Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FRONTIERS (Foundations foR Offshore wiNd TurbInES)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-09-01 al 2024-08-31
FRONTIErS will seek to understand soil parameters used in designing offshore foundations, leading to a more cost-optimal design solution.
The project will look at the impact of soil variability on foundation installation and performance and use site data to investigate the effect from spatial variability in soil volume on the foundation response.
Suction caisson anchors are used to support offshore drilling facilities and floating wind turbines. The project will investigate the failure mechanisms of these supports under both monotonic and cyclic tension loads.
FRONTIErS explores the mechanisms driving pile aging through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which can reveal how these improvements may benefit the energy sector.
Despite the potential of Cone Penetration Test (CPT) based p-y models, these empirical formulas are based on specific sites and soil conditions only. FRONTIErS research on CPT-based p-y models will look to improve applicability across diverse geotechnical conditions.
Monopiles are installed using hydraulic impact or vibration. FRONTIErS, aims to develop a modelling platform to predict the changes in stress, density, and particle size distribution (grain crushing) of sandy soils during installation, enhancing reliability and safety.
Monopile foundations are subjected to complex cyclic loads from wind and waves. Understanding the reaction to these loads is critical for designs. The research aims to enhance the understanding of monopile behaviour under realistic loading conditions.
FRONTIErS will investigate the axial response of pile foundations during penetration. Numerical simulation will interpret a series of load tests and further understand the penetration mechanisms.
The GB-SCOUR project, a part of FRONTIErS, aims to study scour around Gravity Base Foundations (GBFs) supporting Offshore Wind Turbines and optimise protection systems.
The project will look at the impact of soil variability on foundation installation and performance and use site data to investigate the effect from spatial variability in soil volume on the foundation response.
Suction caisson anchors are used to support offshore drilling facilities and floating wind turbines. The project will investigate the failure mechanisms of these supports under both monotonic and cyclic tension loads.
FRONTIErS explores the mechanisms driving pile aging through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which can reveal how these improvements may benefit the energy sector.
Despite the potential of Cone Penetration Test (CPT) based p-y models, these empirical formulas are based on specific sites and soil conditions only. FRONTIErS research on CPT-based p-y models will look to improve applicability across diverse geotechnical conditions.
Monopiles are installed using hydraulic impact or vibration. FRONTIErS, aims to develop a modelling platform to predict the changes in stress, density, and particle size distribution (grain crushing) of sandy soils during installation, enhancing reliability and safety.
Monopile foundations are subjected to complex cyclic loads from wind and waves. Understanding the reaction to these loads is critical for designs. The research aims to enhance the understanding of monopile behaviour under realistic loading conditions.
FRONTIErS will investigate the axial response of pile foundations during penetration. Numerical simulation will interpret a series of load tests and further understand the penetration mechanisms.
The GB-SCOUR project, a part of FRONTIErS, aims to study scour around Gravity Base Foundations (GBFs) supporting Offshore Wind Turbines and optimise protection systems.
Soil variability analyses of existing Gmax correlations in literature and application of these to the Ten noorden van de Waddeneilanden Wind Farm Zone (TNWWFZ) dataset using Python programming, an evaluation of the associated uncertainties has also been completed.
A model has been developed to study deformation of sand during the inclined pullout of suction caisson anchors. This simulates the nonlinear mechanical behaviour of sand during the pullout process.
Data from tension tests from both existing piles and newly installed test piles will be used to understand the effect of aging on their tensile capacity. The data collected from these 16 tests aims to provide insights into design.
A hypoplastic model was successfully implemented into open-source MPM software Anura 3D. This allowed for a replication of laboratory Cone Penetration Test (CPT) by MPM.
The selection of algorithms to do numerical simulations of the soil state modification during monopile driving in sandy soils has been completed.
A review of the literature on Gravity Based Foundations (GBF), sediment transport, the scour phenomenon in riverine and marine environments has been completed.
Research has focused on evaluating existing empirical equations for predicting the maximum scour hole depth around GBFs. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) shows potential for modelling sediment transport and scour around offshore foundations.
A 1g model test is underway to investigate the multidirectional loading behaviour of a monopile embedded in loose sand. A preliminary Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was carried out to support the experimental study.
Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) were conducted before and after the pile installation to assess the effect of pile driving on sand densification. The CPT results indicate a significant increase in the tip resistance of the sand.
A model has been developed to study deformation of sand during the inclined pullout of suction caisson anchors. This simulates the nonlinear mechanical behaviour of sand during the pullout process.
Data from tension tests from both existing piles and newly installed test piles will be used to understand the effect of aging on their tensile capacity. The data collected from these 16 tests aims to provide insights into design.
A hypoplastic model was successfully implemented into open-source MPM software Anura 3D. This allowed for a replication of laboratory Cone Penetration Test (CPT) by MPM.
The selection of algorithms to do numerical simulations of the soil state modification during monopile driving in sandy soils has been completed.
A review of the literature on Gravity Based Foundations (GBF), sediment transport, the scour phenomenon in riverine and marine environments has been completed.
Research has focused on evaluating existing empirical equations for predicting the maximum scour hole depth around GBFs. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) shows potential for modelling sediment transport and scour around offshore foundations.
A 1g model test is underway to investigate the multidirectional loading behaviour of a monopile embedded in loose sand. A preliminary Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was carried out to support the experimental study.
Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) were conducted before and after the pile installation to assess the effect of pile driving on sand densification. The CPT results indicate a significant increase in the tip resistance of the sand.
In terms of soil variability, the correlations developed to date are site specific and must be developed individually. The findings should be inputted into ground models and assist with choosing design values, saving overall costs in construction.
The project successfully developed a VUMAT subroutine for the SANISAND-MS constitutive model. Simulations analysed the stress field, strain field, and void ratio evolution during anchor pullout, revealing soil property changes and interaction between the anchor and sandy soil.
Centrifuge experiments were conducted using an adjustable inclined loading apparatus. The findings provide a scientific basis for optimising suction anchor design.
FRONTIErS is investigating effects on tensile capacity and integrating these findings into a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for pile aging. This is expected to reveal economic and environmental benefits for the energy sector.
FRONTIErS research is anticipated to improve the reliability of CPT-based p-y models. Considerations such as soil index parameters, cyclic effects, and scour phenomena will reduce uncertainties in foundation design.
Uncertainty propagation through metamodels has been performed using the Monte Carlo method. This allows the study of the monopile structure and the wind turbine. This is a fundamental design parameter, and it is possible to estimate the failure probability and reliability index.
Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) have been successful, indicating that pile installation is possible, to get a better understanding of the soil response, then refine design equations and increase effieicency of design.
On soil modelling, research undertaken will provide a model that considers the influence of grain crushing on the behaviour of sandy soils. It could be used for other engineering applications such as earth dams.
Intended G-PFEM enhancements will provide a platform to study the installation effects to expand the use of monopiles.
The primary tests on monopile foundations will provide insights into failure modes and strength degradation behaviour. Results will contribute to more effective design methodologies for monopile foundations.
The project successfully developed a VUMAT subroutine for the SANISAND-MS constitutive model. Simulations analysed the stress field, strain field, and void ratio evolution during anchor pullout, revealing soil property changes and interaction between the anchor and sandy soil.
Centrifuge experiments were conducted using an adjustable inclined loading apparatus. The findings provide a scientific basis for optimising suction anchor design.
FRONTIErS is investigating effects on tensile capacity and integrating these findings into a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for pile aging. This is expected to reveal economic and environmental benefits for the energy sector.
FRONTIErS research is anticipated to improve the reliability of CPT-based p-y models. Considerations such as soil index parameters, cyclic effects, and scour phenomena will reduce uncertainties in foundation design.
Uncertainty propagation through metamodels has been performed using the Monte Carlo method. This allows the study of the monopile structure and the wind turbine. This is a fundamental design parameter, and it is possible to estimate the failure probability and reliability index.
Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) have been successful, indicating that pile installation is possible, to get a better understanding of the soil response, then refine design equations and increase effieicency of design.
On soil modelling, research undertaken will provide a model that considers the influence of grain crushing on the behaviour of sandy soils. It could be used for other engineering applications such as earth dams.
Intended G-PFEM enhancements will provide a platform to study the installation effects to expand the use of monopiles.
The primary tests on monopile foundations will provide insights into failure modes and strength degradation behaviour. Results will contribute to more effective design methodologies for monopile foundations.