📋 Case Study

Perth Canyon Wave Energy Pilot (Australia)

Soft carbonate sediments with low bearing capacity and high liquefaction risk during extreme waves

🏗️ Project Overview

Trials of oscillating water column (OWC) device in energetic southern ocean swell environment

🎯 Challenge

Soft carbonate sediments with low bearing capacity and high liquefaction risk during extreme waves

🔧 Design Approach

Large-diameter suction bucket foundation with internal stiffening ribs; multi-directional mooring with shock-absorbing polymer rope segments

📐 Design Diagram

AI-generated project design illustration

📐 Key Calculations

Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI)

LPI = ∫₀ᴰ F(σᵥ'/σᵥ₀') dz

Result: 12.7 → acceptable <15

Guided suction penetration depth and venting strategy

Polymer Rope Energy Absorption

E = ½ k Δx²

Result: 142 kJ/m (vs. 48 kJ/m for equivalent chain)

Reduced peak foundation shear by 41%

📊 Results

No settlement beyond 12 mm over 2.5 years; mooring system survived Category 4 swell event (Hₛ = 11.2 m); OWC efficiency maintained at 28% despite sediment mobility

💡 Lessons Learned

•Suction buckets require tailored venting protocols in carbonate sands
•Polymer mooring segments must be UV- and biofouling-resistant for long-term deployment
•LPI-based design prevents costly over-engineering in marginal soils

✅ Key Takeaways

1Suction buckets require tailored venting protocols in carbonate sands
2Polymer mooring segments must be UV- and biofouling-resistant for long-term deployment
3LPI-based design prevents costly over-engineering in marginal soils