Numerical investigation on horizontal deformation of large diameter monopile under cyclic wave loading with local scour holes

Abstract

Seabed liquefaction and local scour around the offshore wind turbine (OWT) monopile have significant effects on the horizontal bearing capacity of the foundation. The horizontal displacement of the monopile at the seabed mudline is one of important factors considered in the foundation design. In this study, the effects of local scour and soil liquefaction on the monopile horizontal displacement were investigated. The dynamic response of sandy seabed with various densities under wave loading was simulated by adopting the Cyclic Mobility (CM) model. The numerical model was compared with previous experimental results. Then, the effects of local scour and soil liquefaction on the monopile horizontal bearing capacity were discussed. The differences in the effects of local scour and liquefaction on the horizontal displacement of monopile in the case of sandy seabed with different densities were compared. Numerical results shown that the effect of soil liquefaction caused by the vertical cyclic wave loading on the monopile horizontal bearing capacity is more significant than that of local scouring and horizontal cyclic loading, especially in loose sandy seabed. For dense sandy seabed, the local scour of the seabed has a more significant impact on the horizontal bearing capacity of the foundation.