IWES Tests Suction Bucket Foundations

Wind Industry Profile of

Within an hour, the steel cylinder of the bucket foundation had sunk down into the soil. This installation method for the foundations of offshore wind turbines is both fast and avoids pile driving noise, meaning it can also be employed for sites in regions subject to noise restrictions.

The technique consists in the pumping of water out of sealed steel containers (“buckets”) in order to build up a negative pressure, which draws the structure into the seabed. The challenging aspects of a bucket installation include the distribution of the pressure as well as ensuring that the bucket remains level. Following successful installation, the researchers are now investigating the tensile behavior of suction buckets and the effects of extreme wave loads. A stable... ... More: Official Press Release IWES

Keywords:

IWES, suction bucket, foundation, offshore, windturbine, test center