This paper discusses the effects of riser-seabed soil interaction relating to the design of steel simple-catenary risers (SCRs for deepwater developments. Current riser-soil modelling practices are simplistic compared to testing and field observations, which reveal the potential riser stress-raising mechanisms of soil suction and trench-wall resistance. Improved riser-soil interaction models are given and their effects on SCR response is shown from parametric analyses conducted in the STRIDE (STeel Risers In Deepwater Environments) joint industry programme. The effect of seabed stiffness and soil damping on riser fatigue life is also discussed. An account is given of the STRIDE Phase III large-scale testing initiative to better understand riser-seabed soil interaction and validate riser-soil models.
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