Streamlined workflows for offshore wind farm soil design parameter derivation and foundation concept screening

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The development of offshore wind requires an efficient and reliable assessment of foundation concepts to ensure project feasibility and risk mitigation. This study introduces a semi-automated, streamlined geotechnical workflow from soil design parameter derivation to foundation concept screening designed to equip wind farm developers with the necessary information to make rapid and quantifiable assessments of project foundation concept feasibility and associated uncertainty at different phases of the project. The workflow utilises a geological ground model, available Cone Penetration Test and laboratory data, alongside load estimates for various structure types and Wind Turbine Generator sizes. These inputs serve as the basis for the workflow, which comprises the: (i) generation of location specific characteristic soil parameter design lines; (ii) derivation of cyclic soil strength parameters; and (iii) capacity screening for various foundation types including the Gravity-Based Structure, Suction Bucket Jacket, Pile Jacket, and Monopile. Furthermore, installation assessments that evaluate pile driveability and suction bucket installation are also performed. The combined capacity and installation results are then post-analysed and presented in a visually informative format, such as spatial heat maps, which can be tailored to visualise many user-definable analysis outputs. These include concept feasibility and/or sizing requirement. The results allow developers to make quantifiable, risk-based decisions at various stages of the project timeline: from initial concept studies, through optimisation of the site investigation, to Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and beyond. By automating these processes, the workflow enhances the efficiency and value of foundation screening and design, ultimately supporting the successful development of offshore wind projects.

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

5 - Data Analytics and Machine Learning