Publication: Numerical study on combined loaded monopile response in sand and marine clay environment
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Date
2023-06-01
Authors
Ahmed B. J. Shaath
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Abstract
The development of new electrical power sources is a crucial engineering challenge today and in the future. Due to the scale of wind turbine construction with its weight over the small footprint area ratio causes a great geotechnical problem. Wind turbines that are typically erected on land near the onshore are frequently challenged by the soft ground which makes the construction of these heavy structures difficult. Using monopile as a foundation is one of the solutions. This research aims to provide a conceptual framework for the modelling and design of foundation systems for wind turbine towers, as well as an overview of the onshore foundations' system. To reach these aims, a Finite Element Method (FEM) with a computational 3-dimensional numerical method is used. The 3D FEM made it possible to analyse geotechnical parameters in terms of foundation displacement and total displacement at the critical section as well as stress distribution. Sixty 3D model analyses of onshore wind turbines were done to simulate the behaviour of the foundation in different conditions of water height to simulate onshore tide as well as different soil types. The results of the study indicated that the displacement of the monopile is affected by various factors such as water depth, load, and soil type, and it is essential to consider these factors in the design and construction of foundation wind turbines. The outcomes of the displacement analysis when applied to the estimated load from 1 MN to 3 MN showed an increase in total displacement from 6.12 mm to 101.39 mm. The monopile displacement behavior is affected by various factors such as water depth, load, and soil type, and it is important to consider these factors in the design and construction of foundation wind turbines. The study's results can be compared with previous case studies, and it is found that the displacement increased with an increase in the load and water depth. The results showed that the maximum soil displacement occurred at the surface of the soil, and that the displacement decreased gradually with increasing soil depth. The study also reveals that stress levels in medium sand and marine clay are between 0.327 MPa and 1.180 MPa and the stress increased slightly from loose sand cases. The study provides valuable information for designers and engineers in the development of safe and reliable foundations for onshore and offshore wind turbines. Finally, the study outcome provides valuable insights into the behaviour of monopile foundations for onshore and offshore wind turbines under different conditions. The results of this study could be used as guidelines or suggestions for designing a good monopile foundation for onshore wind turbine towers.