Investigating Punch-Through modelling in monopile installation to reduce risks in wind farm development

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4. Investigating Punch-Through modelling in monopile installation to reduce risks in wind farm development

In response to the global challenge of climate change and the critical need to reduce CO2 emissions, the construction of wind farms has significantly increased.  Currently, monopiles are the primary foundation structures used for wind farms, but as their size and weight increase, ensuring their stability and safety becomes paramount. The GEOLAB "Punch-Through Modelling in Monopile Installation" (PTM2I) project addresses the crucial issue of assessing the initial bearing capacity of these structures, particularly in layered soil conditions that could lead to pile runa sudden, uncontrolled penetration that poses significant risks to construction safety and efficiency.

The PTM2I project utilizes an experimental approach involving centrifuge tests at Deltares in Delft. These tests simulate the installation of monopiles in layered soils under both displacement-control and force-control conditions. The experimental campaign focuses on scenarios where monopiles transition from a stiff, strong layer to a softer layer, a situation prone to punch-through failure. The experimental data developed within this project will be then used to validate advanced numerical models suitable for pile penetration applications, such as the Material Point Method, Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian method, and Particle-Finite-Element method.

This paper will illustrate the experimental data which provide insights into the soil-structure interactions during monopile installation, particularly under self-weight penetration. The results will highlight the impact of varying soil strengths on the punch-through mechanism and the associated risks of pile run. By addressing the complexities of layered soils, the project will support the industry's efforts in building sustainable and reliable renewable energy sources. The outcomes of this research will not only enhance the stability of wind farms but also strengthen their role as critical infrastructure in the global effort against climate change.

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

6 - Pile Installation Challenges and Decommissioning in sands and clays: monopiles, anchor piles, pin piles