Installation and Axial Pullout of Suction Caissons: Numerical Modeling
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 8
Abstract
We outline the development of a computational procedure for finite-element analysis of suction-caisson behavior, highlighting its unique features and capabilities. The procedure is based on a description of clayey soil as a two-phase medium: a water-filled porous solid. Nonlinear behavior of the solid phase is represented by means of a bounding-surface plasticity model. An algorithm is developed for frictional contact in terms of effective normal stress. Furthermore, a special remeshing scheme is introduced facilitating the simulation of the installation process, tracking the caisson penetration path and avoiding numerical complications in the vicinity of the caisson-soil interfaces. To illustrate the use of the proposed computational procedure and examine its validity, complete simulations of available laboratory tests on model suction caissons are conducted. Results are presented and discussed for test-bed preparation (consolidation) followed by caisson installation by self-weight and suction, setup (reconsolidation), and axial pullout. The overall agreement between computations and measurements is good. Possible improvements are identified and recommendations are made regarding future studies.
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Acknowledgments
We thank Professor Roy E. Olson for countless and invaluable discussions on all facets of geotechnical engineering. His constant willingness to explain concepts and observations while conveying immense knowledge of soil behavior are a source of inspiration. Also, thanks are due to our former colleague Alan F. Rauch, a great resource, always available to describe and explain the experimental procedures and results. Professor Victor N. Kaliakin of the University of Delaware helped us at an early stage of our study by providing the routines necessary for implementation of the bounding-surface plasticity model in our computations. Finally, the support of the Offshore Technology Research Center throughout the course of our work is acknowledged with gratitude.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 136 • Issue 8 • August 2010
Pages: 1137 - 1147
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 28, 2009
Accepted: Dec 29, 2009
Published online: Jan 8, 2010
Published in print: Aug 2010
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