Pipelines resting on the seabed are subject to the forces that can destabilize the pipe, leading to floatation or lateral movement.
The stabilization requirements of the pipeline can be a major cost driver on subsea pipeline projects, especially in some shallow locations around the world, where the wave-induced current is an extremely challenging condition.
Sometimes, costly stabilization requirements, such as trenching, anchoring, rock dumping, and mattressing, have therefore been used to ensure the stability of a pipeline on the seabed.
Deepwater pipelines are typically stable on bottom due to the absence of wave-generated currents.
However, certain deepwater regions around the world experience loop currents that may affect pipeline on-bottom stability.
In addition, pipeline on-bottom stability design is critical in the whole life of pipeline design procedure.