Experimental and Numerical Research on p-y Curve of Offshore Photovoltaic Pile Foundations on Sandy Soil Foundation
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Field Test Methods
2.1. Experimental Setup
2.2. Analysis of the Field Test
3. Numerical Calculation
3.1. Finite Element Model Establishment
3.2. Verification of the Finite Element Model
4. Result and Discussion
4.1. Analysis of Destruction Patterns
4.2. Analysis of p-y Curve Characteristics
4.3. Initial Stiffness Analysis
4.4. Analysis of Soil’s Ultimate Resistance
4.5. Comparative Analysis of Norms
4.6. Correction of p-y Curve
4.7. Design and Construction
5. Conclusions
- (1)
- Under the action of horizontal ultimate load, the failure mode of the fixed offshore photovoltaic single-pile foundation in sandy soil foundation is mainly the wedge-shaped failure of the shallow soil around the pile. With the increase in pile diameter, the failure depth of the shallow soil increases, but the severe failure area is within 8 m below the mud surface.
- (2)
- In sandy soil foundation, the initial stiffness Ki and ultimate resistance pu of the offshore photovoltaic fixed single-pile foundation are in a power function model with pile diameter and distance from the mud surface. The fitting determination coefficient R2 is greater than 0.96, and the fitting relationship is good.
- (3)
- For sandy soil foundation, the p-y curve obtained by API specification and hyperbolic model has a large error, and both underestimate the bearing capacity of the soil. However, the corrected hyperbolic model proposed in this paper is in good agreement with the numerical model, and this method has certain guiding significance for the optimization design of offshore photovoltaic fixed single-pile foundation.
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Research Aspect | What Has Been Done (Established Knowledge and Transferable Insights) | What Remains Scarce (The Specific Research Gap for Offshore PV) |
---|---|---|
General Industry Context | Acknowledged as an emerging industry with vast potential, but overall technology is in its early stages and faces challenges in reliability and integration. Industry experts emphasize the need for bold innovation and customized solutions for different sea areas | Comprehensive technical standards and mature, widely applicable design methods are lacking. |
Specific Technical Challenges | Key technical difficulties have been identified, including structural durability in high salt-spray environments, stability under typhoons and strong waves, and ensuring the economic feasibility of foundations | In-depth studies on the mechanical deformation mechanisms under these complex loads (e.g., wave-ice-wind coupling) are not thoroughly addressed. |
Foundation Testing and Analysis Methods | 1. For Offshore Wind (Monopiles): Advanced methods beyond traditional p-y curves have been developed to analyze lateral deformation of large-diameter monopiles under long-term cyclic loads, using cyclic triaxial tests and numerical modeling. 2. For Laboratory Use: A specialized pile-soil interaction test system has been developed for jacket platforms, capable of applying static, cyclic, and impact loads. A lab-scale bearing performance detection device for offshore PV piles has also been proposed. | 1. The application and validation of these advanced analysis methods (from offshore wind) specifically for offshore PV pile foundations are scarce. 2. Research on full-scale or large-scale field testing methods for the mechanical deformation of installed offshore PV piles is particularly lacking. |
Pile Number | Pile Length (m) | Section Size (mm) | Pile Tip Elevation (m) | The Soil Layer at the Pile Tip | Burial Depth (m) | Endurance Resistance (kN) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SZ01 | 17.5 | 1500 | −12.34 | Silt | 15.21 | 1341 |
Soil Layer | Layer Thickness (m) | Effective Unit Weight of Soil (kN/m3) | Coefficient of Internal Friction (°) | Relative Density | Soil–Pile Friction Angle (°) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Silt | 30 | 9.2 | 29 | 0.25 | 26 |
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Fu, S.; Chen, H.; Lv, G.-e.; Jia, X.; Li, X. Experimental and Numerical Research on p-y Curve of Offshore Photovoltaic Pile Foundations on Sandy Soil Foundation. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13, 1959. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101959
Fu S, Chen H, Lv G-e, Jia X, Li X. Experimental and Numerical Research on p-y Curve of Offshore Photovoltaic Pile Foundations on Sandy Soil Foundation. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2025; 13(10):1959. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101959
Chicago/Turabian StyleFu, Sai, Hongxin Chen, Guo-er Lv, Xianlin Jia, and Xibin Li. 2025. "Experimental and Numerical Research on p-y Curve of Offshore Photovoltaic Pile Foundations on Sandy Soil Foundation" Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 13, no. 10: 1959. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101959
APA StyleFu, S., Chen, H., Lv, G.-e., Jia, X., & Li, X. (2025). Experimental and Numerical Research on p-y Curve of Offshore Photovoltaic Pile Foundations on Sandy Soil Foundation. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(10), 1959. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101959