Research on Axial Mechanical Properties of the Grouted Connection Section Considering Installation Errors

Abstract

[Introduction] With the development of offshore wind turbine works to deep sea areas, the challenging construction environment tends to result in errors in the installation of the grouted connection for the jacket foundation. These errors can subsequently affect the axial mechanical properties of the grouted connection. Therefore, it is necessary to study the impact laws of installation errors on the axial mechanical properties of the grouted connection section. [Method] The study was commenced by conducting axial static loading tests on reduced-scale test piece of the grouted connection section, which was followed by simulating the axial loading process of the corresponding test piece using the finite element analysis method. The simulation results were found to align well with the experimental data, indicating a successful outcome. [Result] According to the research findings, the increasing in longitudinal and transverse installation errors can lead to an increase in the axial stiffness of the grouted connection section. This, in turn, further alters the longitudinal strain distribution of the casing and pile pipe. Additionally, the increase in installation errors can lead to an increase in the maximum value of the third principal stress in the grouting materials during the axial loading process, as well as changes in its distribution location. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the influence of installation errors on the axial mechanical properties of the grouted connection section for the jacket foundation can cause alterations in failure modes of the grouted connection section. Therefore, it is needed to consider and evaluate the harm caused by the impact laws of installation errors based on their influence rules.

Keywords

• grouted connection section
• installation errors
• reduced-scale experiment
• finite element analysis
• axial mechanical properties