GEOLAB project: ISEDEA - Influence of Storm Events on Drag Embedment Anchor Behaviour for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines

This dataset contains experimental data collected during a four-week testing program conducted in the Deltares geotechnical centrifuge in Delft, Netherlands. 1:100 scale stainless steel 3D-printed drag embedment anchor (DEA) models were subjected to 100g acceleration to replicate in-situ stress conditions. The experiments focused on embedding the anchor through pulling the mooring line, applying sinusoidal loading to simulate varying offshore conditions and pull-out tests. Anchor resistance was monitored throughout the tests, while penetration depths were determined post-test through exhumation, aided by coloured soil layers. These physical data serve as a basis for validating numerical models developed at TUHH to predict the load-displacement behaviour of DEAs.

The measured parameters varied according to the type of soil. For sand samples, a load cell recorded the force required to pull the anchor, providing data on the DEA's resistance. Furthermore the setup included a cone penetration test (CPT) device, a linear variable differential transformer transducer (LVDT) for settlement measurements, and two pore pressure transducers (PPTs). For clay samples, the setup was extended with two additional PPTs and four total pressure cells (TPCs) to enable a more detailed assessment of total stress, pore pressure distribution, and soil deformation. The data were recorded at a sampling rate of 300 Hz. 

After testing, the anchors were exhumed within the sample container to determine their final position and measure the drag distance. Manual 3D scanning of soil samples was performed using the EinScan HX scanner before and after exhumation. Rapid Scan mode with texture alignment and blue LED light sources ensured precise scanning, achieving an accuracy of up to 0.05 mm. The resulting point cloud was processed into a coloured 3D mesh.