Static behavior modeling of grouted connections under lateral loading for offshore wind turbine structures

This study investigated the effects of lateral loading on the mechanical behavior of grouted connections in jacket support structures. Scaled tests were carried out to examine the performance of the connections at four axial loading levels. Results were adopted to validate three-dimensional models by comparing failure modes, load displacement curves and longitudinal strain distribution of the steel tubes in the connections. Then, finite element models were used to identify moment resistance components caused by contact pressure, horizontal friction, vertical friction and shear keys. Their proportions were calculated by integration of the stresses with numerical results. It turns out that contributions of shear keys and contact pressure take the 75% of bending moment capacity during the loading process. Following discussions were focused on how the variation of moment resistance components relates to the axial load ratio and loading process. Thereafter, the bending moment transferring mechanism was elucidated. The data can provide a sound basis for future designs of grouted connections under combined loads.