Session: 06-01-01 Computational Mechanics and Design Applications

Submission Number: 176024

Design of Geotechnical Centrifuge Experiments for Grouped Anchor Systems in Four Steps 

Floating offshore structures, such as floating offshore wind turbines and other deep-water platforms, require cost-effective and reliable anchoring systems for deployment in challenging marine environments. Conventional anchors, such as suction caissons and piles, are well established, but novel concepts are under development to enhance performance and reduce costs. These new systems require validation through both physical and numerical modelling to ensure their reliability and suitability for large-scale applications. Physical models, either in 1g conditions or in a geotechnical centrifuge (Ng), enable the investigation of new foundation systems by capturing key soil–structure interaction processes and possible failure mechanisms under limit conditions. This article presents a rational method to define the conditions required to conduct centrifuge models for anchoring systems based on the combination of numerical and 1g physical models. Finite element simulations were used to identify target prototypes and to define the manufacturing of reduced-scale foundations, as well as the design of the load and displacement measurement system. Results from 1g tests under monotonic inclined loading are reported as a first step towards centrifuge testing, supporting the design and validation of a novel grouped anchor concept for mooring lines and contributing to the development of more efficient anchoring solutions for floating offshore applications.

Presenting Author: Lau Fogh Aarhus University

Presenting Author Biography: Lau Fogh is a PhD student at Aarhus University, Denmark, in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering. His research focuses on the design and analysis of offshore foundation and anchoring systems for floating structures, with a particular emphasis on numerical modelling and soil–structure interaction. He holds an MSc in Civil Engineering from Aarhus University and has professional and academic experience in geotechnical analysis and offshore foundation design.

Authors:

Lau Fogh Aarhus University
Andrea Franza Aarhus University
Luis Felipe Prada-Sarmiento Aarhus University
Alejandro Martinez University of California, Davis
Lars Vabbersgaard Andersen Aarhus University