Field Data and Design Methods for Spudcan Squeezing in Weak-Over-Strong Soil Stratigraphy
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 10
Abstract
This paper for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, reports 10 case histories of jack-up rig installation in different locations of the Gulf of Mexico consisting of seabed soil stratigraphy with weak surface (soft) clay over strong (stiff) clay or sand underlying layers. For each case, site investigation data are analyzed, leading to the selection of design undrained shear strength profile for the clay layers and relative density for the sand layers. A statistical averaging method recommended in the InSafeJIP guidelines (adopted in ISO 19905-1) is used to obtain the best fit of the undrained shear strength profile in the clay layers. The spudcan shape and dimensions and load-penetration profiles are presented. Measured load-penetration profiles are compared with the calculated profiles using the squeezing methods presented in ISO 19905-1, Clarom, and recently published papers. Large deformation finite element analyses were conducted for some sites to provide supporting insight into the penetration resistance profiles and potentially mobilized squeezing mechanisms. The lessons learned are noted, which will provide valuable insights for practitioners for estimating the behavior of jack-up installations in seabed soil consisting of surface weak-over-underlying strong soil stratigraphy.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The research presented herein was undertaken in collaboration with Fugro USA Marine, Inc. (formerly Fugro-McClelland Marine Geosciences, Inc.), and MatthewsDaniel, Houston, Texas. The first author is an ARC Future Fellow and is supported by the ARC FT190100735. This support is gratefully acknowledged.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 10 • October 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 23, 2022
Accepted: Jun 21, 2023
Published online: Aug 11, 2023
Published in print: Oct 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Jan 11, 2024
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