• A novel demountable modular wind turbine tower is proposed using composite curved panels incorporating a helical rail system. • The axial compressive and tensile behaviors of six scaled composite curved panel specimens are experimentally assessed. • A finite element model with GMNIA is developed and validated against experimental results. • The influence of initial imperfections on axial capacity is assessed and compared with EC4 design. . This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into the axial performance of six Steel and Concrete Composite Curved Panels (SCCCPs) designed as modular components for a self-erecting wind turbine tower. Both compressive and tensile behaviors were evaluated on scaled specimens, which serve as representative modules of the Self-Erecting Tower (SeT) system. Compression tests revealed that failure was primarily governed by global buckling of the steel frame coupled with concrete crushing, while tensile tests indicated that failure predominantly occurred at the bolted steel connections. High-resolution Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was employed to monitor crack initiation, propagation, and strain distribution across the SCCCPs, additionally providing a detailed insight into damage mechanisms. A finite element model was developed using ABAQUS and calibrated against the experimental results. Following, a Geometrically and Materially Nonlinear Analysis with Imperfections (GMNIA) was performed, accurately capturing both global and local failure modes. The numerically predicted load-displacement responses showed close alignment with the experimental observations. Additionally, a sensitivity study on initial geometric imperfections highlighted their critical impact on axial capacity and panel stability. The modeling approach incorporated material behavior and design parameters consistent with Eurocode provisions, offering a framework that supports future design optimization within standardized European practice. The ultimate resistance of SCCCPs was also calculated based on the design provisions of AISC, CECS, and EC4. Overall, the results validate the structural feasibility and mechanical reliability of the proposed modular concept, highlighting its potential for application in advanced wind turbine tower systems.
Tekantappeh et al. (Sat,) studied this question.