Effect of scouring in sand on monopile-supported offshore wind turbines

This paper analyzes the influence of scour on the overall response of monopile-supported offshore wind turbines (OWTs) in 20-m water depth. Scouring effects on OWTs have been often studied within the geotechnical domain, considering static loads at the mudline. The present work attempts to address the scour-induced problems in OWTs by making use of an integrated aerodynamic-hydrodynamic load approach in sandy soils. The OWT analysis is simulated for operational and shut-down (parked) condition. Under parked situations, the OWT blades are feathered, and power production is suspended, owing to structural safety concerns. The 50 Monte Carlo responses of stochastic sea-state condition (wind speed with turbulence, significant wave height, and peak spectral period) are generated. Irregular, long-crested waves are generated using the Joint North Sea Wave Project (JONSWAP) spectrum. Then from each simulation, the ensemble response is obtained. Sandy soils of varying densities are considered. Results indicate that OWTs founded on loose sands suffer significant stiffness (and hence natural frequency) reductions, shifting the structure into the resonance regime. Lateral responses also show an escalation with reduction in density of sandy soil.