Modelling of foundation response to scour and scour protection for offshore wind turbine structures

Conference item

Local and global scour around offshore monopile wind turbine structures can cause a reduction in foundation strength and stiffness, and a consequential reduction in the structure’s natural frequency. To devise optimal scour remediation schemes, it is necessary to develop an understanding of the interactions between scour development, soil-foundation stiffness, and the dynamic response of the structure. This paper describes a research project that develops a framework to assess the influence of scour and scour remediation systems on the dynamic characteristics of offshore wind turbine structures. The research project includes one-dimensional (1D) finite element modelling, calibrated using three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis, experimental measurements, and monitored field data. The paper outlines the development of the 1D and 3D finite element models, as well as a novel experimental programme carried out on a 1:20 scale offshore wind structure in the Fast Flow Facility at HR Wallingford, UK.

Authors: Mayall, R; Byrne, B; Burd, H; McAdam, R; Cassie, P

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Host title: Scour and Erosion IX: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Scour and Erosion (ICSE 2018), November 5-8, 2018, Taipei, Taiwan
• Journal: Scour and Erosion IX: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Scour and Erosion (ICSE 2018), November 5-8, 2018, Taipei, Taiwan
• Pages: 405-413
• Publication date: 2018-10-10
• ISBN: 9780367074678