Geotechnical Spatial Variability Impact on Suction Caisson Anchors

This technical report examines the impact of geotechnical spatial variability on the installation of suction caisson anchors (SCAs) for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). The report outlines the advancements in the offshore wind industry over the past decade, emphasizing the need for efficient designs in anchor systems to reduce costs. The study utilizes Monte Carlo simulations to assess the probability of failure of SCAs in reaching target depths during installation, considering the complexities of soil variability across wind farm sites. It details the two-stage installation process of SCAs, including touchdown and suction penetration, and discusses the calculation of penetration resistance using standard approaches. The report further describes the development of a simple anchor model to evaluate installation failure probabilities and presents results from simulations that incorporate various soil parameters. The findings aim to provide insights into optimizing SCA designs by addressing uncertainties in geotechnical data, ultimately contributing to the economic viability of offshore wind energy projects.