Torsion in concrete wind turbine towers
Project data
| Titel | Title Torsionstragmodell zusammengesetzter Halbschalensegmente aus Beton auf Basis der Stabtheorie | Torsion model of assembled half-shell segments made of concrete based on the beam theory Förderer | Funding Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) Zeitraum | Period 03/2025 – 02/2028 Projektleiter | Project leader Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Marx Bearbeiter | Contributor Max Götze Florian Fürll (ehemalig | former) |
Short description
Stress concentrations (red + blue) at the half-shell corners in the simplified FE model
Modular structures are essential for efficient, resource-saving and future-oriented concrete construction. Precast concepts enable construction processes to be independent of weather conditions, resulting in shorter construction times and improved working conditions. The controlled manufacturing environment of the precast plant enables the use of significantly higher concrete strengths and reduces material consumption. Modular structures encourage the recycling and reuse of entire components within a circular economy.
A key feature of modern modular concepts is the secure and detachable connection of individual components. In addition to form-fitting connections, such as shear-interlocked joints used in segmental bridges, friction-based force transmission via dry ground joints with external prestressing is important for wind turbine towers. Detailed knowledge of load transfer in these structures is necessary for their safe design. Alongside typical finite element (FE) calculations, additional engineering approaches are needed to simplify the complex mechanical load-bearing behavior and promote understanding of the force distribution in modular structures.
The aim of this research project is to develop an analytical calculation approach to determine the torsional load-bearing capacity of half-shells in segmented structures. This approach provides a realistic description of the load-bearing capacity of dry horizontal joints in multi-segmented concrete towers under combined loading. The approach will be validated through extensive 1:5 scale experimental tests and numerical simulations. Preliminary tests suggest that the load-bearing capacity of joints in systems with half-shells under prestressing and torsion is up to 35% lower than in systems with circular ring cross-sections. To confirm these results and translate them into an analytical approach, large-scale tests are planned on a tower structure with up to five segment levels. These tests will provide a realistic representation of actual stress conditions and the influence of adjacent half-shell pairs on the load capacity of the dry joint.