Although wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs) are increasingly operating in deepwater complex geological areas with larger scales, systematic research on and experimental validation of platform jack-up stability remain insufficient. This study aimed to establish a comprehensive evaluation framework encompassing penetration depth, anti-overturning/sliding stability, and punch-through risk, thereby filling the gap in holistic platform stability analysis. An entire four-legged centrifuge test at 150× g was integrated with coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) numerical simulations and theoretical methods to systematically investigate spudcan penetration mechanisms and global sliding/overturning evolution in clay/sand. The key findings reveal that soil properties critically influence penetration resistance and platform stability: Sand exhibited a six-times-higher ultimate bearing capacity than clay, yet its failure zone was 42% smaller. The sliding resistance in sand was 2–5 times greater than in clay, while the overturning behavior diverged significantly. Although the horizontal loads in clay were only 50% of those in sand, the tilt angles at equivalent sliding distances reached 8–10 times higher. Field validation at Guangdong Lemen Wind Farm confirmed the method’s reliability: penetration prediction errors of <5% and soil backflow/plugging effects were identified as critical control factors for punch-through risk assessment. Notably, the overturning safety factors for crane operation at 90° outreach and storm survival were equivalent, indicating operational load combinations dominate overturning risks. These results provide a theoretical and decision-making basis for the safe operation of large WTIVs, particularly applicable to engineering practices in complex stratified seabed areas.
The hydrodynamic response of closed and semi-closed (open-bottom) rigid cylindrical aquaculture platforms was examined through combined model tests and numerical simulations. Free decay tests in calm water quantified natural periods and damping ratios for heave and pitch motions. Subsequent regular wave testing characterized response amplitude operators (RAOs) and wave elevations at interior and exterior wave gauges. Finally, the motion and wave elevation characteristics of the two types of aquaculture platforms under irregular waves were analyzed under extreme sea conditions. Results demonstrated that bottom openings significantly altered hydrodynamic responses of aquaculture platforms, with a 59% enhancement in heave damping ratio and a 47% reduction in heave natural period. Semi-closed cages exhibited asymmetric internal sloshing profiles along the mid-transverse axis, with lateral sloshing amplitudes increasing by 200–300% at lateral wave gauges. Under irregular wave conditions, compared to closed aquaculture platform, semi-closed aquaculture platform increased the heave, pitch motion, and internal sloshing response but reduced run-up on the outer wave-facing side.