An experimental study on characteristics of relative wave elevations around a tension leg platform in irregular waves

In this study, a series of model tests were performed to study the relative wave elevation responses around a tension leg platform (TLP) in extreme waves. It is well known that a high relative wave elevation causes a horizontal wave impact or a wave-in-deck impact which can result in a serious damage on both fixed and floating offshore structures. In particular, tension leg platform can be exposed to severe wave-in-deck impact events due to nonlinear wave amplifications inside the multiple columns. Irregular wave tests including the waves of 100-year return periods were carried out at Ocean Engineering Basin of KRISO. Focus is on the nonlinear characteristics of the relative wave elevations. Probability of exceedance as well as time series for relative wave elevation are suggested and discussion is made on the effect of location, wave and current. Also, wave-in-deck events are described based on the model test observations.