Gaussian Analysis of an Irregular Wave Impact on Deck

Level-crossing analysis of long-crested, Gaussian waves in space and time are studied in the context of wave loads on a fixed, horizontal deck-box above mean waterline. Vertical wave loads on decks due to insufficient airgap are a major concern for many in-service platforms. Reliable estimation of magnitude and duration of these loads is important in assessing structural and global response of an offshore platform. In the case of an irregular wave-impact on a flat deck of dimensions comparable to mean wavelength of the incident waves, both temporal and spatial variability of wave-kinematics need to be considered during the deck-wetting process. In the present study, we have used a multidimensional Gaussian formulation of incident wave-kinematics to derive a joint probability density function of deck-wetting (or exceedance) duration and its spatial extent. We have also derived a probability density function for initial slam force on deck. A numerical scheme for simulating wave-impact events on a two-dimensional deck is discussed, results from which are compared against corresponding analytical estimates. Vertical force on deck was estimated using the momentum method, which includes a von Kármán slamming model applied over the wetted-length determined from an undisturbed wave profile.