Pile penetration through scour protection: integrating physical, field and numerical approaches into a predictive tool
Pile penetration through scour protection: integrating physical, field and numerical approaches into a predictive tool
The installation of monopile foundations through pre-installed scour protection layers presents challenges for offshore wind projects. This paper presents the development of a semi-empirical modelling framework to predict the maximum penetration resistance in such conditions. The work was carried out within a research joint industry project on optimisation of pile installation through scour protection. The model integrates data from physical experiments, field measurements, and numerical simulations. Governing variables such as sand density, intruder thickness, rock size, and the thicknesses of the armour and filter layers were identified and included in the formulation. A weighted regression approach was applied to develop a predictive surface, with separate fits for loose and dense sand conditions. The results show that empirical data, when combined with physical interpretation, field observations, and numerical simulations, can be used to develop a predictive tool with high accuracy. The work contributes to the development of methods for offshore foundation installations and demonstrates the value of integrating physics, field, and numerical approaches into a predictive model.
Giulia Macaro; Mario Martinelli; Cihan Cengiz; Hao Shi; Jovana Jovanova; Dingena Schott; Etienne Alderlieste; Toon Van der Linden; Aimen Kherief; Sanne Brinkman; Giorgos Chortis
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Special Session 4: Innovative Methods for Offshore Foundation Installation
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-338