Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Grouted Joints in Monopiles Subjected to Early-age Cycling to Evaluate the Influence of Different Wave Loadings

摘要

During the hardening process of the grout, grouted joints, which are assembled offshore, are typically subjected to mainly wave-induced relative movements between grouted steel members of monopile structures for offshore wind turbines. In order to determine the dimensions of relative movements, numerical simulations of mechanisms causing relative movement between the ungrouted steel members are carried out for different sea states, which are to be expected during grouting and hardening process. The effects of earlyage movement on the material properties of grout material are evaluated on basis of experimental simulations. It has been shown that the effects on the properties of hardened grout are complex.