Abstract

This paper presents a computationally efficient modeling approach for predicting underwater noise radiation from offshore pile driving. The complete noise prediction model comprises two modules. First, a sound generation module is adopted to capture the interaction between the pile, the fluid, and the seabed, aiming at modeling the sound generation and propagation in the vicinity of the pile. Second, a sound propagation module is developed to propagate the sound field at larger distances from the pile. To couple the input wavefield obtained from the sound generation module, the boundary integral equations (BIEs) are formulated based on the acousto-elastodynamic reciprocity theorem. To advance the mathematical formulation of the BIEs, the Green's tensor for an axisymmetric ring load is derived using the complex wavenumber integration technique. The model advances the computational efficiency and flexibility of the noise prediction in both near- and far-fields from the pile. Finally, model predictions are benchmarked against a theoretical scenario and validated using measurement data from a recent offshore pile-installation campaign.

Highlights

  • Underwater noise generated by offshore pile driving has raised serious concerns over the ecological impact on marine life (Bailey et al, 2010)

  • This paper presents a computationally efficient modeling approach for predicting underwater noise radiation from offshore pile driving

  • To couple the input wavefield obtained from the sound generation module, the boundary integral equations (BIEs) are formulated based on the acousto-elastodynamic reciprocity theorem

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Underwater noise generated by offshore pile driving has raised serious concerns over the ecological impact on marine life (Bailey et al, 2010). A complete physics-based noise prediction model, including modeling the soil as an elastic medium in the near-field and modeling of an impact hammer, was proposed by Fricke and Rolfes (2015). A more complete pile-water-soil interaction model was developed by Tsouvalas and Metrikine (2014), which included a three-dimensional description of the water-saturated seabed as a layered elastic medium. The primary purpose of this paper is to present a computationally efficient method for the prediction of the generation and propagation of the sound field associated with impact piling at large (from the pile) distances, overcoming the limitations of earlier models. The sound generation module captures the vibroacoustic behavior of the coupled pile-water-soil system It provides an accurate description of the input wavefield in terms of both stresses and displacements at the pile proximity.

MODEL DESCRIPTION AND GOVERNING EQUATIONS
Description of the model
Governing equations
An overview of the computational method
SOUND GENERATION MODULE
SOUND PROPAGATION MODULE
Green’s functions
Fluid source
Àqx2 dðz
Soil source
Closed-form response in the frequency domain
Boundary integral formulation
Boundary integrals for sources located in the acoustic layer
Boundary integrals for sources located in the elastic layered half-space
Coupled acousto-elastodynamic BIE
Root-finding algorithm and poles
The branch cuts and branch line integrals
Validation of the Green’s functions
Validation of boundary integrals
NUMERICAL RESULTS
Theoretical benchmark case COMPILE I
Offshore wind farm in German North Sea
VIII. CONCLUSIONS
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