The Calculation of Wave Load for Floating Pipes in the Sea

Abstract

The waves load was calculated for the safety of floating pipeline, as it was the main load for a pipeline in the sea. Floating pipe extended from offshore to the deep sea, and its corresponding water depth varied greatly. Thus, the single wave theory was not reliable. In this study, the Morison equation was used in calculation with the help of solitary wave theory, Stokes wave theory and Airy wave theory. The water depth was divided into shallow waters, transition zone and deep water area, according to the water depth, wave height and cycle time. The software was employed to calculate the pipe load under different water depths under the supposed sea conditions. The wave load was revised based on reduction conditions and the wave force angles.