Numerical Modeling of the Monotonic Lateral Behavior of XL and XXL Monopiles in Kaolin
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Volume 149, Issue 9
Abstract
Monopiles are the favored foundation type for offshore wind turbines due to a relatively simple design and installation process. This paper investigates using coupled three-dimensional finite-element analysis the load-deformation behavior of extra-large (XL) and extra-extra-large (XXL) monopiles in low-shear strength overconsolidated kaolin clay subjected to monotonic lateral loading at varying load eccentricities. The subloading constitutive model, robustly calibrated using data from centrifuge tests carried out by the authors, has been adopted in these analyses. For the 16 cases analyzed, a detailed discussion is provided on the behavior of XL/XXL monopiles, including their mode of deformation, lateral capacity, deflection, rotational stiffness, bending moment and shear force, and the response of the clay in terms of soil resistance and excess pore pressure. It is also demonstrated that the method is inaccurate in designing monopiles in this size range.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request including data sets extracted from the finite-element model and calibration of material parameters using centrifuge test data.
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the Grant No. EP/H013857/1 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for the centrifuge tests.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 9 • September 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 26, 2022
Accepted: Mar 24, 2023
Published online: Jun 21, 2023
Published in print: Sep 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Nov 21, 2023
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