Needs for oceanographic data to determine loads on coastal and offshore structures

The theoretical design concept as it exists today depends upon the reliable estimation of the environmental factors interacting with structure. This paper deals with the requirements for the oceanographical data as best we can determine them. It is concluded that the requirements for many data are not met at present. In view of the high cost of the offshore and coastal data collection, the coordinated efforts of oceanic data gathering and analysis should be undertaken.