay ropes, lightest ropes are those made from polypropylene. It
the strands and the rope are laid in opposite has a specific gravity of less than unity, and the
directions, while with Langs lay ropes, both strand ropes will float on water.
and rope are laid in the same direction. (For further The strongest fibre ropes are made of nylon.
information see BS 302.) Reference should be made to BS 4128 and
Ordinary lay ropes should be used for mooring wires manufacturers data for detailed information on
to minimize torque build-up during tensioning, and sizes, strength, degradation, cyclic loading, wet and
eliminate spooling problems. dry properties, elongation and general construction.
3.8.3.4 Core. Wire ropes have cores made of fibre or General information is provided in 3.8.4.2
steel wire. The latter are known as independent to 3.8.4.6.
wire rope core (IWRC) and should be used in 3.8.4.2 Degradation. Man-made fibre ropes are
moorings in preference to fibre core ropes. generally unaffected by rot, mildew and fungus. The
3.8.3.5 Protection. Wire ropes for marine use should effect of chemical contamination depends to a great
be of wire hot dip galvanized in accordance with extent on the type of fibre from which the rope is
BS 729. They are protected by a lubricant which fills made. Nylon will be attacked by a moderate
the spaces between the wires and the strands. concentration of acids, whilst it will be virtually
immune to damage by alkalis. Polyester ropes, on
3.8.3.6 Elongation. Wire ropes stretch during use,
the other hand, are highly resistant to acids but
the amount depending on the scale and frequency of
subject to damage by alkalis. Polypropylene ropes
loading. Lightly loaded ropes with a factor of safety
greater than eight will stretch up to 0.25 % of their are unaffected by either acids or alkalis. Although
total length. If the factor of safety is less than five, synthetic fibres do not degrade by oxidation, as does
steel, they are affected by the ultraviolet radiation
extensions of between 1 % and 2 % can be expected.
of sunlight, as are all textile fibres.
3.8.3.7 Bending. Bends and joints can reduce the
3.8.4.3 Cyclic loading. Man-made fibre ropes vary
capacity of a wire rope. Reductions of up to 50 % in
considerably in their ability to withstand cyclic
breaking load due to a wire rope being bent around
a sheave or pin of twice its diameter should be loading. The number of cycles to failure for a nylon
allowed for. rope at one-third of its wet breaking load is
approximately 104. Polyester has a much better
The reduction in breaking load is 15 % for a ratio of performance, the number of cycles to failure at
sheave to rope diameter of 10 and 5 % for a ratio one-third of its wet breaking load being
of 30 or more. A minimum sheave to rope diameter approximately 2 105. The performance under
ratio of 20 is recommended for mooring wires. End cyclic load should be taken into account for exposed
attachments such as spliced thimbles, sockets, etc. locations.
reduce the breaking load by 10 % to 20 % according
to the type of attachment used.

BSI 10-1999 29
BS 6349-6:1989

3.8.4.4 Wetting and drying. There is hardly any c) when used in multi-layers, due to inadequate
deterioration in the strength of man-made fibres by spooling, the top, tensioned layer cuts down into
alternate wetting and drying. Natural fibres are the underlying layers causing damage.
ultimately weakened by such effects. The initial To counteract c) a divided barrel can be used such
strength of ropes should be based on their wet that the wire may be stored on one portion and a
strength. single layer of wire transferred to the second portion
Nylon ropes have a wet strength of when tensioned.
approximately 85 % of their dry strength. Polyester 3.8.5.6 Constant tension winches. Mooring winches
ropes suffer no reduction in strength on immersion provide the facility for tensioning the wire up to the
in water. stalling capacity of the winch, usually 1.5 times full
3.8.4.5 Elongation. The elongation of fibre ropes load; thereafter the load is held by the prime mover
varies according to their age. The worked in brake or barrel brake when the power is shut off.
load/elongation properties will generally be more The winch cannot pay out wire unless the brake is
applicable than load/elongation data for new ropes. overhauled, or recover wire unless manually
3.8.4.6 Construction. Man-made fibre ropes used in operated, thus wires may become slack.
moorings are generally of 8-strand plaited Automatic mooring winches provide this manual
construction or braided. These types of rope do not control but, in addition, incorporate control features
kink, can be coiled both ways and are relatively such that, in the automatic setting, the winch may
pliable even when wet. be overhauled and the wire paid off the barrel at a
3.8.5 Winches, windlasses and capstans predetermined maximum tension; also wire is
recovered at a lower tension should it tend to
3.8.5.1 Types. Two types of winch are relevant to become slack.
moorings. These are:
3.8.6 Permanent mooring buoys
a) anchor handling windlasses and capstans;
3.8.6.1 General description. Buoys are generally of
b) mooring winches and capstans.
two types, i.e. steel or glass reinforced plastics
3.8.5.2 Operation. The basic function of the winches (GRP). The basic design parameters are:
is to control loads associated with chain cable or
a) reserve buoyancy, which is simply a function of
wire rope and whilst each type of equipment has its
the mass and volume;
own operational requirements, certain aspects of
design and operation are common. Most winch b) tension capacity, which is usually provided by
machinery is idle during much of its life and, due to a tension bar running vertically through the
this intermittent duty requirement, gears and centre of the buoy.
drives are normally designed to a limited rating Other factors affecting design are:
of 0.5 h to 1 h. Despite long periods of idleness, often 1) the method of connecting and releasing lines;
in severe weather conditions, the machinery has to
2) impact resistance;
operate immediately when required.
3) durability;
3.8.5.3 Brakes. Mooring winches should be fitted
with drum brakes, the strength of which is sufficient 4) maintenance.
to prevent unreeling of the mooring line when the Reference should be made to manufacturers data
rope tension is equal to 80 % of the breaking for detailed information. General information is
strength of the rope as fitted on the first layer on the provided in 3.8.6.2.
winch drum. 3.8.6.2 Factors in selection
3.8.5.4 Warping speed. Full load duties of warping
3.8.6.2.1 Reserve buoyancy. A buoy should generally
capstans and mooring winches vary from 3 t to 30 t
have sufficient reserve buoyancy to take the
at from 0.3 m/s to 0.6 m/s, and twice full load speed
maximum expected downward pull, without
is normally provided for recovering slack lines.
submerging. In certain cases it may be acceptable to
3.8.5.5 Double barrel winches. The size of wire rope allow submergence of a buoy under extreme load.
used on mooring winch barrels is governed by the However, the buoy should not be submerged below
size of wire manageable by the crew; currently it is the maximum depth of submergence for which it has
accepted that a rope of 140 mm circumference is the been designed.
largest that can be handled manually. The basic
3.8.6.2.2 Tension capacity. The tension capacity of a
problems associated with the use of wire ropes are
buoy should be not less than 1.2 times the mooring
as follows:
line breaking load. Buoy connections such as
a) they are difficult to handle; shackles should be such that the maximum line load
b) they do not float; and is less than the proof load.

30 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

3.8.6.2.3 Line connection and release. The ability to An interim inspection and partial raising should be
release lines quickly in an emergency should be carried out at regular intervals according to the type
considered. Buoys with quick release hooks are of buoy and its use. The interim inspection is
frequently employed for vessel moorings. performed by diver, without removal, and the
3.8.6.2.4 Impact resistance or softness. Impact partial raising, as its name suggests, involves
resistance and the consequences of flooding should disconnecting some legs and removing the buoy
be considered. Steel buoys are sometimes provided from the water for detailed inspection underneath.
with several compartments in order to minimize the Typical inspection schedules are given in Table 7.
risk of capsizing. Glass reinforced plastics buoys are Table 7 Typical inspection schedules
generally filled with foam that will not absorb
Class of buoy Interim Partial raising
water. Soft buoys such as GRP buoys are unlikely inspection
to cause severe damage to vessels. Steel buoys
Years Years
should be fendered so as to minimize damage to
Admiralty type 1 to 2 2 to 7 depending on
themselves and to vessels.
buoy type
3.8.6.2.5 Durability and maintenance. Steel buoys Telephone buoys 1 1
should be designed for corrosion resistance. In some Navigation buoys 1 2
cases buoys can be reversed so as to minimize wear.
Fittings for steel and GRP buoys should generally be Diving inspections should be performed to examine
hot dip galvanized in accordance with BS 729. Large the anchors, chain and fittings for wear, to confirm
steel buoys should be provided with access that parts are not fouled and to check that pins have
manholes and facilities for dewatering. not loosened on shackles.
3.8.7 Miscellaneous fittings 3.9.3 Floating docks and pontoons
3.8.7.1 Mooring points and fairleads. Means should It is normal practice for floating dock and pontoon
be provided to enable mooring lines to be adequately moorings to be checked annually on the basis of one
secured onboard the moored object. The strength of leg per year. The annual inspection should be by
the mooring points should be capable of holding not diver and should include anchor chains and fittings.
less than 1.5 times the sum of the maximum Partial raising of each anchor leg should take place
breaking strength of the mooring lines used. on a 2 year cycle. Full inspection of the moorings
3.8.7.2 Chain stoppers. Chain stoppers are used to may be carried out when the dock itself is dry
secure the end of a chain at the mooring point on the docked for survey and overhaul.
moored object. They can be either fixed or 3.9.4 Light vessel and similar moorings in
adjustable. exposed locations
The procedure and frequency of inspection to be
3.9 Maintenance and inspection of adopted depends on the exposure of the unit.
moorings Reference should be made to those authorities
3.9.1 General (e.g. Trinity House Authority) responsible for
operating vessels for guidance on frequency and
The procedures for mooring inspection will vary
method of inspection. The following is a typical
according to the type of mooring, its location and its
example.
usage. Information on types of moorings is
contained in 3.3.2. Information and An exposed light vessel in the UK (off Lands End)
recommendations on maintenance and inspection has mooring legs which consist of about 550 m
are provided in 3.9.2 to 3.9.10. of 44 mm grade 2 chain. Because of its exposure, the
moorings are inspected annually by a tender vessel
3.9.2 Admiralty type and general inshore
which fully removes the chain on to her deck for
moorings visual inspection. Every 3 years the chain is totally
These types of mooring are constantly being picked replaced with a new chain and the old chain is used
up and placed back on the seabed by the action of in more sheltered locations.
the vessel moored above. The areas which suffer 3.9.5 Single point moorings (SPMs)
wear are those which move and especially the
linkage connections directly under the buoy. 3.9.5.1 General. There are a wide variety of SPMs in
service in many different locations. They are used
for the loading and unloading of oil tankers from
submarine pipelines. The method of inspection and
frequency vary considerably and that described
in 3.9.5.2 to 3.9.5.5 is considered typical.

BSI 10-1999 31
BS 6349-6:1989

3.9.5.2 Visual inspection. Visual inspection should Of these items, which can cause deterioration of the
be carried out on a weekly basis when the mooring fibre ropes without being visually obvious, the most
is first installed to ensure the integrity of the serious are degradation by sunlight and melting of
mooring geometry after usage by vessels. the internal core of the ropes by heat.
3.9.5.3 Re-tensioning. Re-tensioning of the mooring 3.9.7.2 Degradation by sunlight. Tests have shown
chains should be made if wear is detected caused by that man-made fibre ropes have their strength
the chains becoming slack or, alternatively, if too reduced by 50 % by the action of sunlight over
much tension develops in the chains. Checks on a 2 year period when they are in hot climates. This
pre-tensioning should be carried out initially compares with a 10 % reduction in the UK. For this
every 3 months, and then at intervals of reason, ropes should be replaced at regular
between 2 years and 6 years, depending upon the intervals, irrespective of apparent good visual
buoy location. condition.
3.9.5.4 Disconnection. After 6 months, one anchor 3.9.7.3 Degradation by friction. Heat generation by
leg should be disconnected at the chain stopper and internal friction due to ropes stretching is a common
as great a length as is possible brought to the phenomenon in moorings. Internal melting of the
surface for a thorough examination. The results of rope will cause rapid failure. It is common practice
the inspection will decide how frequently the on SPM tanker moorings for such ropes to be
inspections are to be carried out. inspected at intervals of no more than 3 months and
3.9.5.5 Anchors. Every 6 months inspection of the changed accordingly depending on their frequency
positions of the anchors should be carried out, and of use.
the chains examined for wear in the critical areas, 3.9.8 Inspection of chain during service
i.e. thrash and top linkage. 3.9.8.1 Corrosion, cracks and deformation. Chain
3.9.6 Inspection of wire rope during service should be checked at regular intervals, i.e. annually,
3.9.6.1 Elongation. The length of the rope will biennially, etc. depending on the type of mooring
increase by an amount dependent upon the with which it is used (see 3.9.2 to 3.9.5), for defects
construction and elasticity of the material. A new such as deformation, fatigue cracks, excessive
rope will permanently elongate by a certain amount. corrosion and abrasion. The careful measurement of
An abnormal increase in length indicates that the the size of links can be used to determine the
wire has been overloaded. remaining chain strength. Cracks in the chain
indicate that the chain is approaching catastrophic
3.9.6.2 Lubrication. Inspection of the rope should be
failure and should be replaced. Deformation
made for corrosion and general dryness. Ropes will
indicates that the chain has been overloaded and its
last longer if kept well greased. Crushing or
replacement should be considered.
breaking of strands and distortion of the lay will
cause loss of strength. 3.9.8.2 Handling of chain. It should be noted that, if
the chain is lying quietly on the seabed, the
3.9.6.3 Terminations. Particular attention should
operation of recovering the chain and inspecting it
always be paid to the terminations where a residual
may put a greater strain on the chain than that
strength of the rope of up to 75 % of the breaking
which it experiences in service. For this reason care
load may occur, depending upon the type of
should be taken in its handling.
termination.
3.9.8.3 Splash zone. The most critical areas to be
3.9.7 Inspection of fibre rope during service inspected are in the splash and thrash zones.
3.9.7.1 Factors affecting service life. Factors which Chain can only be satisfactorily inspected visually
affect the service life of a fibre rope and which on its surface where, if necessary, non-destructive
should be considered are: testing can be carried out.
a) heat due to raising of temperature by high 3.9.9 Inspection of connections in service
cyclic loadings and friction;
3.9.9.1 Compatibility of strength. The configuration
b) degradation due to sunlight and weather; of a mooring necessitates connecting different
c) abrasion and fracture of filaments; lengths and sizes of chain, anchors and buoys
d) wetting and drying of the rope (natural fibre together. It is essential that the strengths of all
only); components are similar and therefore, where a
connection is made, the connecting link in most
e) rot and mildew (natural fibre only); cases has to be of a larger diameter than the chain.
f) marine growth and organisms;
g) vermin and insects (insects thrive on cellulose).

32 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

3.9.9.2 Open links and swivels. If stud link chain is 3.9.10 Inspection of anchors
used to make the connection, a special open link 3.9.10.1 Pre-installation. In general, anchors are
needs to be positioned at the ends of the chain. inspected before being laid and, depending upon
Enlarged stud links are used to enable the increased their construction, can be inspected or proof loaded
diameter of the open link to fit into the chain. to recognized standards classification society rules,
Swivels are also connected into the mooring where e.g. Lloyds Register.
turning movement is expected, i.e. under the buoy
and at other places as required, depending upon the 3.9.10.2 Post-installation. After being laid it is very
configuration. All of these connections should be difficult to inspect the anchor, other than to check
inspected at regular intervals, i.e. annually, on its mooring geometry if the anchor is not buried.
biennially, etc. depending on the type of mooring 3.9.10.3 Anchor recovery. Drag embedment anchors
with which it is used (see 3.9.2 to 3.9.5). are usually recovered with the mooring chains. They
3.9.9.3 Kenter type shackles. The most commonly can be inspected at this time for cracks and damage
used connecting link between chains is of the Kenter and either be repaired or replaced. In general
type. This consists of a patent detachable link, though, anchors are robust and require little
which comes apart. When the link is assembled the maintenance. Some anchors can be recovered and
parts are held in place by a tapered pin. Where two relaid with few problems whereas others, which rely
different sizes of chain are to be connected, as in on burial to achieve maximum holding power, can be
connections made to anchors, the Kenter link is very difficult to recover. It is generally preferable in
made with differing sizes of apertures. It is essential the case of moorings to leave the anchor for as long
that the connections fit together properly, as the as possible before recovering. The action of
wrong size of connection can be detrimental causing recovering for inspection will, in many cases, impose
increased wear and introducing stresses into the more strains on the anchor than may have occurred
system. The pin in the Kenter link needs to be in service.
secured against coming out, and frequently this is Piled anchors, suction anchors and similar types
achieved by pouring hot lead into the aperture once should not be disturbed on the seabed. Therefore
the pin is secured. It is necessary to check that this they cannot be recovered for inspection and should
lead is still in place. be surveyed by divers when the mooring leg is
3.9.9.4 Bow, Dee and anchor shackles. Other types disconnected.
of shackles (anchor, bow, Dee type, etc.) have 3.9.10.4 Mooring geometry. Divers can be used to
shackle pins or bolts which need to be secured and inspect the mooring for the mooring geometry, and
will not pull out. The pin can be either a round pin in some cases can establish if the anchor is still free
or a threaded bolt type which screws into the from defects. It can often be assumed that if the
shackle. So called safety shackles are fitted with a anchor has been free from any movement caused by
threaded pin to which a nut is attached and secured the mooring and the wear on the chain is minimal in
by a cotter pin. It is necessary to check that the the critical zones, then the wear on the anchor will
cotter pin has not sheared and that the bolt remains also be minimal, and little will be achieved by
in place. recovery and inspection.
3.9.9.5 Welding of shackle pins. Welding of shackle
pins to the shackle is sometimes considered as a
positive method to ensure that the pin does not work
loose. This practice is not recommended because it
can weaken the strength of the shackle. Shackle
pins should be secured with split pins or bolts.

BSI 10-1999 33
BS 6349-6:1989

Section 4. Floating structures

4.1 General If the loads are combined, local changes in pressure

distribution and hydrostatic differential may be
Criteria for loads on floating structures are
obscured in the calculations. Draught increases in
presented in 4.2. The detailed design of floating
the damaged condition should also be considered.
structures is covered in various published
standards, codes and classification society rules. 4.2.2 Load conditions
Guidance on the publications is contained in 4.3. 4.2.2.1 General. The load conditions given in this
Fundamental information and criteria on stability, clause should not be considered as exclusive, and
motion response and longitudinal strength are any other critical conditions which might possibly
contained in 4.4 to 4.6. occur should also be analysed. Guidance on
combinations of loads for particular structures is
4.2 Loads given in section 5.
4.2.1 Types The probability of two or more large loads being
4.2.1.1 Dead load. This is the effective mass of the applied to the structure simultaneously should be
structural elements of the structure. For some assessed; some combinations of loads are mutually
design analyses it may be preferable to consider the exclusive. Depending on the consequences of failure,
mass of the elements in air and to treat the uplift it will in most cases not be economic to design for the
due to hydrostatic forces separately. simultaneous application of all possible extreme
loads. However, where there is a very low
4.2.1.2 Superimposed dead load. This is the mass of probability that two large loads will occur
all items forming loads on the structure that are not simultaneously, the structure may be analysed
structural elements. Typical examples are mooring using reduced factors of safety.
winches and fixed equipment for cargo handling.
The self-mass of large, slow moving cranes on fixed 4.2.2.2 Normal loading conditions. Normal loading
tracks such as floating dock cranes may be included refers to any combination of loads which may
in this category. reasonably be expected to occur during the design
life of the structure, associated with normal
In any analysis, the effect of removing the operating conditions. This should include any
superimposed dead load needs to be considered foreseeable modifications to the structure, storage
since it may diminish the overall stability or patterns and equipment on board.
diminish the relieving effect on another part of the
structure. The maximum normal value of each type of load
described in 4.2.1 should be considered in
4.2.1.3 Imposed loads. An allowance for impact combination.
loads should be made when assessing imposed
loads. Loads from vessels berthing alongside a 4.2.2.3 Extreme loading conditions. Extreme
structure should be considered as berthing loads loading refers to any combination of loads which
(see 4.2.1.4). may be expected to occur during the design life of
the structure, associated with the most severe load
Loads from anchor leg moorings should be taken as that could be envisaged, excluding accidental loads
equal to the minimum breakload of the wire or chain such as that due to an uncontrolled berthing.
being used. A load factor of 1.2 should be applied to
the minimum breakload (see Table 8). The likelihood of more than one extreme load
occurring at any time should be assessed.
4.2.1.4 Berthing or mooring loads from vessels.
Berthing and mooring loads from vessels moored 4.2.2.4 Temporary loading during construction. The
alongside floating structures should, where loads which may be expected to be applied at each
possible, be designed in accordance with stage of construction should be carefully considered.
information in BS 6349-4 relating to berthing and 4.2.2.5 Loading during transportation. Loading
mooring loads for fixed structures. Abnormal during transportation should be evaluated taking
berthing should be included (see 4.9.1 of account of the likely environmental conditions, the
BS 6349-4:1985). Relative motions of moored vessel duration of the transportation and any relevant
and floating structure should be considered. contingencies (such as sheltering at a port).
4.2.1.5 Environmental loads. Environmental loads
should be calculated as described in section 2.
4.2.1.6 Hydrostatic loads. When considering the
effects of buoyancy it is preferable to represent the
buoyancy and gravitational loads as separately
applied loading systems.

34 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

4.2.3 Load factors 4.3.2 Steel structures

The values of partial load factor fL for loads for use Several standards, codes of practice and
in limit state design are given in Table 8. Where classification society rules have been published for
stress relief would occur in the design member as a steel floating structures. They are as follows.
result of lower values of any type of load being a) Floating docks. Lloyds Register of Shipping
applied to the structure, a value of fL = 0.9 should Rules and regulations for the construction and
be used for that load, unless the load may be classification of floating docks [13] and
removed completely, in which case fL = 0. American Bureau of Shipping Rules for building
Table 8 Partial load factor fL for floating and classing steel floating drydocks [14].
structures b) Pontoons. American Bureau of Shipping Rules
Load casea for building and classing steel vessels, [15] and
Limit
Load
state Rules for building and classing steel barges for
1 2 3
offshore service [16].
Dead: steel ULSb 1.05 1.05 1.05 c) Tubular members. American Petroleum
SLSc 1.0 1.0 Institute RP2A Recommended practice for the
Dead: concrete ULS 1.15 1.15 1.15 planning, design and construction of fixed
SLS 1.0 1.0 offshore platforms [17].
Dead: superimposed ULS 1.2 1.2 1.2 d) Stiffened beam members. BS 5400 Steel,
SLS 1.0 1.0 concrete and composite bridges.
e) Fatigue. Department of Energy publication
Imposed ULS 1.4 1.2d 1.2
Offshore installations: Guidance on design and
SLS 1.1 1.0
construction [33] or American Petroleum
Berthing or mooring ULS 1.4 1.2d Institute RP2A Recommended practice for the
loads from vessels SLS 1.1 1.0 planning, design and construction of fixed
Environmental ULS 1.4 1.2 1.2 offshore platforms [17].
SLS 1.0 1.0 f) Corrosion protection. BS 5493 Code of practice
for protective coating of iron and steel structures
Hydrostatic ULS 1.1 1.0 1.0
against corrosion and CP 1021 Code of practice
SLS 1.0 1.0
for cathodic protection (see clause 68 of
a
Load case 1 is normal loading (see 4.2.2.2); BS 6349-1:1984).
load case 2 is extreme loading (see 4.2.2.3);
load case 3 is temporary loading during construction and g) Welding inspection. Specification for testing
transportation (see 4.2.2.4 and 4.2.2.5). and inspection will vary according to the type of
b ULS is the ultimate limit state. structure. For general guidance on structures
c SLS is the serviceability limit state.
subject to a severe environment refer to Det
d
Loads from anchor leg moorings should be taken as the Norske Veritas Rules for the design and
minimum breaking load of a wire or chain times 1.2 construction of offshore structures [18].
(see 4.2.1.3).
4.3.3 Concrete structures
4.3 Codes and classification society Reinforced, prestressed and precast concrete should
rules be designed in accordance with BS 8110 except
where modified by BS 6349-1. Reference should also
4.3.1 General be made to other relevant publications [29, 30, 31
Owners of most forms of floating structures require and 32].
them to be insured. Classification societies and
marine insurance surveyors are the recognized 4.4 Stability
authorities used in the marine industry to carry out
4.4.1 General
independent design checks and surveys. The
leading societies have published rules which are The main factors in determining stability are the
referred to where appropriate. Reference to a rule metacentric height (GM) and the range of stability
does not imply that the structure should be designed (in degrees of heel).
in strict accordance with the rules. The designer Due to the diversity of inshore floating structures it
should verify for himself the need to conform to the is not possible to define minimum values of (GM)
classification society rules. Refer to and the range of stability to be adopted. However,
bibliography [13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]. typical values are given in Table 9.

BSI 10-1999 35
BS 6349-6:1989

Table 9 Typical values of metacentric height 4.4.2.1.6

and range of stability metacentric height (GM)
Vessel or Metacentric
the distance between the centre of gravity G and the
Range of stability metacentre M
structure height (GM)
NOTE See Figure 15.
m
4.4.2.1.7
Ship 0.15 to 3.0 45 to 75 (KB)
Dry dock Minimum 1.0 30 to 50 the vertical distance of the centre of buoyancy above
Pontoon 1.0 to 15.0 25 to 50 the keel
Stability calculations should be performed in 4.4.2.1.8
accordance with 4.4.2. Structures should meet the (KG)
criteria for intact stability given in 4.4.3, and the the vertical distance of the centre of gravity above
criteria for stability after damage given in 4.4.4. the keel
The recommendation for stability after damage 4.4.2.1.9
means that structures have to be constructed with free surface effect
bulkheads which form watertight compartments. the reduction in the value of (GM) resulting from the
The arrangement of bulkheads (and hence presence of liquid in any tanks in the vessel. The
compartments) will determine the extent of flooding reduction is given by the expression:
and change of stability subsequent to damage. The
l
arrangement of bulkheads will in part be ---- ----1- (16)
determined by structural requirements, such as V
overall strength and rigidity. Where structural where
requirements dictate closely spaced bulkheads,
consideration may have to be given to simultaneous l is the transverse second moment of area of
damage of more than one compartment. In certain the waterplane in the tank;
instances it may be preferable to make some V is the volume of displacement of the vessel;
bulkheads non-watertight.
1 is the mass density of the liquid in the tank;
4.4.2 Stability calculations
is the mass density of the water in which the
4.4.2.1 Definitions and symbols vessel floats.
4.4.2.1.1
intact stability 4.4.2.2 Inclining test calculation. The actual value of
the stability that covers the non-damaged condition (GM) for a vessel may be determined by a simple
of a vessel test called the inclining test. The vessel is heeled to
a small angle by moving a known mass transversely
4.4.2.1.2
across the deck through a known distance. The heel
damage stability
is measured by a pendulum.
the stability with one or more watertight
compartments flooded as a result of damage If a mass w is moved a distance d, and results in an
(collision) angle of heel , then the metacentric height (GM) is
given by the equation:
4.4.2.1.3
displacement (of a vessel) mD wd
( GM ) = ---------------------- (17)
the mass of water displaced m D tan u
NOTE It is sometimes expressed as the volume V of water
displaced. where mD is the displacement.
4.4.2.1.4 It can be shown that
centre of buoyancy B deflection of pendulum
the centroid of the underwater volume of the vessel; tan u = --------------------------------------------------------------- (18)
length of pendulum
it is the point through which the total buoyancy
force acts The position of the metacentre may be calculated
NOTE See Figure 15. from the equation:
4.4.2.1.5 l
( BM ) = ---- (19)
metacentre M V
the point at the intersection of vertical lines through
the centres of buoyancy in the initial and slightly where
inclined positions (B and B respectively) V is the displacement of the vessel (in m3);
NOTE See Figure 15.

36 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

l is the second moment of area of the vessels 4.4.2.3 Stability calculation procedure. The
waterplane about the vessels centreline minimum calculations required to verify that the
(e.g. for a rectangular waterplane: design complies with the stability guidelines given
in 4.4.1 and 4.4.3 and this clause are summarized
3 as follows:
( length ) ( breadth )
l = ----------------------------------------------------------- for (20)
12 a) determine (KG);
transverse inclination.) b) determine (KB); for a box-shaped pontoon this
will be half the draught;
It should also be noted that:
c) determine the displacement V;
( GM ) = ( KM ) ( KG ) = ( KB ) + ( BM ) ( KG )
3
( length ) ( breadth )
l d) determine l = ----------------------------------------------------------- for a
= ( KB ) + ---- + ( KG ) (21) 12
V
rectangular pontoon;
The numerical value of (GM) is affected by free l
e) determine (GM) = ( KB ) + ---- ( KG ) This value
surface effects, as follows. V
When a vessel is inclined, the buoyancy force (acting has to be positive;
upwards at B), and the mass, acting at G, form a f) determine values of (GZ), for angles of heel
righting moment. The lever of this righting of 10, 15, 20, etc.
moment is known as the righting lever or (GZ)
(see Figure 16). (GZ) = sin {(GM) + (BM) tan2 } for a
wall-sided pontoon;
g) calculate the righting moment;
h) calculate wind load and wind heeling moment;
i) check that area (A + B) W 1.4 area (B + C)
(see Figure 17).

Figure 15 Metacentre M, centre of gravity G and centre of buoyancy B

Figure 16 Righting lever (GZ)

BSI 10-1999 37
BS 6349-6:1989

NOTE Downflooding angle is the angle at which water can enter the hull, superstructures or deck houses through openings which
are not capable of being made weathertight.
Figure 17 Areas for moment versus heel angle
4.4.3 Intact stability 4.4.4 Damage stability
Reference should be made to standard textbooks on It should be demonstrated that the structure has
naval architecture and the rules of classification sufficient reserve buoyancy to remain stable and
societies for specific criteria for the floating afloat when any one compartment is flooded. In the
structure. The following guidelines in general apply. damaged condition the structure should have the
The metacentric height has to be at least positive at ability to withstand the overturning moment due to
zero angle of heel (see 4.4.1). extreme wind conditions from any direction without
submerging any openings through which
Curves of heeling and righting moments should be
downflooding may occur. In instances where
calculated for a sufficient number of angles of heel to
compartments are closely spaced, consideration
define the stability of the structure in the in-service
should be given to simultaneous damage of more
conditions which may give low stability. The heeling
than one compartment.
moments for a permanent installation should be
based on the 50 year all year wind speed at the
4.5 Motion response
location.
The maximum heel of the structure under any 4.5.1 General
possible in-service loading condition should also be There are six degrees of freedom for a floating
calculated. structure: motions in a horizontal plane arise from
The area under the curve of righting moments surge, sway and yaw and motions in a vertical plane
should be at least 40 % in excess of the area under arise from heave, pitch and roll. The horizontal
the wind heeling moment curve, considering both motions are dependent on the mass of the structure,
curves up to their second point of interception or the stiffness of the moorings and the characteristics
angle of downflooding, whichever occurs earlier of the waves acting on the structure. The vertical
(see Figure 17). motions are primarily dependent on the mass of the
structure, the hydrostatic properties of the
structure and the wave characteristics.
The response of a structure is highly dependent on
the ratio of forcing frequency to natural frequency.
The forcing frequency is derived from the wave
characteristics. The natural frequencies of a
structure are the frequencies of motion when the
structure is excited in still water.

38 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

The response of a structure is usually summarized where

in terms of response amplitude operators (RAOs). fN is the damped natural frequency (in Hz);
The response amplitude operator defines the
response to a wave of unit amplitude. K is the stiffness of the mooring system
(in KN/m);
4.5.2 Basic design considerations
M is the mass of water displaced (including
Structures and moorings should be designed so that added mass) (in t);
the natural frequencies of motion are as far removed
as possible from the frequencies of exciting forces q is the damping ratio =
(primarily sea and swell). Simple equations for
estimating natural frequencies are provided where C is the damping coefficient (in t/s).
in 4.5.3.
In equation (22) the damping is assumed to vary
The stiffness of anchor leg moorings can generally linearly with velocity. The mass of water displaced
be neglected in sheltered locations. Estimates of includes the entrained water (generally referred to
motions can be made by considering the structure as added mass). Damping coefficients and added
freely floating (see 2.4.4.2). Conservative estimates mass can be derived from data on similar
of response can be obtained by assuming RAOs of structures, or from mathematical and physical
unity. As a consequence, surge and sway amplitudes models. For preliminary design of moorings, or
will equal the horizontal wave particle amplitudes, design of moorings in sheltered locations, it will be
and heave amplitudes will equal the vertical wave sufficient to use approximate estimates of added
particle amplitudes. Roll and pitch amplitudes will mass and damping and to design taking account of
equal the maximum wave slope. the following general principles.
The simple assumptions stated above should not be a) The natural frequency will increase with
used when natural frequencies are near the forcing increasing stiffness of moorings.
frequencies.
b) The natural frequency will decrease with
The stiffness of an anchor leg mooring should be increasing mass.
taken into account in exposed locations, since it can
A simple equation for roll or pitch is:
affect the response to second order wave forces.
Estimates of response can be made using physical or
computational models (see 2.4.5 and 2.4.6). The (23)
simple equations in 4.5.4 may be used to check
results produced from modelling a structure and
moorings. where
For stiff restraining systems such as mooring fN is the undamped natural frequency
dolphins, the horizontal motions of a structure are (in Hz);
theoretically governed by the stiffness of the k is the radius of gyration (longitudinal for
restraining system. However, the deflections of pitch and transverse for roll) (in m);
structures such as dolphins are generally small, and
(GM) is the metacentric height (longitudinal for
it will normally be sufficient to assume that a
pitch and transverse for roll) (in m);
floating structure will move within the tolerances of
any fendering and guide system. g is the acceleration due to
Stiff restraining systems should not be used in gravity (9.81 m/s2).
exposed locations since the forces required to Equation (23) is only valid for small motions
prevent motions of the structure will generally be (typically less than 10).
unacceptably high.
A simple equation for heave is:
4.5.3 Equations for natural frequency
A simple equation for horizontal motion is:
(24)

(22)
where
fN is the undamped natural frequency (in Hz);
is the mass density of water (in t/m3);
A is the waterplane area (in m2);
M is the mass of water displaced (including
added mass) (in t).

BSI 10-1999 39
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The following should be noted. NOTE 0 is a dynamic and not a static change in trim.

1) For a given mass, the natural frequency of roll fN is the natural frequency (in Hz);
or pitch will increase with increasing (GM). t is time (in s);
2) For a given mass, the natural frequency of is the phase angle (in rad);
heave will increase with increasing waterplane is the maximum wave slope (in rad);
area.
fc is the frequency of cyclic loading (in Hz).
3) Natural frequencies increase with decreasing
mass. Equations (25), (26) and (27) are only valid for small
angles of displacement (typically less than 10).
4.5.4 Equations for horizontal and angular
displacement 4.6 Longitudinal strength
A simple equation for horizontal displacement x for
4.6.1 General
a system of linear stiffness, subject to a harmonic
force is: The strength of a floating structure should be
checked to ensure that there is adequate resistance
to loading from buoyancy forces and mass. In many
cases a static analysis of the longitudinal strength of
the structure when a wave crest or trough is at the
(25) centre will be sufficient. An outline procedure for
calculating longitudinal strength is given in 4.6.2.
where Further information can be found in basic text books
P is the amplitude of the harmonic force on naval architecture [19].
(maximum wave force) (in kN); When a structure is likely to be exposed to severe
fc is the frequency of cyclic loading (in Hz); wave action, consideration should be given to a
motion response analysis which will predict bending
fN is the natural frequency (in Hz) (see 4.5.3); moments and shear forces under dynamic load [20].
K is the stiffness of the mooring system 4.6.2 Static analysis
(in kN/m); The assumption is made that the structure is head
q is the damping ratio; on to a wave and is at rest. The wave is assumed to
t is time (in s); have a trochoidal profile (see Figure 18) with a
length equal to the length of the structure and a
is the phase angle = height equal to one-twentieth of its length. Two
standard conditions are considered. They are
hogging (with the wave crest at the centre of the
structure) and sagging (with the wave trough at the
centre).
When the length of a structure in the direction of A mass curve is produced for the structure for both
wave travel is small compared to the wavelength, the hogging and sagging cases. The line loads used
the angular displacement , caused by the waves, should be those which give the maximum possible
can be predicted from hogging and sagging. The structure is then balanced
on the trochoidal wave. The trochoidal profile can be
obtained using the coefficients given in Table 10.
(26)
The length of the structure is divided into 20 equal
spaces and the wave profile is obtained from the
to which should be added any angular displacement product F H where F is the trochoidal wave profile
in the same plane caused by, for example, the factor, and H is the wave height.
movement of a vehicle or other loading likely to
cause oscillation. If 0 is the angular displacement
in still water caused by the vehicle movement or
other excitation the combined amplitude becomes

(27)

where
f and 0 are measured in radions;

40 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Table 10 Derivation of trochoidal The balancing of the structure in the wave normally
profile involves a trial and error procedure, when the
Station Trochoidal wave profile
displacement is adjusted until the total immersed
factor F volume equals the mass of the ship, and the centre
of buoyancy is in line with the centre of gravity.
Aft Forward Hogging Sagging
Once the final displacement of the structure is
0 20 1.000 0 obtained, the immersed areas at each section are
1 19 0.982 0.034 used to obtain a buoyancy curve which is plotted
2 18 0.927 0.128 alongside the mass distribution. Finally, a load
3 17 0.839 0.266 curve representing the difference between mass and
4 16 0.720 0.421 buoyancy at any point along the length of the
5 15 0.577 0.577 structure is produced, and from this curve shear
6 14 0.421 0.720 force and bending moment curves can be produced
7 13 0.266 0.839 and a stress analysis performed. Typical curves are
8 12 0.128 0.927 shown in Figure 19.
9 11 0.034 0.982
10 0 1.000

Figure 18 Trochoidal profile

Figure 19 Typical curves for longitudinal strength

BSI 10-1999 41
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Section 5. Pontoons, floating docks and floating

breakwaters
5.1 General 5.2.3 Loads
This section provides general information on 5.2.3.1 Types of loads. Section 2 deals with
pontoons, floating docks and floating breakwaters. environmental loads and 4.2 gives clarification on
It is intended to be used in conjunction with the types of loads. For information on vehicle and
detailed information on environmental loads, equipment loads see clause 45 of BS 6349-1:1984
moorings and floating structures contained in and for berthing loads see BS 6349-4.
sections 2, 3 and 4 and reference is made to these 5.2.3.2 Load combinations
sections, where appropriate.
5.2.3.2.1 Normal loading. Under normal loading
conditions, pontoons for landing stages and Ro-Ro
5.2 Pontoons berths should be designed for the following load
5.2.1 General combinations:
Examples of the use of floating pontoons at ports are a) for vessels berthing: dead load + imposed load +
illustrated in Figure 20. They include landing maximum environmental conditions for
stages for pedestrians and small cargo, vehicle berthing + berthing load;
pontoons for roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) berths [21] and b) for normal operating (no berthing): dead load +
pontoons used for mooring small boats. Pontoons imposed load + maximum environmental
are most commonly installed when live loads are conditions for operating.
small and the tidal range is high. They have the
In a), the maximum environmental conditions for
attraction of being relatively cheap compared to
berthing should be assumed to be the maximum
fixed structures, and can easily be added to or
environmental conditions whilst operating, unless
relocated. Fabrication can often take place in
otherwise specified. The berthing load should be the
controlled conditions remote from site. They are not
load from any vessel likely to operate at the berth.
generally feasible at exposed locations due to
The nominal imposed load should include anything
difficulties of providing moorings to resist wave
stored on the pontoon, such as vehicles that have
forces.
broken down.
The most common construction material for
In b), the imposed load giving the worst combined
pontoons is steel. Concrete and GRP are also used.
loading should be considered. For extreme loads the
Steel pontoons are lighter than concrete pontoons,
nominal imposed load should include minor items
but generally require more maintenance.
stored on the pontoon.
5.2.2 Siting 5.2.3.2.2 Extreme loading. Under extreme loading
5.2.2.1 Navigation. Floating pontoons should be conditions, pontoons for landing stages and Ro-Ro
sited so as not to cause a hazard to navigation. berths should be designed for the following load
When pontoons are located near to or in a combinations:
navigation channel the risk of collision should be dead load + nominal imposed load + extreme
assessed, and the effects of the wake of passing environmental conditions.
ships considered.
5.2.3.3 Load factors and factors of safety. The load
5.2.2.2 Ship manoeuvres. Sufficient area should be factors to be used in limit state design are given
provided for safe manoeuvring at the berth. The in Table 8. Recommendations on factors of safety for
influence of weather or strong currents and the mooring equipment are given in 3.4.6.
effects of limited underkeel clearance should be
considered. 5.2.4 Design considerations
5.2.2.3 Moorings. If anchor leg moorings are to be 5.2.4.1 Structural design. The structural design of
used, sufficient area needs to be provided to install pontoons should be in accordance with the most
lines of a length that will prevent uplift on the relevant codes and classification society rules
anchors. (see 4.3).
Moorings should, where possible, be sited in 5.2.4.2 Motion response. The stability and motion
sheltered locations, so as to minimize the risk of response of pontoons should be calculated in
failure. accordance with 4.4 and 4.5. The stability and
response of systems of combined pontoons are
5.2.2.4 Access. Pontoons should be sited so as to
difficult to evaluate. Care should be taken to ensure
minimize the risk of damage to accessways by ship
that any assumptions or simplifications in analyses
collision.
are compatible with the design details, especially in
5.2.2.5 Dredging. The ability to carry out relation to connections between pontoons.
maintenance dredging may be affected by the
presence of anchor leg moorings.

42 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 20 Typical use of pontoons

5.2.4.3 Longitudinal strength. The longitudinal 5.2.5 Mooring of pontoons
strength of pontoons subject to wave action should Moorings for pontoons should be selected and
be calculated (see 4.6). designed in accordance with section 3. In sheltered
5.2.4.4 Fendering. Pontoons should be adequately locations it may be possible to design moorings to
fendered to protect them against damage from take berthing loads. In exposed locations
vessels berthing and small boats likely to moor consideration should be given to providing separate
alongside. The effects of bulbous bows should be berthing and mooring restraints.
considered for vessels approaching head on to Ro-Ro The consequences of connections between pontoons
ramps. and mooring structures failing should be
considered.
Where anchor legs are employed, the consequences
of anchor drag or a line failure should be considered.

BSI 10-1999 43
BS 6349-6:1989

5.2.6 Accessways 5.3.2 Siting

5.2.6.1 General. Where possible, independent 5.3.2.1 Navigation. Floating docks should be sited so
vehicle and pedestrian access should be provided. as not to cause a hazard to navigation.
The accessways should, where possible, be 5.3.2.2 Ship manoeuvres. Adequate area should be
independent of the restraining system for the provided for manoeuvring of ships into and around
structure, and be connected to the structure so as to the dock. The influence of weather or strong
avoid undue stresses from motions of the structure currents and the effects of limited underkeel
or movement under impact loads. Motions or clearance should be considered.
movement due to extreme loads should be allowed
5.3.2.3 Moorings. If anchor leg moorings are to be
for, whilst at the same time ensuring that the
used, sufficient area has to be provided to install
accessway cannot be completely disconnected.
lines of a length that will prevent uplift on the
5.2.6.2 Vehicle access. The maximum gradient of a anchors.
vehicle access should not exceed 1 in 10 for the
Siting of docks beam on to the prevailing winds
worst possible combination of draught of the
should be avoided if possible.
structure and tidal range.
5.3.2.4 Access. The effect of the siting of a dock on
5.2.6.3 Pedestrian access. For information on
the degree of access and consequent safety
pedestrian access, see section 9 of BS 6349-2:1988.
standards for evacuation should be considered.
Walkways to floating structures should allow for
vertical as well as horizontal motions. 5.3.2.5 Dredging. During siting of a dock,
consideration should be given to providing an area
5.3 Floating docks which can be dredged if adequate water depth is not
available. The area of dredging and depth should be
5.3.1 General sufficient to include for excursion of the dock under
Floating docks exist in a variety of sizes of up berthing and environmental loads, and should
to 50 000 t lifting capacity or more. The majority of accommodate the dock when ballasted to maximum
docks are of steel construction, and are built to draught.
classification society rules [13] and [14] (see 4.3.1). The underkeel clearance at maximum draught will
Figure 21 shows a section through a floating dock. vary according to the location. The ability to carry
Docks can be maintained either by towing to a dry out maintenance dredging may be affected by the
dock or by self-docking. In the latter case, the presence of the dock and the anchor leg moorings.
method of self-docking will affect the form of
construction. Some docks have detachable sections 5.3.3 Loads
which can be inspected inside the floating dock. In 5.3.3.1 Types of loads. Section 2 gives
some cases, detachable sections are provided which recommendations for environmental loads, and
can be placed under the dock and lift it sufficiently includes classification of types of loads.
out of the water for the bottom to be inspected. See BS 6349-4 for berthing and mooring loads due
The general construction of a floating dock is such to ships alongside a dock.
that the caisson or pontoon portion is suitably 5.3.3.2 Load combinations
subdivided longitudinally and transversely for 5.3.3.2.1 General. Particular care should be taken to
strength purposes and to provide a suitable ensure that the worst combination of dead and
arrangement of ballast tanks. The dock walls are imposed load are considered. Various arrangements
built on top of the pontoon deck, and the upper of cranes and repair equipment should be
portion of these, above a watertight deck, houses considered together with various ballasting
repair services and pump room equipment. The top arrangements and ship sizes and shape.
of the walls or working deck provides a track for
travelling cranes. Docks are usually self-contained 5.3.3.2.2 Normal loads
in respect of services, since they are often required The following load combinations should be
to operate for lengthy periods in conditions remote considered:
from normal repair facilities. a) for docking conditions: dead load + imposed
Pontoon tanks are fitted with an escape pipe load (including ship load) + maximum
running above the weather deck of the side walls. environmental conditions for docking;
The air can escape to the side walls, so that a b) for operating after docking: dead load +
cushion of air is trapped below the top deck of the imposed load (including ship load) + maximum
tanks and prevents the dock from sinking in the environmental conditions whilst operating.
event of pump or other equipment failure. Hence the
top deck of the side wall tanks is known as the
safety deck.

44 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Figure 21 Typical section through floating dock

5.3.3.2.3 Extreme loads The strength of the dock should be sufficient for the
The following load combinations should be condition when a ship of given displacement and
considered: size is supported on the keel blocks, the centre of the
ships length being over the mid-length of the dock.
a) in transportation: dead load + imposed load
(pay load during transportation) + extreme The longitudinal stiffening will normally consist of
environmental conditions; one central longitudinal watertight bulkhead and
two intermediate longitudinal bulkheads on each
b) at mooring: dead load + imposed load side.
(including ship load) + maximum environmental
conditions at mooring site. The space below the safety deck should be divided
into compartments by transverse watertight
5.3.3.3 Load factors and factors of safety. The load bulkheads. Between these watertight bulkheads,
factors to be used in limit state design are given the walls should be stiffened internally by
in Table 8. Recommendations on factors of safety for longitudinal and transverse bulkheads; the latter
mooring equipment are given in 3.5.5. should be in line with the transverses of the
5.3.4 Design considerations pontoon.
5.3.4.1 General. The hull should be divided into Consideration should be given to making the wing
compartments such as ballast water tanks and walls of open construction at their ends to permit
pump room in-wells, generator rooms and access by ladders to the top deck from the pontoon
workshops. Accommodation should be on the safety deck.
deck. A watertight deck should be provided on top of Scupper pipes should be provided at the outboard
each wing wall. deck extensions and led down along the outer wing
wall to a height above the pontoon deck level for the
drainage of water on the top deck.

BSI 10-1999 45
BS 6349-6:1989

The dock should be designed for towage from its When docking a ship the longitudinal centre of
construction site to its operational site. gravity of the ship should be vertically above the
5.3.4.2 Lifting capacity. The nett lifting capacity of longitudinal centre of gravity of the dock. The latter
the dock should be specified. It is equal to the is usually marked on the dock side. Thus the dock
displacement of the heaviest ship which the dock and ship form a single unit from the stability point
may be designed to lift. From this value, the of view. In Figure 22 the stability is a maximum at
dimensions of the dock may be determined. In waterline 3, a minimum at waterline 2 and has an
determining the size of the dock the following intermediate value at waterline 1. It should be
should be considered: noted that the effective waterplane area differs
considerably between conditions 1, 2 and 3
a) specific gravity of the water (fresh or salt);
(see 4.4.2 for stability calculations).
b) minimum freeboard at maximum draught
(damaged stability should be taken into account);
c) position of the cranes and other mobile
equipment (usually located at one end);
d) whether fuel tanks and fresh water tanks are
full or empty;
e) quantity and location of compensating ballast
water;
f) influence of water in ballast tanks which
cannot be discharged. Figure 22 Stability of floating dock
The actual lifting capacity of the dock should be 5.3.5 Floating dock moorings
obtained from the difference between the calculated Moorings for a floating dock should be designed in
displacement of the dock at the working (loaded) accordance with section 3. The following factors of
draught and the light displacement (i.e. unloaded) particular relevance to floating docks should be
obtained from the sinkage trial in normal considered:
conditions.
a) wind loads at light displacement; quartering
5.3.4.3 Trim and stability. The dock should be winds which can act on both side walls
designed so as to have enough stability and not to simultaneously;
trim or heel excessively in normal working
conditions. Guidance on the calculation of stability b) the maximum and minimum draughts of the
is given in 4.4. dock, and their influence on the effect of a
catenary mooring;
In general, the transverse metacentric height of the
combined ship and dock, after all free surface c) the allowable excursions of the floating dock
corrections are made, should be not less than 1.5 m (i.e. is it located alongside a quay or is it free to
for docks with a capacity of 10 000 t. This may be drift within a channel area?);
reduced to a minimum value of 1.0 m for docks with d) the requirement to remove the moorings at
a capacity of 50 000 t or more. (Reference should be regular intervals for maintenance purposes or
made to the classification society.) because the dock needs to be moved for
When the dock is substantially complete, an operational reasons;
inclining experiment should be carried out to e) the effect of catenary or taut-line moorings on
ascertain the position of the centre of gravity of the restricting access around the dock for ships
dock and the metacentric height. entering the dock or moored alongside;
An operation manual should be furnished at the f) berthing forces on the dock from work vessels or
time of delivery for recommended distributions of vessels that are mooring for repair;
ballast water to ensure proper trim, heel stability, g) the methods of installing the mooring system
longitudinal deflection and strength data during and of regular tensioning if excursions of the dock
service. are restricted.
The wing wall space above the safety deck should be A configuration for a dry dock mooring remote from
suitably divided by watertight bulkheads. In the a quay is shown in Figure 23.
event that a wing wall is pierced at full draught, the
5.3.6 Construction and trials
volume of water flooding any one compartment
above the safety deck should not cause sinking or 5.3.6.1 General. When the dock is completed,
instability of the dock. sinkage trials (described in 5.3.6.2) and an inclining
test (described in 5.3.6.2.4) should be carried out.

46 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

5.3.6.2 Sinkage trials 5.3.6.2.3 Sagging conditions. The sagging condition

5.3.6.2.1 General. Prior to the trial, all stagings, should be produced by suitable loading of ballast
dunnage and other things which do not form part of water. The sagging bending moment so produced
the floating dock should be cleared and put ashore. should be equivalent to that of the dock when the
The condition of the dock at sinkage trials should be dock is loaded on the keel blocks with a ship which
as follows: the dock has been designed for. The deflection meter
readings should be recorded and allowing for the
a) fresh water tanks and fuel oil tank should be permanent deflection obtained from the sinkage
full; trial in the normal condition, the sagging deflection
b) deck cranes should be so positioned that the should be obtained.
dock has no trim (i.e. it is floating level). 5.3.6.2.4 Inclining test. An inclining test should be
The density of the sea water should be recorded. performed in order to calculate the (GM) of the dock
5.3.6.2.2 Normal conditions. All ballast water and verify the overall stability (see 4.4.2.1).
should be emptied so far as possible, only rest-water
remaining. The draught forward and aft, port and 5.4 Floating breakwaters
starboard, should be recorded. The readings on 5.4.1 Suitability and limitations
deflection meters should be taken. The deflection of
the dock along the top of keel blocks should be Floating breakwaters may be suitable for sites such
measured and compared with acceptable design as estuaries, reservoirs, lakes and rivers, where
values. Adjustment of the meters should be made if short-period wind, wave or boat wake protection is
necessary, so that they record the built-in required.
permanent deflection in the normal condition. The The limiting design wave for successfully installed
light displacement should be evaluated from these systems is of the order of 1 m in height, and 4 s or 5 s
readings. period. Floating breakwaters cannot be installed in
exposed locations, because of the very high wave
forces that would act on the structure and moorings.
In addition, floating breakwaters will have little
effect on long waves (of swell period or greater).

Figure 23 Mooring arrangement for a floating dock

BSI 10-1999 47
BS 6349-6:1989

Where conditions are favourable, floating 5.4.4 Design

breakwaters may offer advantages in terms of cost, 5.4.4.1 Wave theory. The theory of wave attenuation
mobility and ease of fabrication, when compared to by reflection and/or wave energy dissipation is
fixed breakwaters. They may, in addition, cause less documented in standard texts [22, 23, 25]. The
interference with the hydraulic regime and be extent to which waves will be attenuated will
practicable in water depths which are too great for depend on the wave characteristics, the form of the
fixed breakwaters. breakwaters and the stiffness of the moorings. The
The main disadvantage of floating breakwaters is nature of the wave loading has to be understood in
the limited experience of successful performance. order to evaluate the efficiency of a breakwater and
Failures of either the breakwater structure or the forces on the breakwater and moorings. The
moorings are relatively common, and regular magnitude of the wave loading should, where
maintenance is generally required. The low success possible, be evaluated using model and/or prototype
rate of floating breakwaters is due in part to the tests.
difficulty of predicting wave forces. Physical models Short waves are more easily attenuated and cause
should be used wherever possible (see 5.4.4.3). lower forces than long waves. As a consequence,
Models will however only provide approximate care should be taken to ensure that the longest
estimates of wave forces and the nature of wave waves likely to occur are considered.
loading. Allowance should be made for tests at the
installation stage and monitoring of long-term 5.4.4.2 Computational models. Computational
performance. models are generally of limited use in assessing the
efficiency and loads on breakwaters due to the
5.4.2 Layout complexity of many breakwater structures and the
Breakwaters can be arranged as a single line of difficulty of modelling breaking waves and friction
defence or as a series of lines that reduce the waves (viscous) effects.
to an acceptable height. 5.4.4.3 Physical models. Physical models have been
5.4.3 Types used extensively for testing
breakwaters [22, 23, 24]. They are suitable for
5.4.3.1 General. Information on breakwaters
establishing the fundamental properties of a
modelled and constructed can be found in
breakwater and the nature of the wave forces.
references [22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28].
However, estimates of forces on the structure and
5.4.3.2 Box and pontoon breakwaters. Solid box type moorings are usually only approximate, due to
breakwaters of reinforced concrete or steel barges difficulties of scaling and measuring the various
and pontoon type breakwaters are relatively robust types of forces that can occur. Particular care should
and can be expected to have a longer design life than be taken if shock loads due to breaking waves are
flexible mat or tethered float type breakwaters. The likely to occur.
disadvantages are high construction costs,
5.4.5 Mooring design
compared with mat type break-waters, and high
maintenance costs if dry docking for repairs is Moorings for floating breakwaters should be
necessary. Mooring forces are usually higher than designed in accordance with section 3. In general,
for mat type structures, due to the fact that waves mooring forces increase with increasing reflection of
are generally reflected off the breakwater, rather waves. Estimates of mooring line forces should be
than being dissipated. Particular care should be made using physical model tests, and/or prototype
taken in designing the connections between units. tests on similar installations.
5.4.3.3 Flexible mat or tethered float breakwaters. 5.4.6 Installation
Flexible mat or tethered float breakwaters are Prototype tests on breakwaters should be carried
relatively cheap and are easily removed and out at the installation stage, in order to ascertain
beached for maintenance. The most common form the efficiency and safety of the breakwaters.
consists of old tyres. They have the disadvantage of
often requiring additional flotation units which are 5.4.7 Long-term performance
difficult to maintain. Floating debris often collects The likely long-term performance of a breakwater
in the breakwaters. They are generally not as robust can be assessed from surveys of other breakwater
as box or pontoon breakwaters. Waves are performance [26, 27]. The limited experience of
attenuated primarily by the dissipation of energy. operation and maintenance of floating breakwaters
makes it essential that the performance of
breakwaters is carefully monitored, and remedial
action taken when necessary. The possibility of a
breakwater not being able to perform adequately in
the long term has always to be considered.

48 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Appendix A Bibliography 16. AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING. Rules for

building and classing steel barges for offshore
1. CHAKRABARTI, S.K. Experiments on wave drift
service.
force on a moored floating vessel. 14th Annual
Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 1982. 17. AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE.
Recommended practice for the planning, design and
2. STANDING, R.G., DACUNHA, N.M.C and construction of fixed offshore platforms (API RP2A).
MATTEN, R.B. Mean wave drift forces. Theory and
experiment. National Maritime Institute 18. DET NORSKE VERITAS. Rules for the design
Report R124, December 1981. and construction of offshore structures.
3. PINKSTER, J.A. Low frequency second order 19. RAWSON, K.J. and TUPPER, E.C. Basic ship
wave exciting forces on floating structures. theory, Vol. 1 and 2.
Publication No. 650. Netherlands Ship Model 20. KAPLAN, P. Development of mathematical
Basin, Wageningen-Netherlands. models for describing ship structural response in
4. RATCLIFFE, A.T. and MITCHELL, G.H.G. The waves. Ship Structural Committee Report No.
drag and wave drift of basic shapes of floating SSC-193, January 1969 (AD 682591).
structures. Trans. NEC Inst. Eng. Sh., 1976, 93. 21. OH EOCHA, P.A. and SWANSBOURNE, J.F.C.
5. CIRIA UNDERWATER ENGINEERING Ro-Ro facilities. The design and construction of the
GROUP. Dynamics of marine structures. B + I terminal at Pembroke dock. The Institution of
Report UR8, 1977. Engineers of Ireland. Transactions, 1985, 109.
6. GARRISON, C.J. Hydrodynamic loading of large 22. WIEGEL, R.L. Oceanographical
offshore structures. Three-dimensional distribution engineering. 1964, Prentice Hall.
methods Numerical methods in offshore 23. SILVESTER, R. Coastal engineering 1.
engineering, 1978, Wiley. Developments in geotechnical engineering
7. RATCLIFFE, A.T., FISHER, P.J. and Vol. 4A, 1974, Elsevier.
MITCHELL, G.M.G. An experimental study of the 24. McCARTNEY, B.L. Floating breakwater design.
parameters affecting the drag of barges in current A.S.C.E. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and
and waves. 13th Annual Offshore Technology Ocean Engineering. March 1985, III(2).
Conference, Houston, 1981. 25. WEBBER, N.B. and HARRIS, R.J.S. Floating
8. INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF SHIPPING, break-waters. In: Proceedings of Symposium.
OIL COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL MARINE Marinas and Small Craft Harbours, University of
FORUM. Ship to ship transfer guide. Petroleum. Southampton 1972.
9. INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF SHIPPING, 26. BAIRD, A.V. and ROSS, N.W. Field experiences
OIL COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL MARINR with floating breakwaters in the eastern
9. INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF SHIPPING, United States. MP 82 4, U.S. Army Coastal
OIL COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL MARINE Engineering Research Centre. C.E. Fort Belvoir,
FORUM. Ship to ship transfer guide Liquefied Va., July 1982.
gases. 27. RICHEY, E.P. and HEAVNER, J.W. Floating
10. PUECH, A. The use of anchors in offshore breakwater field experience, West Coast, MP 82 5,
petroleum operations, 1984, Paris, Editions U.S. Army Coastal Engineering Research Centre.
Technip. C.E. Fort Belvoir, Va., July 1982.
11. THE INSTITUTE OF MARINE ENGINEERS. 28. HALES, LYNDELL Z. Floating breakwater:
Conference on mooring large ships state-of-the-art literature preview TR 81 1, U.S.
over 150 000 dwt, 5 December 1979. Army Coastal Engineering Research Centre, C.E.
Fort Belvoir, Va., October 1981.
12. McCORMICK, M.E. Anchor systems, 1979,
Pergamon Press. 29. CONCRETE SOCIETY and ROYAL
INSTITUTION OF NAVAL ARCHITECTS.
13. LLOYDS REGISTER OF SHIPPING. Rules and
Concrete Afloat. Proceedings of the conference on
regulations for the construction and classification of
concrete ships and floating structures, London, 3/4
floating docks.
March 1977, Thomas Telford Ltd., Telford House,
14. AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING. Rules for P.O. Box 101, 26-34 Old Street, London.
building and classing steel floating drydocks. 30. TURNER, F.H. Concrete ships and floating
15. AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING. Rules for structures convention, Rotterdam, 1979, Thos. Reed
building and classing steel vessels. Publication.

BSI 10-1999 49
BS 6349-6:1989

31. FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE 33. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY. Offshore

PRECONTRAINT. Recommendation for the design installations: Guidance on design and
and construction of concrete sea structures, 3rd ed., construction. 1984, HMSO.
Cement and Concrete Association, Wexham
Springs, Slough SL3 6PL.
32. DET NORSKE VERITAS. Guidelines for design
Appendix B Wind speed map
construction and classification of floating concrete
structures.

Figure 24 Maximum 3 s gust speed in metres per second at 10 m above the sea surface
with an average recurrence period of 50 years

50 BSI 10-1999
 BS 6349-6:1989

Appendix C Typical drag embedment anchors

Figure 25 Typical drag embedment anchors

BSI 10-1999 51
52 blank
 BS 6349-6:1989

Publications referred to

BS 302, Stranded steel wire ropes.

BS 729, Specification for hot dip galvanized coatings on iron and steel articles.
BS 4128, Recommendations for the selection, use and care of man-made fibre ropes in marine applications.
BS 5400, Steel concrete and composite bridges.
BS 5493, Code of practice for protective coating of iron and steel structures against corrosion.
BS 6349, Code of practice for maritime structures.
BS 6349-1, General criteria.
BS 6349-2, Design of quay walls, jetties and dolphins.
BS 6349-4, Design of fendering and mooring systems.
BS 8110, Structural use of concrete.
CP 3, Code of basic data for the design of buildings.
CP 3:Chapter V, Loading.
CP 3-2, Wind loads.
CP 1021, Code of practice for cathodic protection.

BSI 10-1999
BS 6349-6:
1989
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