Nonlinear numerical modelling of onshore wind turbine foundations validated with experimental data

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Sobrinho, M (Author) Other; Mário Jorge Pimentel (Author) FEUP; Magalha, F (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Engineering Structures

Vol. 336

ISSN: 0141-0296

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Structural engineering

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-018-T29

DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.120441

Abstract (EN): This paper presents a detailed and comprehensive modelling strategy for reproducing the behaviour of onshore wind turbine foundations, incorporating the details of the tower-to-foundation connection. The study focuses on comparing the performance of the two most common solutions for this connection: prestressed anchor cage (AC) and embedded tower foundation section (TFS). In the latter case, modelling strategies are developed to account for the presence of gaps (or voids) between the steel flange and the surrounding concrete, a common occurrence in this type of solution, and to access their impact on the overall performance of the system. The analysis examines the behaviour of these systems under service conditions and at the ultimate limit state with different levels of modelling complexity, providing insights into their operational performance and load-bearing capacities. Furthermore, the developed models are validated with experimental results collected in two wind turbines continuously monitored during more than one year to ensure that the simulations accurately reflect the real behaviour and to enhance the reliability of the findings. The combination of advanced modelling with rarely available monitoring results permitted the proposal of a dully validated and original modelling strategy with great relevant for the evaluation of a large number of ageing wind turbines with issues at the connection towerfoundation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18