At GDG, we stay at the cutting edge of R&D to ensure our clients always benefit from the most recent advancements.
Our R&D project teams draw on multidisciplinary expertise across our business sectors and work in close collaboration with leading academics to develop innovative solutions.
Below are some of the projects we are currently involved in:
Advanced Offshore Site Charaterisation
Selkie
In this EC funded project, we are leading the development of open access design tools for mooring and anchors for floating platforms. In addition, we are demonstrating digital twinning capabilities and developing novel drone based metocean assessment techniques.
3D Integrated ground model development for offshore wind
An Enterprise Ireland funded project in which we are developing bespoke tools and techniques for the production of 3D integrated ground models. The aim is to assess and address the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.
Floating specific GP/GT classification
Development of bespoke geotechnical and geophysical site parameterisation methods for use in the context of floating wind farm design and development.
Sediment transport modelling
Developing a coupled model to allow for the study of interactions between seabed hydrodynamics and morphodynamic change in the Irish Sea and the implications for offshore infrastructure.
I-MORE
Developing CPT based site investigation techniques to augment and maximise the benefit of the exiting INFOMAR geophysical data for developers of offshore wind farms in Ireland.
Drones
Assessment of coastal evolution and vulnerability along Co. Wexford
We are using a combination of satellite and drone based data to develop a costal vulnerability index for Co. Wexford. The ambition is that this framework will be applied nationally to identify a coastal areas at risk from extreme climate change related weather events.
RemoteWind
The development of drone based inspection methods for onshore and offshore turbines. Developing methods for the inclusion of these data in structural health assessments.
Geothermal
Geoframe
An Enterprise Ireland Funded project in which we assessed the geothermal market and developed advanced revisor cartelisation techniques and a market entry plan.
Thermowell
Demonstrating a novel standing column geothermal systems at a site in Dundalk.
GeoNorm
Working with UCD to design a geothermal system which is integrated into their existing power systems in a manner which maximised the environmental benefit.
Onshore Geotechnics
Safety and resilience of flood defence infrastructure
Development of inhouse tools, techniques and workflows to allow the carbon footprint of climate mitigation works to be assessed in tandem with value engineering based design work.
Evaluating the impact of climate change on geotechnical assets
Using a combination satellite data, drone based survey and insitu sensors to monitor the health of geotechnical assets and identify those as risk of failure due to climate change related extreme weather events.
Advanced Fixed Design
Cyclic loading effects for offshore wind turbines
Focused research on the impact of cyclic loading on the soil-structure interactions for monopile mounted offshore wind turbines. The work uses a combination of laboratory, field and numerical data.
TCD damping
Investigating the impact of cyclic loading on the soil-structure interactions for monopile supported offshore wind turbines.
Integrated load assessment for offshore wind turbines
Focused on scour around monopile mounted offshore wind turbines and particularily on the ability to predict scour based on the modal shape of the offshore structure.
Concrete lattice tower concept
Deployment of a low cost, low impact basslate reinforced lattice tower for offshore wind turbines. The concept aims to maximise the opportunity for local content in Northern Ireland.
Lifetime fatigue of offshore wind monopiles
The use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to assess the lifetime fatigue of offshore wind turbines.
End of life DST for offshore wind turbines
The development of a framework for the end of life assessment of offshore turbines. Decommission, repower, extend. What is the best option and how do we decide?
WindLEDeer
The development of a framework for the end of life assessment of onshore turbines. Decommission, repower, extend. What is the best option and how do we decide?
Advancing the design of suction caissons
Advancing the state-of-the-art in the design of suction caissons with a particular focus on their use as anchors for floating wind projects.
PureWind
This €5m EU project is examining the anthropogenic noise created over the lifecycle of fixed and floating wind farms. At GDG, we are responsible for the development and validation of a linearise noise model.
Floating Wind Design
Selkie
A EC funded project in which we are leading the development of open access design tools for mooring and anchors for floating platforms. In addition, we are demonstrating digital twinning capabilities and developing novel drone based metocean assessment techniques.
Advancing the design of suction caissons
Advancing the state of the art in the design of suction caissons with a particular focus on their use as anchors for floating wind projects.
WEDUSEA
In this €20m EU funded project, a wave energy device will be designed, built and installed off the coast of Scotland. At GDG, we are responsible for the design, procurement and installation of the anchor system.
PureWind
This €5m EU project is examining the anthropogenic noise created over the lifecycle of fixed and floating wind farms. At GDG, we are responsible for the development and validation of a linearise noise model.
Floating specific GP/GT classification
Development of bespoke geotechnical and geophysical site parameterisation methods for use in the context of floating wind farm design and development.
Sustainability
Concrete lattice tower concept
Deployment of a low cost, low impact basslate reinforced lattice tower for offshore wind turbines. The concept aims to maximise the opportunity for local content in Northern Ireland.
Safety and resilience of flood defence infrastructure
Development of inhouse tools, techniques and workflows to allow the carbon footprint of climate mitigation works to be assessed in tandem with value engineering based design work.
End of life DST for offshore wind turbines
The development of a framework for the end of life assessment of offshore turbines. Decommission, repower, extend. What is the best option and how do we decide?
WindLEDeer
The development of a framework for the end of life assessment of onshore turbines. Decommission, repower, extend. What is the best option and how do we decide?
GeoNorm
Working with UCD to design a geothermal system which is integrated into their existing power systems in a manner which maximised the environmental benefit.
Evaluating the impact of climate change on geotechnical assets
Using a combination of satellite data, drone based survey and insitu sensors to monitor the health of geotechnical assets and identify those as risk of failure due to climate change related extreme weather events.
Assessment of coastal evolution and vulnerability along Co. Wexford
Using a combination of satellite and drone based data to develop a costal vulnerability index for Co. Wexford. The ambition is that this framework will be applied nationally to identify coastal areas at risk from extreme climate change related weather events.
Hydrogen
Intersessional hydrogen storage
The development of a classification method for the assessment of the suitability of reservoirs and basins for the long term storage of hydrogen.