CLOSED-FORM EXPRESSIONS FOR DETERMINING THE FATIGUE DAMAGE OF STRUCTURES DUE TO OCEAN WAVES

Closed-form mathematical expressions are derived for the fatigue damage of structures due to ocean waves. The expressions incorporate relationships between wave height and stress range, between stress range and number of cycles to failure (i.e. a fatigue curve), and the probability distribution for the occurrence of wave heights. The expressions can be utilized to predict the fatigue damage resulting from a single sea state, from a storm, or during the service life of a structure. In addition, the fatigue life of a structural element can be determined directly from the stress range resulting from the design wave, or conversely, an "allowable stress range" can be determined for the design wave which will insure a specified fatigue life. Example applications are given for areas having wave climates similar to the North Sea and similar to the Gulf of Mexico.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Offshore Technology Conference 8th Annual, Proceedings, Houston, Texas, May 3-6, 1976.
• Corporate Authors:

  Offshore Technology Conference

  6200 North Central Expressway
  Dallas, TX  United States  45206
• Authors:
  • Nolte, K G
  • Hansford, J E
• Conference:
  • Offshore Technology Conference 8th Annual, Proceedings, Houston, Texas, May 3-6, 1976.
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 861-872

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fatigue (Mechanics); Force; Ocean waves; Offshore structures; Waves
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fatigue life
• Old TRIS Terms: Wave forces on structures
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00144285
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: V2, OTC 2606 Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 16 1977 12:00AM