Stochastic service load simulation for engineering structures

Most engineering structures are subjected to varying service loads. These variations are as a result of working loads and structural response, which may lead to dynamic amplification effects. Irrespective of the design philosophy implemented at the design stage of an engineering structure, both global and local service loads are very important and will often have to be assessed and reassessed for structural integrity assurance and maintenance planning. Therefore, general load forecasting and stochastic load simulation are very important. This methodology has been successfully developed at University College London and applied to the analysis of offshore structures. However, the problem of variable loading is not limited to the offshore applications as it is relevant to other core engineering industry sectors. This paper recognizes the significance of this and presents a generalized approach to stochastic load simulation. The methodology is illustrated with an example model based on the Jack-up platform and gives details of a simulated Jack-up offshore load history (JOSH) developed for use in the fatigue testing of structural members used in the construction of Jack-up structures.