Past projects

Project overview
The study investigated the preload effects on structural integrity of large-scale M72 bolted flange connections used to join offshore wind turbine monopile foundations to transition pieces. It examined key factors influencing the long-term performance of these critical connections, including initial bolt preload, tightening sequences, friction between contact surfaces, manufacturing and assembly tolerances, room-temperature creep and short-term preload relaxation. The project combined numerical modelling and laboratory experiments with a review of relevant design standards and industry practices to improve understanding of flange bolted connections and support the development of more reliable design, installation and maintenance procedures for offshore wind turbine foundations.

Project overview
The SLIC Joint Industry Project investigated the fatigue behaviour and structural integrity of thick welded steel plates used in offshore wind turbine monopile foundations. The programme included round-robin material characterisation, fatigue crack-growth testing in air and seawater, and large-scale uniaxial fatigue tests on 50 mm-thick circumferential butt-welded specimens manufactured by leading monopile fabricators. Fatigue tests covered both as-welded and flush-ground conditions and included independent repeat testing across multiple certified laboratories. The resulting evidence improved understanding of fatigue performance, supported more reliable life assessment of existing and future offshore wind assets, and informed the development of monopile-specific fatigue design guidelines incorporated into DNV-RP-C203.

Project overview

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures (WAMSS CDT) was a £6.7 million doctoral training programme bringing together the University of Strathclyde, the University of Oxford and the University of Edinburgh. Building on the REMS CDT, the Centre trained 70 doctoral graduates for the offshore renewable energy sector through an integrated programme of advanced academic training, professional development and doctoral research, with strong involvement from industry. Alongside doctoral research, the Centre placed strong emphasis on industrial engagement, engineering leadership and professional development, in order to develop highly skilled researchers capable of addressing the multidisciplinary challenges associated with the continued growth of offshore renewable energy.

Project overview

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Marine Structures (REMS CDT) was a £4 million doctoral training programme delivered through a collaboration between Cranfield University, the University of Oxford and the University of Strathclyde. The Centre trained 50 doctoral graduates for the offshore renewable energy sector, by combining advanced technical training and doctoral research in close engagement with industry. Research within REMS involved the design, manufacture and lifecycle performance of offshore renewable energy structures, with particular emphasis on structural integrity, geotechnics and manufacturing. The programme combined academic expertise with industrially relevant research to develop specialist technical capability and future engineering leaders for the offshore renewable energy sector.