Experimental Investigations of Response of Suction Caissons to Transient Vertical Loading
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 128, Issue 11
Abstract
Suction caissons are a relatively new design being considered for use as foundations in a wide variety of offshore applications. They are unusual in that, in contrast with the development of offshore piling, there is no onshore experience that can be used as the basis for the development of designs. It is therefore essential to identify key behavioral patterns and mechanisms that govern capacity under a wide variety of loading regimes, particularly those derived from the cyclic wave loading. The object here is to establish a broad framework of response. More detailed work specific to a site or project would be required for detailed design. This paper describes experimental investigations into the vertical loading response of a suction caisson foundation. The experiments are carried out on the laboratory floor using a sophisticated three-degree-of-freedom loading rig. The caissons are embedded in sand saturated with viscous silicon oil so that modeled drainage times are representative of typical offshore conditions. The experiments involve cyclic loading about different mean loads, including cycling into tension and monotonic loading at different rates. The relationship between the cyclic loading and monotonic loading is explored. One of the key conclusions from the results is that serviceability requirements will dictate design rather than capacity. Perhaps surprisingly, for the experiments undertaken, the rate of loading had little effect on the response.
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Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 20, 2001
Accepted: Aug 21, 2001
Published online: Oct 15, 2002
Published in print: Nov 2002
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