Motivation and background 

Previous projects, such as the ShorTCresT JIP, answered questions on extreme wave statistics, directional waves and the related wave impacts on offshore structures.

Objective

The objective of the BreaKin JIP is to get more insights on scale effects involved in wave-in-deck model tests and to take first steps towards linking wave kinematics with measured impact loads.

The following questions will be addressed:

• How should breaking waves be considered in the design of offshore structures?
• What are the kinematics of breaking waves and how can they be determined?
• How do the different types of breaking affect the local and global (horizontal) loading?
• To quantify the loading due to breaking waves, model tests are currently the option of choice. However, what are the scale effects involved and how realistic are the results?
• What are the extreme design loads to be considered?
• Can extreme breaking wave events “explain” observed structural damages?

These questions are addressed in this research initiative.

Deliverables