Parametric uncertainties for dynamic response evaluation of offshore structures

The dynamic characteristics involved in the loading process in the ocean environment are extremely complicated and difficult for exact evaluation. In this paper, parametric studies are presented to assess the influence of uncertainties associated with various assumptions and approximations, involved in modelling the dynamic loading processes of ocean environment, for the evaluation of dynamic response of offshore structures. These uncertainties are represented by the inertia coefficient and the drag coefficient of the Morison equation which defines the wave forcing function, the mean height of the input sea waves and the shear wave velocity of the soil. The results show that the effects of uncertainties are closely related to the natural frequency of the structure and the predominant frequency of the wave force. These uncertainties, except the variation in the shear wave velocity in the soil, contribute significantly to the dynamic response and the first passage probability evaluation of the offshore structure systems.