Experimental study on grouted connections under static lateral loading with various axial load ratios

Grouted connections are critical parts of the integrity of offshore wind turbine structures since they transfer the upper loads to the lower foundations. In this paper, grouted connection specimens were experimentally studied to investigate the interaction between bending moment and axial load. They were subjected to a horizontal loading with various axial load ratios. The mechanical behavior of these specimens such as bearing capacity, ductility and failure mode was investigated. Furthermore, strain distributions on steel tubes of grouted connection were evaluated to learn the load transferring mechanism. Experimental results showed that grouted connection specimens had good ductility and sufficient bearing capacity. With the increasing of the axial compression level, the lateral bearing capacity and ductility of grouted connection decreased.