A Hierarchical Analysis Method for Evaluating the Risk Factors of Pile Foundation Construction for Offshore Wind Power

Abstract

To improve the safety level of pile foundation construction for offshore wind power, in this study, the risk indicators of pile foundation construction were evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and comprehensive evaluation methods. The pile foundation construction operation process for offshore wind power mainly includes four phases: preparation for construction, pile sinking, end of construction, and foundation scour protection construction. Pile foundation construction risk indicators are systematically identified as human factors, material factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The most important indicators for pile foundation construction for offshore wind power were evaluated using AHP and comprehensive evaluation methods, which included five indicators: piling equipment, protective equipment, special skills, safety awareness, and emergency management. The four more important indicators are workplace environment, lifting equipment, fire protection systems, and operations. According to the results of our evaluation of the pile foundation construction safety indicators presented herein, corresponding recommendations are made that consider four aspects—human factors, material factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The construction industry should focus on improving the safety measures related to aspects with greater risk indicators. Pile foundation construction for offshore wind power can be evaluated using the method discussed in this paper, allowing industry stakeholders to prioritize and focus on improving safety measures related to aspects with greater risk indicators.