Escobar, A.; López-Gutiérrez, J.S.; Esteban, M.D., and Negro, V., 2018. A modified method for assessing hydrodynamic loads in the design of gravity-based structures for offshore wind energy. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 931–935. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The structural typologies used nowadays in offshore power generation mainly depend on the bearing capacity of the foundation, the sea depth and wave conditions, the characteristics of the offshore wind farm and the impact on the landscape. The use of gravity base structures (GBS) or other type of structures is subject to these input data. The aim of this paper is to ease the decision-making related with the GBS design, by applying different calculation schemes in the two different hydrodynamic domains, D/L<0.20 (Morison) and D/L>0.20 (Diffraction); observing how the models may be complemented in the previous design, by means of dynamic pressure schemes derived from the mechanic of waves. For that purpose, three case studies are raise; the first one, assuming that the structure is a vertical seawall submitted to a quasi-stationary diagram of hydrodynamic pressures and applying the Goda′s theory; the second one, assuming a model of inertial and drag forces, applying the Morison′s theory; and finally, the third case propose the use of the Goda′s theory in the section near foundation, and the Morison theory in the section of shaft, observing the level of trust and the adjustment of this typology of structures. This innovative approach can be used as an advanced guideline to ensure a suitable design of GBS for locations with sea depths between 20 to 40 meters in which it is expected the implementation of this structural typology, and on the other hand, to identify if those locations are suitable for the implementation of GBS.