Investigations on the influence of jack-up operations on pile foundations of offshore structures (JOPO)

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Tim Pucker
• Subject Area: Geotechnics, Hydraulic Engineering
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 578647732

The project aims to investigate the influence of so-called jack-up operations on pile foundations of offshore wind turbines (OWT). Background and relevance: Offshore wind energy has established itself as a central element of the global energy transition. The most commonly used foundation structures are monopiles and jackets. The piles are usually installed with the help of special jack-up vessels. These vessels lower their legs to the seabed to raise the platform above sea level for a stable working position. So-called spudcans are located at the feet as foundation elements. These leave “footprints” in the ground, which can influence the load-bearing behavior of the foundation structure in the vicinity. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of jack-up operations on offshore structures in the oil and gas sector. The additional loads caused by the spudcan penetration next to existing pile foundations have been investigated. These investigations have shown that such operations additionally influence loading of the pile foundations and change their bedding stiffness. This research project aims to investigate the effects of jack-up operations on the dynamic properties of pile foundations for offshore wind turbines, particularly with regard to the system stiffness and natural frequency of the structures. These factors are decisive for the service life and operational safety of the turbines. The aim is to develop a better understanding of these effects and to enable more precise forecasts of the service life of offshore wind turbines. The research project is divided into several work packages (WP). First, a reference system based on real WTGs will be developed to serve as the basis for numerical models. These models will simulate the effects of jack-up operations on the foundation structures. The numerical results are then validated in model tests before a comprehensive parameter study is carried out. Based on this, a design approach will be developed that takes into account the influence of jack-up operations and can be implemented in practice. The project aims to develop more accurate models for predicting the effects of jack-up operations on offshore pile foundations. The knowledge gained should lead to improved design guidelines and thus increase the safety, sustainability and economic efficiency of offshore wind turbines.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants