WAMSS CDT | Researchers

Afternoon Session:
Operations and Maintenance, and Geotechnics

Dimitrios Konstantinidis

University of Oxford

Title: TA-Ger HC: A cyclic plasticity model for sands

Abstract: A new cyclic plasticity model for sands, ‘Ta-Ger HC’ is presented. This model is derived from the existing sand model 'Ta-Ger'. A series of computational studies unveiled the necessity for adjustments in specific constitutive elements of the original Ta-Ger model to be able to accurately simulate high-cycle loading behaviour. The revised model, Ta-Ger HC, incorporating these modifications, demonstrates proficiency not only in simulating sand's cyclic response within fewer cycles, but also in accurately predicting accumulated strain up to 10000 cycles. Furthermore, the importance of implementing a robust and accurate integration scheme is underscored through simulations of high-cycle loading with varying levels of accuracy.

Rachel Keane

University of Oxford

Title: Cyclic lateral loading of monopiles in dry and saturated sands - laboratory-scale testing

Abstract: This research is concerned with the optimisation of foundations for offshore wind turbines - in particular monopiles, which remain the most popular foundation type for offshore wind applications. My research is part of a larger project - the PICASO project - which focuses on cyclic lateral loading on offshore monopiles and subsequent effects on ultimate capacity. A suite of 1g model scale laboratory tests on monopiles founded in both dry and saturated sands were conducted. There is also a field-scale test campaign underway where medium-scale piles in sand are subjected to cyclic loading, which the model tests will be comparable to.

Victoria Sykes

University of Strathclyde

Title: Optimisation of floating offshore wind substructure for 15MW turbine
to help aid a cost reduction

Abstract: Wind energy has proven successful both onshore and offshore, with fixed foundations. Nearshore sites are becoming less readily available due to rapid deployment, pushing developers further offshore. An attractive techno-economic solution for deeper waters is floating offshore wind. It has been estimated that floating offshore wind will cost approximately double that of its fixed counterpart. One area where refinements can be made is the floating substructure, which is predicted to account for around 30% of the capital cost. This work aims to create a framework to optimize floating offshore wind substructures, aiming for cost reduction while still considering performance.

Afternoon Session: Operations and Maintenance, and Geotechnics

Afternoon Session:
Operations and Maintenance, and Geotechnics