The most reliable technique for predicting the statistical properties of the response of an offshore structure to random wave loading is the time simulation technique. However, this technique requires very long simulations in order to reduce the sampling variability to acceptable levels. If this technique can be speeded up, then it would be an ideal technique because it does not suffer from any of the inadequacies of the alternative methods and is applicable to all different types of structures. To this end, a more efficient version of the time simulation technique (ETS) has been...

Offshore structures are exposed to random waves in the ocean environment and hence random waves must be used for their design. However, it is common practice and also much simpler to use regular design waves for analysis of jacket structures which do not respond dynamically to wave loading. This is usually the case for structures which are in water depths less than 120 meters. Design waves are usually described in terms of a given return period. For example, the American Petroleum Institute recommends the structure to be strong enough to withstand the 100-year wave at the site of the...