Field and Laboratory Characterization of the Operational Response of Wind Turbine Generator Foundation Soil

Wind turbine generators (WTGs) are typically founded on massive, octagonal, gravity-based shallow foundations composed of reinforced concrete. The foundation transfers spatially and temporally varying loads that depend on wind load, the size of the wind turbine and foundation base, and the stiffness distribution of the underlying soil. WTG foundations must withstand massive overturning moments and provide adequate bearing capacity and rotational...