Choosing the perfect foundation
We design within three main types of foundations. From the popular and cost-effective monopile to concrete gravity-base structures and jackets. Based on thorough analyses of water depths, soil conditions, turbine specifications including nacelle weight, revolving speeds and more, we select the most suitable foundation.
In our analyses we use 3D computations and the advanced Ramboll-developed ROSAP software, which allow us to not only design the structures in compliance with governing rules and standards, but also to optimise the structures saving the customers huge amounts in weight and cost.
Gravity-base foundations are typically selected for more rocky soil conditions, while the monopile is an excellent option for water depths of up to 35 metres in less rocky soil conditions. In deeper waters steel jackets piled to the sea bottom or fixed to the bottom using suction buckets is often the best option financially and technically, as well as it allows new installation opportunities. Again, as we design for varying conditions within a wind park, jacket strucutres may be individually customised, in many cases saving our customers considerably on steel weight and cost.
Notable customers
Ramboll has designed offshore foundations for Repower, Siemens and Vestas turbines, which are currently in operation or being installed. In addition to this we have prepared studies involving several other turbine manufactures, who are not currently offering turbines for offshore applications.