Influence of Seabed Scouring on the Bearing Capacity of Suction Caisson Foundations of Offshore Wind Turbines
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Local scour around suction caisson foundations has emerged as a significant geotechnical hazard for offshore wind turbines as developments extend into deeper waters. This study quantitatively evaluates the scour-induced degradation of the bearing capacity of suction buckets in sand using a three-dimensional finite element model incorporating the Hardening Soil (HS) constitutive model. The HS framework enables realistic representation of stress-dependent stiffness, dilatancy, and plastic hardening, which are essential for simulating stress redistribution caused by scour. Parametric analyses covering a broad range of relative scour depths show that scour depth is the primary factor governing capacity loss. Increasing scour leads to systematic reductions in horizontal and moment capacities, evident stiffness softening, and a downward migration of plastic zones. A critical threshold is identified at Sd/L = 0.3, beyond which the rate of capacity deterioration increases significantly. The H–M failure envelopes contract progressively and exhibit increasing flattening with scour depth while maintaining nearly constant eccentricity. Empirical relationships between scour depth and key envelope parameters are further proposed to support engineering prediction. The results highlight the necessity of integrating scour effects into design and assessment procedures for suction bucket foundations to ensure the long-term performance and safety of offshore wind turbines.
DOI: 10.3390/jmse14020171
Authors: Zhuang Jin, Xuan Liu, Mayao Cheng, Maozhu Peng, Jie Yang
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: G5389497581, G6613842975, G7295881974
OpenAlex ID: W7123613441