VCPT2PDA Project: New method for driveability analysis of vibratory-driven pile based on Vibro-CPTu

Because of several problems, such as under water sound emission and material fatigue, associated with conventional impact pile driving method for offshore wind projects, there is an interest in using vibratory-driving method instead. While the lateral and axial bearing capacities of vibrated piles have been studied in two industry projects (VIBRO, 2014 and VIBRO-RESTRIKE, 2017), the pile driveability analysis (PDA) can only be predicted with a high degree of uncertainty. This can put a serious risk on using vibratory-driving method and may lead to costly down time during installation. A Vibratory cone penetration test (VCPT) has been developed and successfully tested in a predecessor project (Vibro-CPTu) as a means to assess the ground response to a vibratory penetrating object. The aim of this project is to develop a PDA approach by using vibratory CPTu results for Vibratpry-driven piles.

The research project is a collaborative approach between the science partner MARUM-University of Bremen and Deltares Institute together with the industry partners Innogy SE, COWI and Geo-Engineering.org GmbH.

The project has two open PhD positions:

Position 1: Experimental analysis including laboratory and field tests

Position 2: Numerical analysis including 1D and 3D modelling of Vibro-CPT

Details of the project, requirements for each positions and how to apply can be found in the attached document.