Geotechnical Hazards Associated with Leg Penetration of Jack-up Rigs

This paper describes the geotechnical problems of locating jack-up rigs on the seabed, whether on mat supports or footings. The potential hazards which may lead to leg penetration into the seabed are outlined, being punch-through failure, seabed scour, gas pockets, soil collapse and the effects of cyclic/horizontal leg loads.