CONTENTS

Page No

FOREWORD ...............................................................................................................III

CONTENTS ................................................................................................................V

1. SUMMARY..................................................................................................... 1

2. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ 3

3. MSL WAVE-IN-DECK MODEL...................................................................... 5

3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 5
3.2 Derivation of Wave-in-Deck Loads........................................................ 5
3.3 Model Implementation .......................................................................... 6
3.4 Wave Aeration ..................................................................................... 7
3.5 Wave Spreading ................................................................................... 7

4. ENVIRONMENTAL DATA............................................................................. 9
4.1 Site Assessment.................................................................................... 9
4.2 10,000-Year Storm Conditions .............................................................. 9
4.3 Environmental Load Totals ...................................................................10

5. RESULTS OF WAVE-IN-DECK PARAMETRIC STUDY................................ 11

5.1 Typical Results..................................................................................... 11
5.2 Effect of Increasing Wave Inundation on Wave-in-Deck Loads ............... 11
5.3 Effect of Different Wave Theories on Wave-in-Deck Loads .....................12
5.4 Effect of Wave Aeration on Wave-in-Deck Loads ...................................13

6. DYNAMIC MODELLING ............................................................................... 15

6.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 15
6.2 Structural Model................................................................................... 16
6.3 USFOS Hull Model .............................................................................. 18
6.4 Inclusion of Relative Velocity Terms ..................................................... 19
6.5 Foundation Modelling........................................................................... 19
6.6 Application of Pre-Wave Condit ion ....................................................... 21

7. RESULTS OF DYNAMIC ANALYSES............................................................ 23

7.1 Effect of Inclusion of Wave-in-Deck Loads on Structural Response,
Linear Foundations ............................................................................... 23
7.2 Effect of Modified Morison’s Equation to include Relative Velocity ........ 23
7.3 Effect of Increasing Hull Inundation on Structural Response
(Linear Foundations)............................................................................. 24
7.4 Effect of Wave Theory on Structural Response....................................... 24
7.5 Effect of Response to Previous Wave on Extreme Wave Response .......... 24
7.6 Effect of Foundation Fixity on Structural Response ................................ 25

8. CONCLUSIONS.............................................................................................. 27

9. REFERENCES................................................................................................. 29

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 1. SUMMARY

A wave -in-deck model (“The MSL model”) has been developed to assess the importance of
the loads caused by possible wave inundation on the hulls of Jack-Up structures. The MSL
method allows the use of higher order wave theories such as Stream Function and Stokes 5th
Order theories, and allows an aeration profile for the wave to be inputted.

A sensitivity study was performed using the MSL wave-in-deck model (in MathCAD format)
to assess the importance of a number of variables on the wave-in-deck loads generated, such
as degree of hull inundation, aeration level at the top of the wave and wave theory used.

Dynamic pushover analyses were performed on a detailed non-linear model of a typical Jack-
Up structure using the USFOS structural analysis package. The hull structure was modelled
such that it attracted the wave-in-deck loads in accordance with the MSL model. The
pushover analyses were based on a 10,000-year wave. A sensitivity study was performed to
investigate the effects that hull inundation, foundation modelling, wave theory and structural
response to a preceding wave have on dynamic response to the extreme wave.

It has been found that wave-in-deck loads cause a significant increase in environmental
loading once inundation occurs. The horizontal loading at the front face of the hull leads to a
large increase in global overturning moment once inundation occurs. A key finding is that the
upward wave-in-deck loading (principally caused by buoyancy of the hull) leads to a large
decrease in vertical loading on the windward legs, with leg tension possible for inundations of
2m. The reduced vertical foundation load tends to decrease the moment capacity of the
spudcan foundation, leading to greater leg/hull moments and global displacements.

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 2. INTRODUCTION

In April 2001, MSL presented the findings of a study entitled “Assessment of the Effect of
Wave-in-Deck Loads on a Typical Jack-Up” (1,2) at the ISO North Sea Annex Committee
Meeting and the SNAME Panel 4 Meeting. This study contained the following:

1. A wave-in-deck model, developed by MSL and referred to as the MSL model,

implemented within an Excel Spreadsheet, based on linear wave theory.

2. Static pushover analyses for deck inundation levels ranging from 0.5m to 4m. The wave-
in-deck loads used in the pushover analyses (performed using the SACS structural
analysis package (3)) were calculated using the software developed in item (1).

The principal finding of this previous study was that the step change in environmental loading
once inundation occurs is likely to have a large consequence on structural integrity. Leg lift-
off, due primarily to the large buoyancy loads predicted in the MSL model, was identified as a
potential failure mechanism.

The discussions that took place at the ISO and SNAME meetings, and subsequently at a
meeting between HSE, Shell and MSL identified the following areas in which the previous
study could be refined:

1. Wave Model

One of the principal findings of the previous study was that the vertical loads (mainly
buoyancy) generated during wave inundation are considerable. However, this conclusion
was reached using Airy waves, which were used to allow the wave-in-deck model to be
implemented within an Excel spreadsheet. It was agreed that the effect of higher order
waves (for example Stream function and Stokes 5th Order) on wave-in-deck loads should
be investigated.

2. Wave Aeration

During the ISO/SNAME discussions, it was suggested that the top region of the extreme
wave may be highly aerated, hence giving lower buoyancy and horizontal wave loads,
and in turn a reduced tendency for leg lift-off to occur.

3. Water Particle Velocity

It was suggested that the calculated velocity (from higher order wave theorie s) should be
reduced to more accurately capture the wave-in-deck loads, and the sensitivity of the
loads to this reduction should be investigated.

4. Foundation Modelling

The model used in the previous study used linear foundations. It was suggested that the
structure would be more accurately modelled using non-linear foundation springs.

5. Dynamic Response to Wave-in-deck loads

The response of a Jack-Up unit to wave loading is comprised of a static and dynamic
component. The dynamic component is normally significant as the natural period of the
structure is often close to the period of the extreme wave. When a site assessment is