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This paper presents a simple physical model for the numerical simulation of the behavior of buckling-type marine fenders. The proposed model is characterized by four parameters and is derived starting from similarities between the unstable behavior of marine fenders and shallow arches. In this model, the large displacements solution expressing the relationship between the model displacements and reaction force is determined in a nondimensional form, and the model parameters are calibrated to minimize residuals between real and predicted normalized reaction force-deflection curves. By considering an in-series arrangement of two elementary physical models, the approach can be also used to simulate the behavior of parallel-motion fenders. The proposed model can be directly implemented in commercial computer programs for structural analysis to study interactions arising between buckling-type marine fenders and flexible berthing structures. In this paper, the model effectiveness in capturing the behavior of fenders and parallel motions systems is evaluated through comparisons of results, both in terms of reaction force and absorbed energy, with data of real devices, obtained from three different manufacturers. Results demonstrate the model efficiency and suitability for reproducing the behavior of a wide range of devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The paper presents a performance-based approach for the design of flexible breasting dolphins equipped with marine fenders, often used in jetties belonging to offshore oil terminals. Since the distance of the breasting system to the mooring one and to the oil terminal is generally limited for serviceable and operational issues, the proposed design methodology, based on the kinetic energy approach, assumes a predetermined displacement for the dolphin, as well as a desired performance of the fender, and allows evaluating the stiffness of the flexible system required to achieve the desired energy absorption capacity. The design procedure accounts for the dolphin-fender interaction, as well as for the soil-embedded dolphin interaction, and it is specialised considering the common technical solutions adopted in the design of breasting dolphins. The approach is applied to a hypothetical case study consisting of a new berthing structure for a coastal terminal located on the Middle Adriatic Sea, in Italy, presenting non-ideal conditions for the installation of flexible dolphins. Applications demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the role of the dolphin-fender interaction in withstanding the berthing actions, making it possible to design a flexible berthing structure also in the case of relatively shallow water depths. Highlights • A performance based approach for the design of flexible breasting dolphins equipped with marine fenders is proposed. • The design approach accounts for the fender-dolphin and soil-dolphin interactions in evaluating the energy absorption capacity. • The proposed approach makes it possible to design a flexible breasting structure in intermediate or shallow waters. • Application to a real case study in limited water depth is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]