Second order wave loads on large monolithic offshore structures

This paper considers the wave loads on large monolithic offshore structures. The second order wave force formulae developed by Rahman and Heaps, applicable to large circular cylinders in waves, are extended to evaluate the overturning moments on large circular cylinders. The theory is then applied to square section caissons in waves, to predict the wave loads on these structures. These calculations are performed using the exact form of the second order velocity potential, φ₂, with arbitrary wave number, k₂, and the approximate form of φ₂, with twice the value of the wave number of the first order velocity potential. The second order analytical predictions are compared with available experimental data for various ranges of wave parameters for both circular and square caissons in large amplitude waves.