Analytical and numerical investigation of bolted steel ring flange connection for offshore wind monopile foundations

[摘要] The monopile foundation is the dominant solution for support of wind turbines in offshore wind farms. It is normally grouted to the transition piece which connects the foundation to the turbine. Currently, the bolted steel ring flange connection is investigated as an alternative. The monopile - transition piece connection has specific problems, such as out-of-verticality and installation damage from driving the MP into the seabed and it is not fully known how to design for these. This paper presents the status of the ongoing development work and an estimate of what still needs to be covered in order to use the connection in practice. This involves presentation of an analytical and non-linear FE analysis procedure for the monopile-transition piece connection composed of two L flanges connected with preloaded bolts. The connection is verified for ultimate and fatigue limit states based on an integrated load simulation carried out by the turbine manufacturer.

[发布机构] COWI A/S, Department of Marine and Foundation Engineering, Parallelvej 2, Kgs. Lyngby; DK-2800, Denmark^1;COWI A/S, Department of Major Bridges International, Parallelvej 2, Kgs. Lyngby; DK-2800, Denmark^2;Technical University of Denmark, Department of Civil Engineering, Brovej, Kgs. Lyngby; DK-2800, Denmark^3

[学科分类] 计算机科学（综合）

[关键词] Fatigue limit state;Flange connection;Installation damage;Load simulation;Non-linear FE;Numerical investigations;Offshore winds;Specific problems