Comparison of Prediction Methods for Axial Strength of Grouted Connections with Shear Keys

Grouted connections are commonly used in marine engineering, especially on oil platforms, cross-sea bridges, and offshore wind power turbines. The prediction methods for axial carrying capacity of grouted connections with shear keys and their application ranges in current codes were analyzed in this paper. The calculated results by using different codes were compared based on a practical grouted connection between steel piles and the jacket foundation of a wind turbine. The research team conducted axial compression tests on seven specimens, collected a wide range of experimental results to establish a database, and finally compared the standard calculation results with the experimental results. The study indicates that the axial strength of grouted connections predicted by different methods is distinct. The calculation formula of the British Health and Safety Executive (HSE, 2002) has obvious limitations; specifically, with increased shear keys, strength is overestimated, resulting in insecure design outcome of structures. The results calculated by the Norwegian Det Norske Veritas (DNV, 2013) are generally consistent with the experimental results, in which the reduction effect of multiple shear keys was considered. The prediction method of the American Petroleum Institute (API, 2007), which undervalues the bearing performance of connections, is excessively conservative. The method of the combined Norwegian and German Det Norske Veritas–Germanischer Lloyd (DNV-GL, 2016) has wider applicability and is safe, reliable, and economical.