Scale model of an oil rig foundation: Seabed Testing Structure

Project Overview

A global expert in water and hydraulic engineering commissioned Armadillo to manufacture a scale model of an oil rig foundation for seabed testing in their water tank facility.

This is the third model of this kind that Armadillo has built for this client.

The Challenge

When oil rig foundations sit on the seabed, they interact with water currents flowing around and beneath them in complex ways. Understanding those interactions is critical to structural integrity and safety.

The client needed a precisely fabricated scale model accurate enough to generate reliable data when placed in a controlled water-flow environment for testing.

The structure was intricate: a multi-component assembly, and every piece had to align exactly. It combined straightforward geometry with demanding tolerances.

A precision jigsaw puzzle, as described by our fabricator Chris, where every component had a specific place and orientation.

A tight delivery window added further challenges.

Scope of Work

Armadillo's scope covered the complete fabrication process in-house: Design for Manufacture review, CNC machining of components, MIG and TIG welding, and full assembly.

The structure was built from mild steel and stainless steel, with machined components for connection points and base fixings. Precision welding, machining, and cutting were verified through rigorous quality checks at each stage.

Scale & Delivery

The completed structure measured approximately 1.3m × 1.8m and comprised numerous interlocking components within a compact footprint.

Fabrication followed a carefully planned strategy: dedicated jigs and fixtures maintained alignment; controlled welding sequences minimised distortion; in-process inspection verified tolerances at each stage.

It was fully assembled and inspected at our Malmesbury workshop, then delivered complete and ready for immediate installation into the testing tank.

The Outcome

The finished structure met all specifications and was ready for immediate use in physical flow testing. It represents the third model of this kind that Armadillo has completed for this client. That track record reflects the trust placed in our team to deliver accurate, well-finished fabrications for technically demanding research applications.

Whatever the challenge, we'll find a way to build it. Tell us about your project.

From concept to completion

At Armadillo Engineering, we don’t just fabricate and machine, we help solve complex challenges from the start.

Our integrated team of fabricators, mechanical engineers, and DFM specialists works closely with you from initial design through to prototype to manufacturing.

With all departments under one roof, we simplify even the most demanding projects, reducing costs, accelerating delivery, and delivering solutions where others see only problems.

We help ambitious companies design smarter, build faster, and manufacture more efficiently, at every stage.