SICMOG
Site Characterization and Monopile Installation in Glauconite Soils
Mario Martinelli (Deltares)
Maria Konstantinou (Deltares)
Claudio Tamagnini (Università degli Studi di Perugia)
Kenneth Gavin (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
Rene Thijssen (Royal Boskalis Papendrecht)
Ike van Giffen (Royal Boskalis Papendrecht)
Vladimir Thumann (Seaway7)
Jort van Wijk (IHC IQIP)
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Abstract
The rapid expansion of the offshore wind industry into regions with complex geomaterials, such as glauconite sands, presents significant geotechnical challenges. Glauconite sands, commonly found in shallow marine environments, are characterized by their susceptibility to particle crushing and complex shearing behavior, which can lead to high soil resistance and pile driving refusal during monopile (MP) installation. Current drivability prediction models often fail to account for these unique behaviors, leading to uncertainties and inefficiencies in offshore wind farm planning and construction. This research initiative, led by Deltares, seeks to address these challenges through a comprehensive 3-year program combining advanced experimental and numerical modeling. The project involves soil characterization via laboratory tests, calibration chamber testing, and Cone Penetration Test (CPT) simulations. The development of constitutive and drivability models tailored for glauconite sands aims to improve MP installation predictability and optimize offshore operations. The research will also establish soil classification guidelines for glauconite deposits, addressing gaps in current practices. The project’s findings are expected to provide actionable insights for both the scientific and industrial communities, enhancing the design and installation of offshore monopiles (MPs) in glauconite-bearing soils.