Effect of installation parameters and initial soil density on the lateral response of vibratory-driven monopiles
a laboratory study
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Abstract
The vibratory installation of monopiles as foundation for offshore wind turbines is considered a plausible solution next to the conventional installation method (impact-hammering). One of the main advantages is the lower noise emissions, reducing harm to the marine life. However, knowledge on the effects of the vibratory installation parameters on the lateral response of monopiles – and how these effects differ from those caused by impact-driving – is limited. This paper presents the results from an ongoing Joint Industry Project (SIMOX) with focus on 1g laboratory tests carried out in a 9.0m x 5.5m x 2.5m tank with saturated sand at Deltares, the Netherlands. The tests involve the installation (impact and vibratory) of scaled piles with 32 cm diameter, embedment length of 1.5 m and two wall thicknesses. The lateral loading regime consisted of monotonic and cyclic lateral loading. The results show the effect of soil density and different installation parameters of vibratory installation on the lateral response of the piles compared to a conventional impact installation.