Centrifuge tests on monotonic and cyclic loaded caissons

摘要

Suction emplaced caissons are widely used as anchoring system and foundation element in offshore engineering. In the case the suction caissons are used for anchoring tension leg platforms, the anchoring system is subjected to long term loading and cyclic loading due to wave action. A test program in the geotechnical centrifuge of the University of Delft has been carried out to investigate in how far the ultimate capacity is affected by cyclic loading. The results are compared with a test program, where buried pipes are subjected to cyclic uplift loading. It was found that below 80% of the static pullout capacity cyclic loading is not decreasing the ultimate bearing capacity significantly.