Wind, Wave & Current
Hindcasting
In order to determine the
forces on a structure, engineers needed some way to determine the
highest extreme values of wind, wave, and current in the life of the
structure. In 1954 Chevron installed 3 separate pilings (from platform
deck to ocean bottom) with devices to measure wave forces, wave
velocities and wave heights. Humble Oil & Refining Co. contributed by
analyzing the gathered data from these test installations in the Gulf of
Mexico (1955-1962) and derived environmental design criteria for the
maximum design storm or hurricane data for coastal and offshore regions
along the Texas-Louisiana and California coasts. This resulted in
specifications for the important characteristics of the complex design
waves including wave height, length, period, and harmonic composition.
A. H. Glenn used these formulae together with shore based wind
measurements and ship observations to provide the industry with the
100-year expected storm data at worldwide locations. Shell Oil and
others pioneered methods for measurement of hurricane conditions far
offshore in Hurricane Camille (1969). These data enabled development and
calibration of modern numerical hindcast models. R. G. Bea led much of
Shell's effort to develop criteria for wave forces and current
conditions in the Gulf of Mexico for use with the American Petroleum
Institute's (API) Recommended Practices for design. V. J. Cardone, W. J.
Pierson and E. G. Ward were behind the development of later hindcast
models.
Recognizing the
pioneering efforts of the following people and companies who contributed
to the development of this technology:
Robert G. Bea, C.
Paul Besse, Sr., Charles L. Bretschneider, Vincent J. Cardone, Alfred H.
"Al" Glenn, Willard J. Pierson, Emmett G. "Skip" Ward, Chevron (ChevronTexaco),
Humble Oil Refining Co. (ExxonMobil), Magnolia Petroleum (ExxonMobil),
Shell
