Design of Dynamically Wind-Loaded Helical Piers for Small Wind Turbines |
| |
| Authors: | Russell Buhler Amy B. Cerato |
| |
| Affiliation: | 1Graduate Research Assistant, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, Univ. of Oklahoma, 202 W. Boyd St., Room 334, Norman, OK 73019. E-mail: russellbuhler@ou.edu
2Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, Univ. of Oklahoma, 202 W. Boyd St., Room 334, Norman, OK 73019 (corresponding author). E-mail: acerato@ou.edu
|
| |
| Abstract: | The expansion of alternative energy has created a demand for sustainable alternatives for wind turbine foundation design. This study investigates the proposed application of helical piers as foundations for guyed cables of small (1–10-kW) wind towers. Before the foundation system can be implemented, pier response to typical working loads and extreme environmental conditions must be determined. Field conditions were determined by equipping an existing wind tower with accelerometers and load cells while monitoring wind speed to determine tower response. A full-scale testing program was conducted, which simulated dynamic loading conditions based on the tower response. The testing program varied between typical working conditions and extreme load events to determine the critical loading case and creep potential from long-term loading. This paper discusses the effects of dynamic loading on helical pier performance and compares the results to that of uplift prediction methods typically used in helical pier design. |
| |
| Keywords: | Piers Dynamic loads Wind loads Guyed towers Creep Turbines |
|
|
