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Innovative Rocking-Based Design Optimization for Onshore Wind Turbine Foundations under Multihazard Loading

Objective

This project proposes a transformative approach to the design of onshore wind turbine foundations by introducing and optimizing rocking-based solutions under multihazard loading conditions. Traditional design methods assume rigid foundation behavior and enforce a no-gapping criterion, often leading to over-conservative or suboptimal designs that fail to account for nonlinear soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects, especially under extreme wind and seismic events. As turbine sizes grow and climate-induced hazards become more frequent, current deterministic approaches fall short in ensuring resilience, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

The project advances the state-of-the-art by developing high-fidelity finite element (FE) models that incorporate nonlinear SSI, contact mechanics, and controlled rocking at the foundation and tower interfaces. These models will be validated using real-world failure cases and experimental tests on scaled prototypes. Novel semi-rigid and energy-dissipating connection strategies will be explored to enable controlled deformation and reduce damaging forces during dynamic events.

In parallel, a comprehensive reliability-based multihazard risk framework will be established, leveraging probabilistic methods such as Monte Carlo simulations and FORM/SORM techniques to quantify performance under stochastic loading. This will enable the generation of fragility curves and optimized foundation configurations tailored to site-specific hazard profiles and soil conditions.

By integrating computational mechanics, geotechnical engineering, structural dynamics, and probabilistic risk analysis, the project will deliver design guidelines and decision-support tools for resilient wind turbine foundation systems. The outcomes aim to inform future standards and support the transition to more robust and adaptive renewable energy infrastructure.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 345 234,90
Address
Richmond Street 16
G1 1XQ Glasgow
United Kingdom

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Partners (2)