Nonlinear structural analysis of floating bridges

This paper deals with the static analysis of floating structures, with emphasis on floating bridges and breakwaters anchored by cable systems to the seabed. The formulation of a three-dimensional beam finite element is developed by taking into account the nonlinearities associated with both fluid-structure interaction and large displacements due to the change of configuration of the anchoring cables. The effects of the nonlinear fluid-structure interaction are evaluated at cross-sectional level and extended at the structural level based on the principle of virtual displacements. The proposed formulation is validated by means of benchmarks. The effectiveness and applicability in engineering practice of the presented approach is shown through the structural analysis of an existing anchored floating bridge under several loading conditions.