Abstract
Monopiles are the most popular foundation for offshore wind turbines. These foundations typically have a low length to diameter ratio and undergo a rigid body rotation when subjected to lateral load. This paper presents results from an extensive numerical investigation involving 3D finite element analyses to demonstrate that the lateral moment-rotation response of a monopile in sand can be represented using a single non-linear rotational spring located at a depth of about 0.75 times the pile embedment. Expressions for the elastic rotational stiffness of a monopile under very low rotations are developed and these combined with observations from measured non-linear variations of rotational stiffness, that are supported by the numerical analyses, are used to develop a simple approximate expression that can be used to determine the response of a monopile to a monotonic lateral load in sand.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 103225 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Marine Structures |
Volume | 84 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- Hypoplastic
- Lateral load
- Pile-soil interaction
- Rigid pile
- Sands