Preliminary Dynamic Assessment of Deepwater Platforms

For purposes of preliminary analysis and design, a relatively simple form for estimating dynamic response of bottom founded deepwater structures is developed. The structural system is assumed to be linear and the seastate is assumed to be two dimensional. Structural motion is assumed to be small in computing wave loading. The simple response algorithm has the property of providing a mechanism for the efficient introduction of probabilistic design theory. Reliability estimates can be performed relative to each mode of structural failure. Statistical information on all design factors such as ocean wave heights and frequencies of occurence of seastates, wave forces on structures, soil strengths, and material and joint strengths, can easily be treated without resorting to Monte Carlo techniques.