Predictions of the Vertical Pullout Capacity of Suction Caissons in Fine-Grained211 Soils

摘要

Suction caissons are being used increasingly for the anchorage of large compliant211u001eoffshore structures. The response of these caissons to vertical pullout loads is 211u001ea basic and very important issue in these applications. This paper presents the 211u001eresults of a finite element study into the deformation, failure mechanisms and 211u001eultimate capacities developed under vertical uplift. Included in the analyses are 211u001einvestigation of the effects of different loading rates and drainage conditions, 211u001ethe effects of the strength properties of the seabed soil and the influence of 211u001ethe caisson aspect ratio on the pullout capacity. The finite element predictions 211u001ehave been verified by comparing them to experimental results. Simplified methods 211u001efor the estimation of vertical uplift capacity are developed from the results of 211u001ethe numerical study.