Offshore wind turbine monopile foundations subjected to the extreme loading conditions

This research exchange programme aims to tackle a pressing reliability gap which is how monopile foundations behave dynamically when waves, wind, and occasional earthquakes act together. Real projects still face costly redesigns and, in worst cases, serviceability failures (excess vibration, resonance), progressive stiffness loss from cyclic loading, fatigue cracking, scour-induced instability, and even in susceptible soils liquefaction under seismic shaking. Working with Tianjin University’s shaking table facilities, we will combine scaled experiments, site data, and numerical models (macro-elements, time/frequency-domain SSI, damping and cyclic-degradation laws) to map safe operating ranges, avoid resonance with rotor bands, and quantify accumulated damage across design life. The collaboration will produce validated design methods, screening tools for combined loading, and practical guidance aligned with the relevant codes of practice, alongside REF-able journal publications that document performance gains and risk reduction.