3-Dimensional numerical study of wave-induced seabed response around three different types of wind turbine pile foundations

In this paper, preliminary study is conducted on oscillatory wave-induced seabed response around three configuration cases of pile support foundations applying a 3-dimensional integrated numerical model to study and comparatively analyzed them. In the past, numerous studies have been conducted into exploring the wave-seabed-structure interaction (WSSI) mostly around monopile. However, attention on other pile support structure foundations is minimal. In this present study, Reynolds-Average Navier–Stokes equations with k-turbulence closure as well as Biot’s poroelastic theory are employed to govern the wave motion and porous seabed foundation respectively. The present numerical model is compared with available physical experimental data to determine its capability of simulating the WSSI around pile structures. Results analysis indicate that the impact of wave forces and wave pressure on the gravity-based support foundation is relatively higher than that of the monopile and tripod support pile due to the large peripheral area it occupied. Result of the momentary wave-induced liquefaction depth for the three configuration cases of pile structures at the upstream side in the seabed foundation shows that the tripod support pile has higher tendency resistance against wave-induced liquefaction, which may perhaps be due to the additional legs.