LAUSR

Abstract Wave loading of offshore structures such as oil rigs and wind turbines are governing for the design of these structures. Since the environmental conditions may change during the lifetime, it is of great interest to evaluate the loads which the structure is exposed to at its current state. Since direct measurements of the loads are often not feasible, operators must rely on indirect methods like vibrations based load identification. In the field of indirect measurements, predicting the distribution of the loading is crucial in determining the magnitude. This paper will focus on this task. By analyzing the response from a miniature platform in a wave flume, a method for mapping the load distribution caused by regular wave loads is outlined. Using the output-only system identification from acceleration measurements of the structure, it is evaluated how accurate the load distribution can be predicted. In the experiment, the load distribution is estimated using both indirect methods (vibration-based) and “direct” methods using a roving set of pressure sensors.