Vibratory extraction of piles in sand: insights of a small-scale 1g investigation on the influence of vibratory force
Vibratory extraction of piles in sand: insights of a small-scale 1g investigation on the influence of vibratory force
As early offshore wind farms reach the end of their operational lives, the issue of the decommissioning of the offshore wind turbine is raising. The decommissioning of monopiles, the most widely used foundation type for bottom-founded turbines, presents critical environmental and engineering challenges. The planned practice of cutting piles at seabed level risks leaving millions of tonnes of steel embedded in the seabed, raising concerns regarding long-term environmental impact and potential loss of resource value. This study investigates an alternative decommissioning strategy: full monopile extraction using vibratory methods. By applying vertical vibrations to reduce shaft friction, vibratory extraction may enable the complete recovery of embedded piles, supporting more sustainable and circular decommissioning practices. We present the design and scaling of a 1g experimental set-up developed to simulate this process, along with a parametric study assessing the influence of vibratory force on extraction performance. The vibratory force varies via the eccentric moment at a representative vibration frequency. Results provide insight into the relationship between vibratory force amplitude and frictional resistance, offering preliminary guidelines for upscaling and industrial implementation. These findings support the integration of vibratory tools into future decommissioning strategies, contributing to enhanced life-cycle sustainability of offshore wind infrastructure.
Pauline Andre; Luc Simonin; Hadrien Rattez; George Anoyatis; Stijn Francois; Guillaume Flood-Page
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Special Session 3: Physical Modelling of Installation of Fixed OWT Foundations
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-274