Parametric Study on the Structural Behavior and Failure Mechanism of the Grouted Connections

Abstract The structural integrity and safety of offshore substations heavily depend on the performance of grouted connections, which are subjected to various loading conditions and influenced by the nonlinear behavior of their constituent materials. This paper presents a comprehensive finite element modeling (FEM) approach, implemented in ABAQUS, to analyze the grouted connection between the leg and pile of an offshore substation. Nonlinear material models for steel (Ramberg-Osgood) and concrete (Drucker-Prager) were utilized, following DNV-RP-C208 guidelines and the ABAQUS damaged plasticity model, respectively. The study involves a detailed examination of plastic strain behavior, comparing it against allowable limits as per industry standards. By systematically investigating the relationship between nonlinear behavior and the numerical parameters of steel and grouting material using different finite element models, this research provides insights into the behavior of the connection under applied loading conditions. The study also emphasizes the importance of characteristic strength adjustments for grout material to account for variations in curing and ambient temperatures. This work provides practical insights for engineers and researchers, offering guidance on optimizing grouted connection design and improving analysis accuracy. Future research should focus on advanced material models, additional loading scenarios, and experimental validation to further enhance reliability of grouted connections for offshore jacket structure.