Influence of vibratory pile driving on offshore wind turbine mechanical behaviour
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- As global energy demands continue to rise, the transition to renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind power, has become increasingly critical. This thesis investigates the comparative effectiveness of two installation methods for offshore wind turbine monopile foundations: impact hammering and vibratory driving. While vibratory driving is often favored for its reduced noise levels, quicker installation times, and potentially lower costs, its impact on the soil's mechanical behavior, particularly in terms of lateral resistance, remains less understood. The primary focus of this research is to evaluate how these driving methods affect the p-y curves, which describe the lateral load-displacement behavior of the monopiles in Northern Sea sand. The study delves into the differences in soil resistance and the implications of grain displacement and rearrangement under different vibratory frequencies. To achieve accurate and meaningful results, the research employs scaling laws and an optimized laboratory setup, including a controlled sand pluviation system that ensures consistent sand density in both dry and saturated conditions. The 1g laboratory environment is carefully calibrated to simulate real-life conditions, making the findings relevant to actual offshore scenarios. By comparing the performance of impact hammering and vibratory driving in these controlled settings, this thesis aims to provide deeper insights into the suitability of vibratory driving not only in terms of installation efficiency but also in terms of long-term soil resistance and monopile stability. The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute valuable knowledge to the design and installation of offshore wind turbine foundations, particularly in the context of the European Union’s renewable energy goals.