Modeling Comparison of Monopile and Elevated Pile Foundation for Offshore Wind Turbines

摘要

In order to analyze the bearing capacity of monopile foundation and elevated pile foundation for offshore wind turbines, models were established using finite element analysis software Abaqus and design software FDOW. Bearing capacities of the monopile foundation and elevated pile foundation were compared and analyzed, under the premise of same geometry size and boundary conditions. Two types of Abaqus monopile foundation models were established respectively using beam and shell element. The Abaqus elevated pile foundation model was established using shell element for the steel pipe pile and the solid element for the concrete pile cap. Soil constraints were simulated using p-y curve method. In the FDOW models, soil constraints were simulated using p-y curve method as well. Stress under extreme conditions and deformation under normal conditions were calculated respectively. The calculated results of Abaqus and FDOW were closer, but there are some differences as well. Considering the importance of wind turbine foundations, at least two software should be used when design, and take the unfavorable results as design guidance, which may provide a theoretical basis and recommendations for the future design.