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

Walk-ways, flare-outs, silos, cranes, heli-pad structures, ladders, rig-supporting derrick structures, living quarters, worksheds, claddings of module supporting frames (MSF), and boat landings are some of the major components of offshore deck structures. These deck structures are designed for operational and extreme wind and wave, and impact loads. This paper presents a review of published literature on wind loading conditions on the structure, extreme wind loading, wind tunnel tests on decks of compliant as well as fixed platforms and full-scale measurements on offshore decks. The paper also presents a study of vibration modes of typical derrick and inclined boom with respect to possible dynamic sensitivity to wind induced excitations. The scarcity of field measured data and the necessity of instrumenting offshore deck structures for collection of scarce data on wind and structural response characteristics are also highlighted.