Two numerical methods, dynamic and static analyses, are proposed to calculate the static responses of a floating dock under different ballast water distributions. Model-scale experimental tests were conducted to compare with these numerical methods. The dynamic analysis includes a 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) model, a hydrostatic force model and a hydrodynamic force model to simulate the dock's freely floating processes. The dock's...

A comparative study between numerical modelling and experimental investigation is performed to validate the developed numerical method for simulating floating dock operations with a vessel on board. Both model-scale and full-scale experimental tests are performed on floating docks with a vessel on board, and the draughts using draught meters, floating positions and bending of the floating dock are measured. The present numerical...

Docking operations of ships require a response assessment to ensure structural and personnel safety. Environmental loads and improper ballast adjustments are the main threats to the docking operations. They can cause severe structural damages and stability loss to a floating dock system which includes a floating dock and a docked vessel, even if the velocities of the dock and the vessel are very low during the docking process....