Centrifuge modelling of mono-pile under cyclic lateral loads

Mono-pile foundations are widely used for wind turbines at present. They are always subjected to significant cyclic lateral loads due to wind and wave actions. In order to better understand the performance of mono-piles under cyclic lateral loads, a series of cyclic lateral load tests was conducted on a stainless steel mono-pile in the centrifuge. The axial and lateral responses of a large diameter monopile under one-way force-controlled cyclic lateral loads are described. Accumulated permanent pile shaft lateral displacements caused by cyclic lateral loads are discussed, and a function is utilized to estimate these permanent displacements. Also the influence of cyclic lateral loads on the pile lateral secant stiffness is investigated. These results offer an insight to further research to optimise designs of mono-pile foundations to resist live