Field observations from large scale Suction Bucket Jacket installation for an Offshore Wind Farm in East China Sea

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4. Field observations from large scale Suction Bucket Jacket installation for an Offshore Wind Farm in East China Sea

Suction Bucket Jacket (SBJ) has become a valid alternative to monopile foundations for offshore wind turbines and the number of Offshore Wind Farms (OWF) founded on SBJ is expected to increase significantly across the globe in the coming years. However, the existing literature and design guidelines related to SBJ installation are still quite limited. Available field experience on SBJ installation is mainly associated to North Sea where first SBJ applications to OWF occurred. Very limited field information is available for SBJ installation in lithologies different from typical heavily over-consolidated North Sea soils. This paper presents experience gained and key observations from the installation of n.52 tripod SBJs (156 suction buckets) for an offshore wind farm in the East China Sea. Soil stratigraphy comprises mainly normally consolidated extremely low to low strength clay and lightly over-consolidated low to high strength silty clays. Key observations from installation are discussed, including self-weight penetrations, suction pressures, penetration rates and set-up factors. Detailed discussion on the commonly used CPT-based method approach and its suitability to our case study is provided. Field observations show tendency of recommended DNV predictions to significantly overestimate the installation resistances and, therefore, the need of a thorough back analysis of the field data. Recommendations for a robust back-analysis framework are given based on lessons learnt on the specific case study.

5th International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics (ISFOG2025)

11 - Suction installed foundations and anchors