Abstract
In recent years, the offshore wind industry has seen an important boost that is expected to continue in the coming years. In order for the offshore wind industry to achieve adequate development, it is essential to solve some existing uncertainties, some of which relate to foundations. These foundations are important for this type of project. As foundations represent approximately 35% of the total cost of an offshore wind project, it is essential that they receive special attention. There are different types of foundations that are used in the offshore wind industry. The most common types are steel monopiles, gravity-based structures (GBS), tripods, and jackets. However, there are some other types, such as suction caissons, tripiles, etc. For high water depths, the alternative to the previously mentioned foundations is the use of floating supports. Some offshore wind installations currently in operation have GBS-type foundations (also known as GBF: Gravity-based foundation). Although this typology has not been widely used until now, there is research that has highlighted its advantages over other types of foundation for both small and large water depth sites. There are no doubts over the importance of GBS. In fact, the offshore wind industry is trying to introduce improvements so as to turn GBF into a competitive foundation alternative, suitable for the widest ranges of water depth. The present article deals with GBS foundations. The article begins with the current state of the field, including not only the concepts of GBS constructed so far, but also other concepts that are in a less mature state of development. Furthermore, we also present a classification of this type of structure based on the GBS of offshore wind facilities that are currently in operation, as well as some reflections on future GBS alternatives.
Highlights
The offshore wind sector can be considered to be in a commercial stage of development [1]
The total amount of installed power generation has been growing over time due to several factors, for instance: The installation of higher power wind turbines, larger numbers of wind turbines in each facility, the state of development of the offshore wind industry in different countries, the successes achieved in the sector, etc
The main aim of this paper is to show the different existing alternatives of gravity-based structures (GBS) foundations for offshore wind facilities, including the already constructed ones and others in an early stage of development
Summary
The offshore wind sector can be considered to be in a commercial stage of development [1]. The main disadvantages of the GBS are: It has not had great acceptance in the wind industry up to now; it needs soil with specific geotechnical properties, such as high bearing capacity; in general, previous soil preparation is needed for correct support of the structure; the large occupation area in the seabed, with its associated environmental impact; and the necessary means of manufacture, transport, and installation. This typology has not previously been widely used, there are certain opinions that have highlighted its advantages over other types of foundations for both shallow and deep water sites. The paper includes some reflections on the future of GBS alternatives
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