Dynamic effects of wind loads on offshore deck structures - A critical evaluation of provisions and practices

Walk-ways, flare-outs, silos, cranes, hell-pad structures, ladders, rig-sup porting derrick structures, Living quarters, worksheds, claddings of module supporting frames (MSF), and boat landings are some of the major component s of offshore deck structures. These deck structures are designed for opera tional and extreme wind and wave, and impact loads. This paper presents a r eview of published literature on wind loading conditions on the structure, extreme wind loading, wind tunnel tests on decks of compliant as well as fi xed platforms and full-scale measurements on offshore decks. The paper also presents a study of vibration modes of typical derrick and inclined boom w ith respect to possible dynamic sensitivity to wind induced excitations. Th e scarcity of field measured data and the necessity of instrumenting offsho re deck structures for collection of scarce data on wind and structural res ponse characteristics are also highlighted. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.