Influence of Sand-Layer Interfaces on the Penetration Energy of Composite Offshore Bucket Foundations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66238/ijrss.v6i2.127Keywords:
Composite Bucket Foundation, Sand-Layer Interface, Penetration Energy, Offshore Wind TurbineAbstract
The rapid expansion of offshore wind energy into deeper waters and more complex geological environments has necessitated the development of advanced foundation concepts, such as composite offshore bucket foundations. The installation of these structures often encounters highly stratified soil profiles, where the presence of distinct sand-layer interfaces significantly alters penetration resistance and the total energy required for successful installation. This paper investigates the influence of varying sand-layer interfaces on the penetration energy of composite offshore bucket foundations through a comprehensive synthesis of theoretical formulations, scaled physical modeling, and advanced numerical simulations. By isolating the interface effects between loose and dense sand layers, the study systematically evaluates the evolution of penetration resistance, the formation of soil plugs, and the localized stress distribution mechanisms at the interface transition zone. The findings indicate that penetration energy does not increase linearly across interfaces but exhibits a pronounced gradient highly dependent on the relative density contrast and the depth of the interface. This non-linear energy accumulation poses substantial risks for premature refusal during installation. A predictive framework incorporating these interface effects is proposed, offering a refined calculation method for penetration energy in heterogeneous marine soils. The results provide critical insights for optimizing the structural design and installation protocols of offshore bucket foundations in complex geotechnical environments.
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