Super Arch rubber fender installation introduction

Installation of Super Arch rubber fender

Super Arch rubber fenders(also named V type fender) without fender panels do not contact at the full length for certain vessel positions, and rubber fenders can perform only in the length contacted. It is necessary to estimate the minimum contact length from the minimum deck height, draft, tidal level, etc. and select the length such that the effective berthing energy Eb can be absorbed. This phenomenon is called partial compression, and the performance can be evaluated using equation.

(Energy absorption by partial compression)=(Energy absorption per meter)×(Contact length)

In the case of rubber fenders with a constant cross-section (for example, Arch marine fenders) for which the performance can be modified by changing the length, if the length is shorter than the height, the length ratio is affected by both the ends. The length ratio in this case may not correspond to the performance being proportional to the length. The contact length of a rubber fender relates to not only the length of the rubber fender but also the installation position. The installation considerations for V-type rubber fenders are listed as follows, and below provides an explanatory view of the aspects to be considered.

・ The flare of a large vessel should not contact the edge of the quay, even when the rubber fender is compressed.

・ It is desirable that the top head of fender is always visible and not be submerged in water.

・ The necessary concrete coverage should be secured over the anchor bolts

・ The effective berthing energy must be absorbed by the length in contact with the rubber fenders 

As shown in above figure, when the flare of a large vessel comes in contact with a vertically installed arch fender, the fender is subjected to vertical angular compression. Generally, the angular performance of V-type marine rubber fenders described in catalogue is the angular performance in the width direction, and the longitudinal angular performance is often not defined because it changes depending on the length of the rubber fender.