| Issue |
E3S Web Conf.
Volume 730, 2026
International Conference on Advances and Innovations in Soft Soil Engineering (Soft Soils 2026)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Article Number | 05017 | |
| Number of page(s) | 8 | |
| Section | Infrastructure Performance and Monitoring | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202673005017 | |
| Published online | 03 August 2026 | |
The influence of fins on the capacity of the Torpedo Base
1 PETROBRAS, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
2 COPPE/UFRJ, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Abstract
The Torpedo Base is a cost‑effective foundation system used by Petrobras since 2004 for offshore well conductor casings in very soft Brazilian marine clays. Uncertainties remain regarding the contribution of fins to bearing capacity and the mechanisms of controlling soil–structure interaction. A research and development project is under elaboration aiming at optimizing the design by increasing capacity and improving overall reliability. The project features both numerical and experimental studies. In the last case, three large‑scale BT‑1000 torpedo base models (1:5, 1:10, and 1:20) were manufactured to replicate the geometric characteristics and operational behavior of the full‑scale system. The models were tested at the Sarapuí II soft clay test site. A probe was also instrumented with total stress cells to investigate the role of the fins on the capacity of the torpedo base. Both numerical and experimental studies have indicated that skin friction cannot be calculated based on the total surface of the fins.
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2026
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