Geotechnical Properties of Carbonate Sands on the Coast of Ceará: Implications for Offshore Wind Foundations and Green Hydrogen Initiatives

Matheus Vasconcelos do Nascimento, Victor Luiz da Silva Alves, Samuel Porfírio Pinheiro Barros, Rachel Guerreiro Basílio Costa Genzani, Claver Giovanni da Silveira Pinheiro () and Alfran Sampaio Moura
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Matheus Vasconcelos do Nascimento: Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (DEHA), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60400-900, Brazil
Victor Luiz da Silva Alves: Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (DEHA), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60400-900, Brazil
Samuel Porfírio Pinheiro Barros: Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (DEHA), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60400-900, Brazil
Rachel Guerreiro Basílio Costa Genzani: Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research Center (CENPES), Petrobras, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
Claver Giovanni da Silveira Pinheiro: Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems Associated Laboratory (ARISE), Department of Civil Engineering, Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), University of Minho, 4800-073 Guimarães, Portugal
Alfran Sampaio Moura: Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering (DEHA), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60400-900, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-24

Abstract: The coastal region of Ceará, Brazil, is expected to host offshore wind farms aimed at producing green hydrogen (GH 2 ) through electrolysis. However, the viability and cost of these developments may be affected by the mechanical behaviour of the marine subsoil, which is largely composed of carbonate sands. These sediments are known for their complex and variable geotechnical properties, which can influence the foundation performance. This study investigates the geotechnical characteristics of carbonate sands in comparison with quartz sands to support the design of offshore wind turbine foundations. Field testing using the Ménard pressuremeter and laboratory analyses, including particle size distribution, microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, calcimetry, direct shear, and triaxial testing, were performed to determine the key strength and stiffness parameters. The results show substantial differences between carbonate and quartz sands, particularly in terms of the stiffness and friction angle, with notable variability even within the same material type. These findings highlight the need for site-specific characterisation in offshore foundation design. This study contributes data that can improve geotechnical risk assessments and assist in selecting appropriate foundation solutions under local conditions, supporting the planned offshore wind energy infrastructure essential to Ceará’s green hydrogen strategy.

Keywords: offshore wind energy; green hydrogen; carbonate soils; geotechnical characterisation; sustainability; energy transition; Ceará (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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