Repository logo
 

Centrifuge and Numerical Modeling of Monopiles for Offshore Wind Towers Installed in Clay


Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Murali, Madhuri 
Grajales, Francisco 
Beemer, Ryan D 
Biscontin, Giovanna  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4662-5650
Aubeny, Charles 

Abstract

jats:pOffshore wind power has gained momentum as a means to diversify the world’s energy infrastructure; however, little is still known of the global stiffness behavior of the large diameter low aspect ratio monopiles which have become the foundation of choice for offshore wind towers. Traditionally, offshore foundations have been associated with gravity structures for the oil and gas industry, which in general need to resist large vertical loads with limited lateral and moment loading. However, wind towers are purposely designed to be subjected to large lateral and moment loads from the wind and waves in order to maximize power generation. Geotechnical centrifuge tests were conducted and numerical models are being developed to examine the behavior of low aspect ratio piles in clayey soils. Monopiles with aspect ratio of two are being tested in the the 150g-ton centrifuge at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Initial results include momenttheta and force-displacement for various loading conditions. Numerical studies consist of finite element (FE) simulations in order to predict capacities and permanent deformations. The comparisons are to be performed in terms of the total resistance that is exerted by the soil on the caisson. FE studies allow to model capacity for different displacement fields and also to compute interactions between different loading modes. This paper outlines our progress to date including both numerical and experimental results.</jats:p>

Description

Keywords

4005 Civil Engineering, 4015 Maritime Engineering, 40 Engineering, 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Journal Title

Volume 1: Offshore Technology; Offshore Geotechnics

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Sponsorship
The authors acknowledge the assistance provided by the personnel at the NEES facility at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The authors also acknowledge the National Science Foundation, NEES, and the project Capacity and Performance of Foundations for Offshore Wind Towers, Award Number: 1041604.