Wind-induced dynamic amplification effects on the shallow foundation of a horizontal-axis wind turbine

Wind loads are random variables, which induce significantly greater responses in structures than do static loads. We develop a finite-infinite element model of a 2 MW wind turbine using ABAQUS and then verify it with in situ data. The adopted dynamic constitutive model of the soil is based on the Davidenkov skeleton curve. The results demonstrate that the dynamic amplification factors (DAFs) strongly depend on wind speed and spatial position. Considerable values of the DAFs, ground acceleration, and ground velocity are observed, suggesting that the responses of the shallow foundation of a wind turbine are affected by dynamic wind loads.