Design Loads on Platforms on Offshore wind Turbine Foundations with Respect to Vertical Wave Run-up

Experiences have shown that the vertical run-up generated by waves meeting the offshore wind turbine foundations, can result in rather vigorous loads on appurtenances and platform structures. This study aims to provide a qualitative method of determining run-up height and the following loads depending on the wave parameters in the area in question. This is approached by a three step calculation routine supported by model tests. Supplementary tests have been made to determine the reduction in loads, when grated platforms are used in preference to a closed surface. This leads to an appreciable reduction in the loads by up to 75%. Furthermore it is indicated, that the fact that offshore wind turbines often are placed on limited water depths thereby increasing the amount of (nearly) breaking waves, seems to increase the run-up height and thereby the pressures on the structure.