Numerical Modelling of Multidirectional Loading on Piles in Soft Clay
摘要
In the search of approaches to reduce costs in the deployment of off-shore wind farms utilizing floating systems, multiline anchors present a viable alternative by reducing the number of anchors and installations required. As part of the research objectives of ShareWind project, this study introduces a workflow for conducting numerical simulations that apply multidirectional loads, simulating the convergence of three mooring lines onto a single pile anchor installed in soft clay. Utilizing OpenSees, the numerical model is first calibrated against centrifuge test data for piles under monotonic and cyclic loads. Subsequently, a series of numerical analyses were performed applying variable amplitude load sequences and considering seabed inclination conditions. The research concludes with a suite of numerical simulations that impose loads characteristic of a floating wind turbine, thereby simulating the convergence of three mooring lines onto the pile anchor. The findings present a modeling framework for this specific load condition, which could be instrumental for other researchers and practitioners in the field.