| dc.description.abstract | Fendering systems are widely used in offshore installations for attenuating the
effects of the impact energy of ships and barges in berthing or moored conditions. This
study focuses on investigating current design practices and, developing a rational and
functional approach to address random loading effects exerted on fendering systems.
These loadings are often a consequence of combined wind, wave and current excitation
as well as more controlled vessel motions.
Dimensional analysis is used to investigate the degree to which empirical design
data can be collapsed and to provide an indication of the nonlinearity associated with the
empirical data for fender sizing. In addition, model test data specifically measuring the
normal fender force for a coupled mini-TLP/Tender Barge performed at the Offshore
Technology Research Center (OTRC) model basin is used in this research investigation..
This data was characterized in terms of the typical statistical moments, which
include the mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis. The maxima and extreme
values are extracted from the fender response data based upon a zero-crossing analysis
and the results were studied in order to determine the underlying probability distribution
function. Using selected parameter estimation techniques, coefficients of a best-fit two
parameter model were determined. An illustrative example is presented and discussed
that contrasts the deterministic and probabilistic models. | en |
