Estimating design wave for offshore structures in Italian waters

Abstract

This paper describes a methodology for estimating the design wave parameters for offshore structures. For the estimation of the design wave height the concept of an equivalent triangular storm is discussed. It is shown how it overcomes the limitations of previous methodologies. For the estimation of the wave period a quasi-deterministic theory is applied. A description is given of the simple method proposed, which requires only the estimation of the significant wave height of the sea state in which the highest wave in the return period of the design wave will occur with the highest probability. Final discussions address examples of the estimation of design wave data to determine the size of offshore structures to be built along the coasts of Italy, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and Gulf of Alaska, using wave data gathered from instruments managed by the Environment and Territory Agency and the National Data Buoy Centre.