Uncertainty analysis of wave loads for multi-connected domain large floating bodies near islands and reefs

Abstract

This paper studies uncertainties of wave loads for Multi-connected Domain Floating Structures (MCDFSs) near islands and reefs, considering the wave spectra at the location, tank model test, and wave loads prediction. Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) provide the main description of the responses. Biases due to uncertainties of wave spectra and the wave loads RAOs are introduced into the short-term wave load responses. Thus, the long-term wave load statistical model is established by integrating short-term wave load responses. Finally, the total biases and coefficients of variation (COV) for long-term wave loads on the novel floating structures are obtained considering various uncertainties. The total COV of the long-term extreme wave loads lie between 0.11 and 0.16 by considering the in-situ measured wave spectra data near islands. The wave load uncertainty analysis models and results developed in this paper support the safety and reliability assessment of MCDFSs near islands and reefs.