Modeling and Pile-Driven Scaled Tests for Windfarm Foundations

Abstract

One of the main problems associated with the generation of wind energy in offshore wind platforms is the analysis of the behavior of the soil when the pile is driven into the seabed. Nowadays, due to the large dimensions of the foundations (hollow steel piles up to 8 m in diameter and 15–20 cm thickness), there are no scale studies carried out that analyze the mechanical and deformational behavior of soil where piles are driven as well as the material of the pile that supports the motor. This paper presents the results obtained from scale submerged tests in a steel pool to analyze the behavior of sand in the presence of water where piles were installed. These tests use a hydraulic press to carry out the penetration of the steel tube in the sand. The results were compared with three different speeds for three tubes with different diameters and two types of termination at the end of the tested element. The results of the submerged tests were compared with the tests in dry conditions and with the results obtained through the finite element Plaxis program.