Assessment of p-y Curves from Numerical Methods for a non-Slender Monopile in Cohesionless Soil

In current design the stiff large diameter monopile is a widely used solution as foundation of offshore wind turbines. Winds and waves subject the monopile to considerable lateral loads. The current design guidances apply the p-y curve method with formulations for the curves based on slender piles. However, the behaviour of the stiff monopiles during lateral loading is not fully understood. In this paper case study from Barrow Offshore Wind Farm is used in a 3D finite element model. The analysis forms a basis for extraction of p-y curves which are used in an evaluation of the traditional curves. Different extraction methods are described and discussed.In current design the stiff large diameter monopile is a widely used solution as foundation of offshore wind turbines. Winds and waves subject the monopile to considerable lateral loads. The current design guidances apply the p-y curve method with formulations for the curves based on slender piles. However, the behaviour of the stiff monopiles during lateral loading is not fully understood. In this paper case study from Barrow Offshore Wind Farm is used in a 3D finite element model. The analysis forms a basis for extraction of p-y curves which are used in an evaluation of the traditional curves. Different extraction methods are described and discussed