Monte Carlo simulation of ocean beacon response to environmental loading

A spectral analysis model is used to obtain estimates of the likely maximum response in a one-hour period of typical offshore beacon structures responding dynamically to a Pierson-Moskowitz sea state. The sensitivity to various parameters of this likely maximum response is determined analytically for a chosen range of conditions using a deterministic description of the spectral model. A Monte Carlo simulation is then adopted to allow for the stochastic variation of parameters in this model from which, in turn, the resultant variation in the predicted maximum structural response level can be obtained. A more realistic appraisal of the maximum likely response level of the simple offshore structure can then be made using this procedure, knowledge of which can only ultimately lead to a more refined design of the offshore structure itself.