A method for the prediction of extreme wave loads on a fixed platform

Design of offshore platforms requires accurate prediction of the maximum wave loads due to slamming on the structure. The physical processes that influence the load include the propagation of irregular short-crested wind-driven storm seas, wave breaking, and wave-structure interaction. Furthermore, the ocean is a stochastic environment, so the load and its maximum can be considered as random variables. Ideally, the designer would like to know not only the most probable extreme load, but also the extreme load distribution.