Numerical Study on Axial Load Bearing Capacity of Grouted Connections in Offshore Wind Turbine Foundation

Abstract:

A finite element model for the analysis of grouted connections is established， and the effects of radial stiffness， ratio of length to diameter， and height-to-space ratio of shear keys on the ultimate axial bearing capacity are studied. Besides， the distribution of contact pressure between steel tube and grout material is also analyzed. The results show that the increase in radial stiffness can enhance the restraint effect on the grout and improve the axial ultimate bearing capacity of grouted connections. The ratio of length to diameter can significantly improve the ultimate bearing capacity， but at the same time， the interface transfer strength and ductility of grouted connections decrease continuously. The height-to-space ratio of shear keys mainly affects the number of shear keys in grouted connections， thus affecting the ultimate bearing capacity of grouted connection. The increase in the height-to-distance ratio can improve the ultimate bearing capacity of grouted connection.

Key words:grouted connection;axial bearing capacity;radial stiffness;ratio of length to diameter;ratio of height to space