Ausführungstechnische Einflüsse auf Aspekte der Tragsicherheit von Grouted Joints

Influences of in situ production of grouted joints on aspects of structural safety

Grouted joints represent tube-in-tube connections which are typically used for the construction of offshore wind turbines. These connections connect, for example, the driven pile to the topside of the substructure of all constructions used in Germany up to now, from monopiles to jacket substructures. The gap between the tubes of different sizes is later filled with a high-performance grout to secure a force- and form-fitting connection. These connections compensate the tolerances caused by the pile-driving process.
This scientific paper shows the regulations used for grouted joints and the special characteristics of the filling process itself. The requirements of the material behavior of grout to secure an undisturbed filling process are also shown. Furthermore, the erection process and possible failures during this process are analyzed. Two approaches for the experimental simulation of the filling process are shown in laboratory scale and in real scale. Hence, new results considering the flow behaviour of grout materials in the gap of grouted joints can be derived. Finally, results of these filling tests considering the compressive strength are shown and discussed.