Feasibility of segmented concrete in wind turbine tower: Numerical studies on its mechanical performance

Abstract

Segmented concrete slices have been widely used in the construction of wind turbine tower due to easy transportation and cost savings. Factors such as the size and form of the concrete slice and the connector may affect the stiffness and reliability of the structure. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the above factors on mechanical performance of a wind turbine tower. A finite element model of 40 m segmented concrete tower was developed for the modal analysis, and a local refinement model was established for the static analysis. Results show that the slice form and connectors have impact on the rigidity of the tower structure. Dividing the tower into two pieces per layer, increasing the height of the tower segment, using the grout connection of the longitudinal and staggering longitudinal seams can increase the stiffness of segmented concrete tower. In addition, this study analyzes the role of rubber pads in improving the mechanical performance of the tower, results show that the peak stress at the joints can be reduced by setting rubber pads with low elastic modulus at the longitudinal seams.