Enhancing Structural Performance of Monopiles Using Extenders: A Comparative Study on Lateral Pile Displacement and Load Capacity-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The study examines a hybrid monopile foundation with reinforced-concrete (RC) footings as a way to support larger offshore wind turbines and extend monopile use into deeper waters. Monopiles are relatively straightforward to fabricate and install, while alternatives such as jacket foundations can be more costly. Earlier hybrid approaches have often added fabrication or installation complexity.<br /><br />The proposed concept was evaluated for a 50 m water-depth scenario using representative East Coast clay and sand soils. Its lateral response was compared with that of a conventional monopile under two assumptions for footing–soil interaction: negligible base friction and greater base friction.<br /><br />The results indicate that base friction is important to improving lateral capacity. The hybrid concept also shifts the pile’s point of rotation upward, increasing flexural rigidity. Unlike a conventional monopile, which relies on passive soil resistance, the hybrid foundation can additionally mobilize friction beneath the footing and resistance as the footing rotates against the soil.<br /><br />Further work is needed to quantify structural benefits, optimize footing dimensions and geometry, and assess construction requirements, including seabed preparation and placement of the concrete footings.

Keywords

hybrid monopile

offshore wind turbine

reinforced-concrete footing

lateral response

base friction

monopile foundation

deep water

flexural rigidity

clay and sand soils

offshore foundation design