Aspects in model testing of a monopile in steep waves

Abstract

Different aspects regarding model testing of a vertical, bottom-fixed monopile in steep waves are discussed. The different topics are related in the sense that they can improve the quality of experimental data. The discussion includes wave generation, wave absorption, tank wall effects, Reynolds number effects, the effect of sectioning of models and tank bottom topography. An automatic test procedure was developed with a significant gain in both quality and quantity of experimental data. The purpose of this paper is to increase the awareness of the many possible flaws that can be made in a closed wave tank, in order to contribute to increased quality of data. None of the topics are treated in much detail. However, they are exemplified by new experimental data as well as numerical simulations. The importance of the combined use of experiments, theory and numerical calculations is emphasized.