Experimental and Theoretical Study of Three-Dimensional Effects on Vertical Wave-in-Deck Forces

In order to validate theory for computing wave-in-deck loads of offshore platforms, a small scale model test campaign of wave impact on an idealized platform deck is performed at Towing Tank no. II at MARINTEK. The main objectives of the tests were to assess three-dimensional effects and to better understand the effect transverse and longitudinal structural members have on the fluid flow. The emphasis in the present paper is to demonstrate the three-dimensional effects. Model tests of the same structure were performed for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional flow conditions. The model test results show that three-dimensional effects significantly reduce the wave-in-deck loads. In particular, for the water exit phase, the vertical force is almost halved due to three-dimensional effects. Two different two-dimensional methods are used to study water impact on the deck: one method is based on a generalization of Wagner’s impact theory while the latter is a simple von Karman approach. Moreover, a three-dimensional correction is introduced. Comparisons show that the Wagner based method yields good results for the water entry phase, but it overestimates the water exit force and underestimates the duration of the wave-in-deck event. The von Karman type approach underestimates the water entry force.