Comparing Measured Responses of an Offshore Structure With Operational Modal Analysis-Assisted Classical Model Approach

Abstract

Aiming to ensure the structural integrity of an offshore structure, wave-induced responses have been measured during normal operating conditions. Operational modal analysis is applied to the data obtained from continuously monitoring the structure. Sensors placed only on the topside of an offshore platform are sufficient to provide information to identify the modal properties of the structure, such as natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes. A finite element model is created and updated in line with the identified dynamic properties for applying a modal expansion technique in the interest of accessing information at any point of the structure. Wave radars are also placed at the platform from which the wave forces are calculated based on basic industrial standard models. In this way, the wave kinematics are estimated according to the linear wave theory associated with Wheeler stretching. Since this study is related to offshore structures composed by slender elements, the wave forces are estimated using Morison formulation. By assigning typical values to the drag and inertia coefficients, wave loads are estimated and applied to the updated finite element model. For the diffraction effect, the wave load has also been evaluated according to MacCamy and Fuchs theory. The responses obtained from this procedure are compared with measured responses. In addition to describing the process, this article presents a case study to verify the theory using monitoring data from a tripod jacket. Results indicate realistic response estimation that contributes to the knowledge about the state of the structure.