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Interpretative framework for CPT p-y module tests in drained sands: a practical model for end effect elimination considering sand relative density and surcharge pressure

Interpretative framework for CPT p-y module tests in drained sands: a practical model for end effect elimination considering sand relative density and surcharge pressure
Interpretative framework for CPT p-y module tests in drained sands: a practical model for end effect elimination considering sand relative density and surcharge pressure

Accelerating the current timeline of offshore wind projects is imperative to achieve global decarbonisation plans. In response, a novel in-situ site characterisation tool ROBOCONE is being developed to make the geotechnical design of offshore pile foundations more efficient by directly providing lateral p-y response data, reducing the need for offshore sampling and onshore laboratory testing. This device expands the kinematic range of standard cone penetrometer testing by integrating a robotic cylindrical section capable of horizontal translation, referred to as a p-y module. However, due to the finite length of p-y module, it is necessary to quantify ‘end effects’ to accurately derive p-y curves from the direct measurements of the p-y module. This paper presents detailed three-dimensional finite element analyses of the p-y module in sands, utilizing a bounding surface elastoplastic model that accounts for variations in stress–strain behaviour due to relative density and stress level. The resulting end effect model is underpinned by a two-stage optimisation process that considers key factors such as overburden pressure and relative density. The model's predictive accuracy is proven through additional finite element analyses different to the calibration cases. The research outcomes offer a robust interpretative framework to accurately determine p-y curves for the design of laterally loaded offshore piles, using the ROBOCONE p-y module.

End effect, Numerical modelling, Offshore site investigation, ROBOCONE p-y module, Sands, p-y curves
0266-352X
Wen, Kai
f2914054-5942-445d-9138-a8007243794c
White, David J.
a986033d-d26d-4419-a3f3-20dc54efce93
Cerfontaine, Benjamin
0730daf4-9d6b-4f2d-a848-a3fc54505a02
Gourvenec, Susan
6ff91ad8-1a91-42fe-a3f4-1b5d6f5ce0b8
Diambra, Andrea
74738123-dea6-4ef8-8349-a42502f40b55
Wen, Kai
f2914054-5942-445d-9138-a8007243794c
White, David J.
a986033d-d26d-4419-a3f3-20dc54efce93
Cerfontaine, Benjamin
0730daf4-9d6b-4f2d-a848-a3fc54505a02
Gourvenec, Susan
6ff91ad8-1a91-42fe-a3f4-1b5d6f5ce0b8
Diambra, Andrea
74738123-dea6-4ef8-8349-a42502f40b55

Wen, Kai, White, David J., Cerfontaine, Benjamin, Gourvenec, Susan and Diambra, Andrea (2025) Interpretative framework for CPT p-y module tests in drained sands: a practical model for end effect elimination considering sand relative density and surcharge pressure. Computers and Geotechnics, 183, [107205]. (doi:10.1016/j.compgeo.2025.107205).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Accelerating the current timeline of offshore wind projects is imperative to achieve global decarbonisation plans. In response, a novel in-situ site characterisation tool ROBOCONE is being developed to make the geotechnical design of offshore pile foundations more efficient by directly providing lateral p-y response data, reducing the need for offshore sampling and onshore laboratory testing. This device expands the kinematic range of standard cone penetrometer testing by integrating a robotic cylindrical section capable of horizontal translation, referred to as a p-y module. However, due to the finite length of p-y module, it is necessary to quantify ‘end effects’ to accurately derive p-y curves from the direct measurements of the p-y module. This paper presents detailed three-dimensional finite element analyses of the p-y module in sands, utilizing a bounding surface elastoplastic model that accounts for variations in stress–strain behaviour due to relative density and stress level. The resulting end effect model is underpinned by a two-stage optimisation process that considers key factors such as overburden pressure and relative density. The model's predictive accuracy is proven through additional finite element analyses different to the calibration cases. The research outcomes offer a robust interpretative framework to accurately determine p-y curves for the design of laterally loaded offshore piles, using the ROBOCONE p-y module.

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Interpretative Framework for CPT p-y Module Tests in Drained Sands - Accepted Manuscript
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More information

Accepted/In Press date: 11 March 2025
e-pub ahead of print date: 28 March 2025
Published date: 28 March 2025
Keywords: End effect, Numerical modelling, Offshore site investigation, ROBOCONE p-y module, Sands, p-y curves

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 502972
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/502972
ISSN: 0266-352X
PURE UUID: 9fd8a144-3e18-49ff-a888-abe8fd22d0c9
ORCID for Kai Wen: ORCID iD orcid.org/0009-0007-8066-1552
ORCID for David J. White: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-2968-582X
ORCID for Benjamin Cerfontaine: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-4833-9412
ORCID for Susan Gourvenec: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-2628-7914

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 15 Jul 2025 16:50
Last modified: 22 Aug 2025 02:40

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Contributors

Author: Kai Wen ORCID iD
Author: David J. White ORCID iD
Author: Susan Gourvenec ORCID iD
Author: Andrea Diambra

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