Structural Tests Results
The test results demonstrated that the decommissioned wind turbine blade (DWTB) had a flexural capacity of 83 kips. Initially, buckling was observed at the trailing edge of the blade, followed by the formation of shear cracks near the support regions. Eventually, the blade material failed at the support due to shear. This failure was attributed to the thin shell section of the blade’s leading edge in comparison to the thicker spar cap.
These results highlight the potential of using DWTBs in civil infrastructure applications, given their commendable performance under flexural loading.