RR401 - The properties of extreme waves
In the safety assessment of both fixed and floating offshore structures it is necessary to ensure that the structure has sufficient strength to withstand the most extreme combination of environmental loads likely to be experienced during the design life. However significant uncertainties remain concerning the characteristics of real, extreme, three-dimensional waves. The research described in this report focuses upon:
- Wave crest heights and the potential loss of air gap for fixed structures by examining the distribution of wave crest elevations in storms.
- Directional spreading of wave energy and the effect upon particle kinematic field by examining the wave spreading factor, (also known as wave kinematics factor) for translating between 2-D and 3-D seas.
In parallel research has been undertaken on wave front steepness using the same full scale data and this is being published [Stansell et al, (2003)].
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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