Analysis of bearing capacity of suction bucket foundation subjected to horizontal and moment loadings

Abstract

The suction bucket foundation is not only supporting the vertical loading such as the sea platform and weight itself, but also subjecting to horizontal and moment loading due to wind and wave. The response of bucket foundation to combined Horizontal (H) and Moment (M) loading has been studied using 3D finite element analysis Then the proposed method is numerically implemented in the framework of the general-purpose FEM software ABAQUS. Relationship curve between the coefficient of ultimate bearing capacity and displacement is obtained by the application of load-displacement controlled method in homogeneous soft foundation the failure envelope of foundation in the M-H is obtained by the application of swipe testing. The behavior is explained using upper bound plasticity mechanisms suggested by the soil deformation mechanisms observed in the finite element analysis. The numerical results computed by the proposed method will be helpful in engineering practices. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013.