Kolkschutz für Offshore-Windenergieanlagen in der Nordsee

Scour protection for offshore wind energy generators in the North Sea.

The increasing erection of offshore wind energy generators in the North Sea raises questions about the long-term stability of such structures. Extensive foundation structures in water depths of 10 to 60 m are a significant cost factor compared to land installation. Questions about scour development and measures to protect against scour need to be investigated and solved. In contrast to traditional scour protection provided by tipping mineral components, geotechnical plastics are of increasing interest, because they permit the use of undisturbed ground on the site, are relatively simple and safe to install and also no damage to cable entries or corrosion protection of steel structures needs to be worried about. The article reports on experience so far with scour and scour protection for offshore facilities in the North Sea and the state of the technology in the design, filling and installation of sand containers made of geotextiles around the foundations of offshore wind energy facilities and also refers to investigations already performed.