A new expression for the direct calculation of the maximum wave force on vertical cylinders

Abstract Here, an easy analytical solution for the direct calculation of the instant in which the maximum wave force on a support of an offshore platform is realized, and for the direct estimation of the aforementioned maximum force. The solution is obtained thanks to an artifice. The instant is expressed t m of the maximum force as limits of a succession t m 0 , t m 1 , t m 2 , … , and it is proved that in cases of practical interests the successions converge very quickly: t m = t m 1 , less than negligible errors. The solution allows the estimate of useful synthesis to be arrived at in the preliminary phase of the project. In fact, it allows one to immediately appreciate the effects of variations of the parameters in play: the sections of the cylinder, the depth of the sea floor and the characteristics of the waves.