Scour prediction and scour protections in offshore wind farms

This paper is the result of research whose main objective is to analyse different methods used for the prediction of maximum scour depth and scour extension, and for the design of scour protections in offshore wind farms located in shallow water, using medium and large diameter monopile foundations. Physical agents such as waves, currents and wind play a major role in the design of structures like offshore farms. As a result, the study has highlighted the need for introducing experience backed climate monomials such as the dimensionless wave height parameter (H0) and proposes the use of formulations that can express the extent of scour protections as a function of waves in transitional waters.

► Analysis of different methods for the of maximum scour depth and scour extension, and for the design of scour protections.
► The analysis includes a thorough review of European offshore wind farms with monopiles and GBS foundations.
► The study has highlighted the need for introducing climate monomials sanctioned by experience for the analysis.
► Scour protection is necessary to avoid problems.
► Advices: scour protection extensions between L/4 and L/2 and granular material with a H0 between 6 and 20.