Experimental study on ultimate bending performance of grouted connections in offshore wind turbine support structures. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Tao; Li, Zhuxuan; Wang, Xian; Yuan, Guokai; Liu, Jinchao
• Is Part Of: Thin-walled structures. Volume 132(2018)
• Page Start: 522
• Page End: 536
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Grouted connections -- Ultimate bending moment -- Eccentricity value -- Overlap length -- TP tube thickness; Thin-walled structures -- Periodicals; 690.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tws.2018.09.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8231

Abstract

Abstract: This paper investigated six grouted connection specimens under ultimate four point bending test. The different eccentricity values of pile tube, overlap length and thickness of transition piece (TP) tube has been studied. It was found that all the specimens failed in a similar ductile mode. The eccentricity values had little effect on bending capacity, stiffness and ductility. However, the increased eccentricity values would aggravate the radial and inner cracks in grout material. Meanwhile, the overlap length and the thickness of the TP tube had apparent effect on bending behavior. Moreover, the effects of the eccentricity were studied and discussed by theories of composite beams in material mechanics. Highlights: Six grouted connection specimens were designed and tested under ultimate four-point bending moment. The grouted connection eccentricity had little effect on bending capacity and stiffness. Enough overlap length should be guaranteed under the ultimate bending condition. The increased thickness of transition piece tube decreased the bending capacity and yielding displacement. The weakest axis in the grouted connection section were calculated through mechanics of materials.