Size effects are extremely important to understand and accounting for their inclusion in fatigue tests is imperative in order to produce meaningful results. This can however be problematic as in dealing with very large offshore structural details and sections, testing to destruction can involve extremely large loads and gripping arrangements that can be cost prohibitive. It is therefore important to be able to simplify test specimens so that the local detail is retained without losing important size influences.
This paper describes an investigation into whether or not extracted specimens from actual Offshore Wind Monopile Sections are in fact the best choice for fatigue testing. The results are analysed and a recommendation is made for future test programmes involving offshore wind monopile and tower applications.
