Estimation of Extreme Wind Loads on Marine Objects

In the structural design of ships and offshore objects wind loads are not usually considered as the key factor in the total loading on those structures, yet the magnitude of the mean static forces and the moments caused by the wind could induce effects in which these forces and moments become critical, provoking cracks and obstructing effi ciency during various ship and offshore operations. From a designer’s viewpoint, the accuracy of these estimates is important since it infl uences safety margins, economy of design and operational restrictions. This paper presents the calculation of stationary wind loads on ships and offshore structures. Wind loads on marine structures, expressed as an ahead force, a side force and the yawing moment, were calculated and compared for four available methods. Three parameters of a Weibull density distribution function were calculated for a specifi c location to present an adequate statistical model for describing the extreme wind speed distribution