Pile Tip Damage and Extrusion Buckling Assessment through Centrifuge Modelling and Large Deformation Finite Element Analysis

There have been a number of cases worldwide where pile tip damage and extrusion buckling occurred, generally requiring rather costly remedial actions. The issue has become of particular concern for the fast-growing global offshore wind industry as large diameter thin-walled piles, vulnerable to tip damage, are being used extensively. The thesis presents the results of a series of centrifuge tests modelling the issue, forming the first comprehensive high-quality database available. The data were used to develop and calibrate advanced finite element numerical models and empirical design procedures to assess the potential of pile tip damage and extrusion buckling in design.