Maximum Crest Heights Over an Area: Laboratory Measurements Compared to Theory

Platform decks cover a reasonably large area compared to the size of a wave crest. Ocean waves are dispersive and directionally spread. As they propagate, their crest heights change. A platform deck samples those waves at many different locations. The maximum crest height over the area of a deck during a storm will naturally be greater than the maximum at a single point. The principle is clear but measurements are needed to confirm quantitative theoretical predictions. Such measurements were made in Marin wave basins using an array of 100 wave probes. At prototype scale, they covered an area of 100 by 100 m. Random directionally spread waves with prototype significant wave heights from 12 to 15 m and peak periods from 12 to 15 sec were generated and run through the array. Measurements were also made with pressure gauges mounted underneath a model platform deck placed at 11.5 and 13.0 m above still water level. Numerical simulations are used to find the maximum linear crest height expected over these areas. The second order enhancement of crest is accounted for by factoring the Gaussian maximum. Empirical fits to the simulations were found that can be used for most practical problems.