Structural analysis of pile cap as onshore wind turbine foundation

Abstract

This paper analyzes the structural behavior of reinforced concrete pile caps as onshore wind turbine foundations using eight models based on the finite element method (FEM). The variables adopted are: the type of finite element utilized; the soil representation; and, considering or not the soil under the pile cap base. All materials constituting the models were considered as linear elastic behavior. The results of interest are: reaction in piles; dividing the load between soil and piles; pile cap displacement; normal radial stress and bending moments in the pile cap. The models designed on solid elements and shell elements demonstrated good compatibility between the found values, such as dividing the load between soil and piles. In some models, the numerical analysis showed results against the structural safety of the foundation when the soil under the pile cap is not considered.