Study on force characteristics of catamaran buttress during floating

This paper puts forward a new method to measure the force characteristics of the buttress’ ship–pipe connection. First, the positions of stress sensors are determined by the numerical model, and the stress values at these positions are derived alongside a stress equation for the buttress. Then, the vertical stress values of the buttresses are obtained by using the established model; the results are in good agreement with the known external load. Considering the unevenness of the surface between the buttress and immersed tube, a horizontal stress equation for the whole buttress is put forward based on stress difference.Through analysis of data obtained from a real engineering project, it can be concluded that the vertical force on the buttresses fluctuates while the catamaran is floating, but within an acceptable range. The results can be used to guide future engineering projects.