Dynamic Assessment of OWT under Coupled Seismic and Sea-wave Motions

Abstract

The effect of soil-monopile-structure interaction is of great importance in the design of offshore wind turbines (OWTs). Although sea waves play the most effective role in the performance of OWTs, the coupled effect of sea-wave loads and seismic motion on the performance of the OWT system in seismic-prone areas is a factor that is less investigated and should not be ignored. In this regard, a 2-D porous model based on Biot’s poro-elastic theory is considered to capture the pore water pressure generation in the soil domain surrounding the OWT foundation. The coupled effect of sea waves and seismic motion through a comparative study is considered for the reference OWT system based on the monopile foundation by using the FE program, OpenSees. The results of the analyses are presented in specific locations. Upon the obtained results, the dynamic behavior of the OWT system and the possibility of liquefaction in the soil surrounding the OWT during applied loads are investigated and compared. This comparison is a good representative of the effect of the seismic motion on the performance of the OWT system and the soil medium by considering soil-monopile-structure interaction in seismic-prone areas.