Nonlinear wave theory in reliability analysis of offshore structures

The reliability analysis of offshore structures under wave and wind actions is considered using second order random wave theory. To represent non-Gaussian properties of the resulting wave kinematics, the Hermite moment transformation is used. Further, the so-called sample-specific linearization method developed already (to be used in conjunction with the directional simulation method and the linear wave theory) will be extended to take into account both (1) non-Gaussianity of wave/wind load due to nonlinear load processes and also (2) the non-Gaussianity of wave kinematics due to the nonlinear wave theory. This allows an out-crossing approach to be used to assess the structural probability of failure and the involving out-crossing rate (which is not generally available for non-Gaussian processes) is required to be estimated. Using the proposed procedure, simple structures are analyzed in one- and multi-dimensional cases and the results for structural probability of failure are compared with those obtained using simple linear wave theory. Outcomes show that the use of nonlinear wave theory may affect the results considerably.