Estimation of Wave in Deck Load Using CFD Validated Against Model Test Data

In this paper, a CFD case study with wave-in-deck loads on a gravitybased structure (GBS) platform is carried out, including validation against model test data. A Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) method that allows for wave breaking and trapped air is applied. The significant diffraction of the incoming wave around the plat- form is thus accounted for. The Stokes 5th-order wave with a height of 39.5 m is considered. The wave theory is used to de- fine initial and boundary conditions for the simulation. Forcing the solution towards the theory over a 100 m wide zone along vertical boundaries is used to reduce the size of the solution domain (around one wavelength) and avoid wave reflections at solution domain boundaries. For validation, model test data in scale 1:54 are available; the model includes a caisson, 3 columns, a simplified topside and detailed cellar deck girders. Forces and moments on the whole deck, forces on several slamming panels, and wave profiles at various locations are compared. It was found that simulation results match experimental data sufficiently well and simulations can be recommended as a tool for analysis of wave-in-deck loads on offshore structures.