A Firm Hold in Rough Seas

Abstract

Wind and wave loads, and corrosion, really put the support structures of offshore wind turbines to the test. The RAVE project Gigawind Alpha Ventus investigated a holistic dimensioning concept for offshore wind turbine support structures. 1:12-scale tripod foundations were tested in a large wave channel, while the welding seams of the lattice-style jacket foundations were examined for fatigue resistance. A measuring system was developed for the grout filling of the cavity between the pile in the seabed and the transition piece that can measure the lateral displacement. At present, multiple protective coatings provide the best corrosion protection. An innovative scour protection was designed using concrete-filled chain elements, which protect the foundations against being exposed as the seabed is washed away by the marine currents. A newly developed programme package enables aero-hydro-elastic whole-body and multiple-body simulations, thus creating a basis for future research.