Free gas can significantly alter the hydro-mechanical properties of marine sediment, leading to increased compressibility, reduced shear strength, and disrupted permeability. However, its potential role as a hazard to the foundations and structures of offshore wind turbines is often overlooked in calculation standards and foundation design protocols. The degradation caused by the presence of free gas may occur during the installation phase as well as throughout the operational lifespan of a wind turbine.
The PhD will be focusing on:
-characterising the effect of gas on the static and cyclic behaviour of fine clayey and coarser silty sediment.
-evaluate the impact of gas on the installation and operational stability of a pile and suction anchor foundation in clayey and coarser silty sediment.
-develop practical design guidelines that integrate the influence of gas into engineering practices for offshore wind turbine foundations, thereby enhancing their reliability and performance

For further information, see the attached [PDF].