• Computers and Concrete
• /
• v.33 no.5
• /
• pp.509-518
• /
• 2024

In this study, we investigated the effect of shear-key placement on the performance of grouted connections in offshore wind-turbine structures. Considering the challenges of height control during installation, we designed and analyzed three grouted connection configurations. We compared the crack patterns and strain distribution in the shear keys under axial loading. The results indicate that the misalignment of shear keys significantly influences the ultimate load capacity of grouted connections. Notably, when the shear keys were positioned facing each other, the ultimate load decreased by approximately 15%, accompanied by the propagation of irregular cracks in the upper shear keys. Furthermore, the model with 50% misalignment in the shear-key placement exhibited the highest ultimate strength, indicating a more efficient load resistance than the reference model. This indicates that tensile-load-induced cracking and the formation of compressive struts in opposite directions significantly affect the structural integrity of grouted connections. These results demonstrate the importance of considering buckling effects in the design of grouted connections, particularly given the thin and slender nature of the inner sleeves. This study provides valuable insights into the design and analysis of offshore wind-turbine structures, highlighting the need for refined design formulas that account for shifts in shear-key placement and their structural implications.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
• /
• v.18 no.6
• /
• pp.21-29
• /
• 2014

This paper deals with the bonding characteristic of grouted joint connections of monopile support structures for offshore wind power facilities. For the integration of pile connection of wind power supporting structure, fiber reinforced high performance cementeous grout was developed and the ultimate compressive strength of it is 125MPa and the direct tensile strength is 7.5 MPa at 7 days. To assess the bond strength of grout filled in pile connection, small scaled direct bond tests under axially loaded was performed and analyzed according the existing guidelines. The fiber volume fraction (0%, 0.5% and 0.9%), aspect ratio of fiber (60 and 80) and the ratio of height to spacing of shear key (0.013 and 0.056) were adopted as the experimental variables. From the test results, the maximum bond strength among the all specimens was 30.8MPa and the bond strength of grouted connection was affected by the ratio of height to spacing of shear key than the fiber volume fraction.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.165-174
• /
• 2010

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of expedite repairing of concrete pavements using precast concrete pavement method and to investigate the effectiveness of slab connection methods. In the demonstration construction, four slabs of jointed concrete pavements were replaced with the precast slabs. First, precast concrete slabs were designed and fabricated, then existing slabs were cut and removed, and finally precast slabs were installed. The slabs were leveled and pockets, holes, and space between the slab bottom and the underlying layer were grouted. From the demonstration construction, details about the design and construction of the precast pavements for repairing of pavements were evaluated. In addition, the slab connection methods such as pocket and hole connection methods were applied in the construction and the slab curling behaviors at the joints that include those connection methods were compared. The results showed that both slab connection methods were applicable, and the hole connection method was superior.

• Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.78-87
• /
• 2014

Recently the offshore wind turbine development is requested to be installed off south-west coast and Jeju island in Korea. Reliable and robust support structures are required to meet the demand on the offshore wind turbine in harsh and rapidly varying environmental conditions. Monopile is the most preferred substructure in shallow water with long term experiences from the offshore gas and oil industries. This paper presents an optimum design of a monopile connection with grouted transition piece (TP) for the reliable and cost-effective design purposes. First, design loads are simulated for a 5 MW offshore wind turbine in site conditions off the southwest coast of Korea. Second, sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the design sensitivity of geometry and material parameters of monopile connection based on the ultimate and fatigue capacities according to DNV standards. Next, optimization is conducted to minimize the total mass and resulted in 30% weight reduction and the optimum geometry and material properties of the monopile substructure of the fixed offshore wind turbine.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
• /
• 2021.05a
• /
• pp.12-13
• /
• 2021

Methods for the manufacture, erection, and assembly of heavy frame modules were proposed. Interferences among precast members were prevented by using bolted metal plates for dry precast beam-to-column joints during assembly with a clearance for tolerance implementing grouted concrete filler plates instead of metal filler plates. Clearances for tolerances were provided to avoid conflictions among components during erection phases. These gaps were, then, grouted by high-strength mortar. The constructability of new connections of a beam-to-column joint using bolted metal plates for precast structures was examined using a full-scale assembly test in which practical observations indicated that members could be aligned and placed accurately in both horizontal and vertical directions, leading to a fast and convenient assembling. Bolt holes of the endplate were properly aligned using couplers with 30 mm fastened length embedded in the columns. The assembly test demonstrated the erection safety and structural stability of the proposed joints that were without filler plates when they were subjected to heavy loads at the time of their erection. The facile and rapid assembly of precast beam-to-column connections with a 30 mm tolerance was observed. The proposed assembly method is rapid, sustainable, and resilient, replacing the conventional methods of concrete frame construction, offering a connection that can be used in constructing infrastructure, such as buildings and pipe-rack frames.