Prediction and probability estimation of geotechnical parameters for offshore windfarm site characterization using geostatistical simulation

With the rapid expansion of offshore wind energy, there is an increasing need for optimized windfarm site characterization. Ground modelling is a cost and time efficient tool for an area-wide estimation of soil properties. Nevertheless, the sparse ground truth data distribution in offshore windfarm areas makes a reliable computation of subsurface properties challenging. In this study, geological, geophysical and geotechnical data from an offshore windfarm site in the German North Sea is integrated for ground modelling. Using the main geological units, geostatistical simulation is successfully applied on a sparse data set of cone penetration testing data to estimate cone resistance over the complete area. Moreover, an area-wide probability estimate is presented giving additional value to the ground model in terms of future cost and risk assessment for offshore foundation design.