Development of New Methodologies to Assess the Structural Integrity of the Grouted Joint of a 10 MW Wind Turbine Substructure

Abstract

Monopiles are currently the most commonly used substructure in the offshore wind market due to their ease of installation in shallow to medium waters. The monopile and the transition piece are connected by a grouted joint. Fatigue and corrosion are two of the most important degradation mechanisms in this type of support structures. These mechanisms increase the costs and compromise the reliability of the structures. The development of new models and methodologies for the analysis of these degradation mechanisms is crucial. For this reason, a deterministic methodology to analyze the behavior of grouted joints has been developed considering the effect of corrosion on the steel parts of the grouted joints and the reliability of the joint under fatigue. Also, a probabilistic model for concrete grout fatigue strength and two probabilistic models for fatigue reliability assessment of steel components of the grouted connection have been developed.