Windmill foundations with FEA
Windmill foundations with FEA
(OP)
Dear mates,
I need to desing a square reinforced concrete foundation for several windmills in the North of Spain using finite elements. The dimensions vary from 10 to 15 metres length and 1 to 1.5 m depth.
My first idea is to perform a very simple linear static analysis to estimate the amount of steel. Then, I will confirm the reinforcement using a 3D model with nonlinear materials for concrete and steel.
I would like to know if there is any kind of academic work, book, paper and such that can help me to build the model and to check some results. Any advice or comment will be useful and helpful. Thanks a lot.
Note: The FEM software I have is Cosmos/m (Ansys like but a bit cheaper).
I need to desing a square reinforced concrete foundation for several windmills in the North of Spain using finite elements. The dimensions vary from 10 to 15 metres length and 1 to 1.5 m depth.
My first idea is to perform a very simple linear static analysis to estimate the amount of steel. Then, I will confirm the reinforcement using a 3D model with nonlinear materials for concrete and steel.
I would like to know if there is any kind of academic work, book, paper and such that can help me to build the model and to check some results. Any advice or comment will be useful and helpful. Thanks a lot.
Note: The FEM software I have is Cosmos/m (Ansys like but a bit cheaper).





RE: Windmill foundations with FEA
Joe Tank
RE: Windmill foundations with FEA
One of the issues to consider is that you may have partial loss of contact of the bearing area.
RE: Windmill foundations with FEA
You are right, Stephen, it sounds a bit like an academic assignment but, surprisingly, the amount of concrete needed for wind turbine foundations is one of the most expensive items used in the process. The design with FEA was, in fact, a client requirement.
Thank you for the reference, Joe. Unfortunately, the Handbook of concrete engineering by Mark Fintel is going to be hard to find. I will try with an equivalent concrete manual. The only special issue is the connection between the steel mast and the concrete foundation and that is all.
RE: Windmill foundations with FEA
RE: Windmill foundations with FEA
RE: Windmill foundations with FEA
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Windmill foundations with FEA
RE: Windmill foundations with FEA
The reason why square foundations are normally used is that it is easier to dig a square hole. For an octagonal foundation they will probably just dig a square hole and backfill the corners after.
Why are you using formwork if this is in ground? The formwork will be more expensive than the concrete!
As far as the finite element is concerned, this is a waste of your clients money. There are no elements in this simple design that can be refined by the analysis.