Model tests were conducted in a drum centrifuge on uniform clay. The water effect was studied by two series of tests: uniform clay without water on top and uniform clay with water on top. The tests were performed using circular half-spudcan and full-spudcan models. The main aim of this investigation was to investigate the change of the flow mechanism and bearing capacity with and without water on top of the soil sample. The cavity, formed when the spudcan punched into the clay bed, remained open until 'flow failure' occurred. Flow failure occurred at a much shallower penetration depth than that suggested by current offshore design guidelines. The presence of water on top of the soil sample increased the depth of cavity formed. It is also apparent that the presence of water slightly reduced the strength characteristics of the soil at enhanced gravity. The bearing capacity factor N_c = 10.5 for a spudcan in clay was obtained.
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