Fabric Formworks for Pipeline support and Stabilisation

Fabric formworks are used to support, protect or stabilise subsea pipelines and structures. Fabric formwork is a flexible shuttering constructed from woven fabric which is subsequently filled with cement grout. The final shape of the hardened grout is defined by the shape and design of the fabric formwork. Fabric formworks may also be used to raise a pipeline or structure by jacking to a desired elevation.

With more than 30 years experience in grouting services, Foundocean has the capability to provide a single-source for design, manufacture and installation of all types of fabric formwork.

Foundocean has undertaken extensive testing on pipelines of various diameters and thicknesses of weightcoat, which has led to the development of a wide range of fully engineered fabric formworks.

These are inexpensive to manufacture, easy to deploy by ROV or diver and can be filled rapidly with cement grout. The following basic types of fabric formwork are available:

• Support formworks for pipelines, j-tubes and risers
• Crossover support formworks for pipeline or cable crossings
• Overlay mattresses and sleeves for pipeline protection or stabilisation
• Peripheral formworks for protection of subsea structures
• Jacking formworks to elevate and support pipelines and structures
• Anti-Scour protection formworks

The techniques developed by FoundOcean for the deployment of fabric formworks by ROV have been successfully used at water depths of more than 900 metres. In addition, FoundOcean provides specialised grout mixing and pumping equipment together with experienced personnel for the successful installation of the formworks. Because FoundOcean is involved in the offshore work, all formwork designs take account of the practical aspects of installation. Detailed work procedures are provided to ensure that the diving or ROV contractor correctly applies the solutions.

This attention to detail is aimed at reducing subsea installation time and reducing the cost of the offshore operation.