Long term effects of cyclic loading on suction caisson foundations in sand

Abstract

Within a multi-footing configuration, such as a three-leg jacket structure, suction bucket foundations prove to be an advantageous solution for increasing water depths. This article presents a summary of an approach that may allow for the simplification of the long term performance assessment under vertical cyclic loading of suction caissons embedded in sand. It provides a conservative theoretical basis for the identification of potentially damaging loads, which could cause significant pore pressure build-up and strain accumulation. One of the key conclusions of this research is that the foundation response is a function of both the applied mean load and its cyclic amplitude for both tensile and compressive loading. Nonetheless, experimental work must be carried out to validate these results.