Question 4407 Deck General

The correct answer is B) scour. In areas where the seabed consists of sand or silt, the most severe potential problem for an independent-leg jack-up can result from scour. Scour refers to the erosion of the seabed around the jack-up legs, which can undermine the stability and support of the structure. This can lead to uneven settling or even the potential for the jack-up to become unstable or topple over. The other options are incorrect because: A) Penetration is not typically a severe problem in sandy or silty seabeds, as the legs can usually penetrate and achieve adequate bearing capacity. C) Insufficient preload may be a concern, but is not the most severe potential problem. D) Marine growth is not a significant issue for the stability of the jack-up in this type of seabed.