Effects of wave directionality and choice of wave spectrum on the extreme response of a deep water jacket

Wave-induced load effects in an idealized deep water jacket are considered. The structure is selected more to examine the worst effects of wave-induced uncertainties than to represent a realistic North Sea installation. The largest natural period is about 59 s and the structural response is significantly affected by dynamics. The structural system is linearized and response extremes are predicted by means of a stochastic, dynamic long term response analysis. A realistic modelling of ocean waves for long term response calculations is outlined. Various possibilities concerning the choice of wave spectrum are included and the corresponding effects on the predicted extremes are demonstrated. A sensitivity study is carried out both for the quasi-static response and for the resulting dynamic response. Finally, the effects of accounting for wave directionality are indicated. This includes both the introduction of a varying main wave direction and the modelling of the shortcrestedness for a given sea state.