Calculation Method for Uplift Capacity of Suction Caisson in Sand Considering Different Drainage Conditions

Abstract

Uplift capacity of suction caissons is one of the main concerns in the design of jackets with multi-caissons supported offshore wind turbine. The uplift movement of suction caissons leads to soil stress variation and increases the difficulty to predict the uplift capacity. In this paper, a calculation method considering soil stress release and differential pressure contribution is proposed to predict the uplift capacity of caisson. Firstly, a series of numerical simulations based on the SANISAND model are conducted to study the uplift responses of suction caisson in sand, and it is verified with centrifuge test results. Considering the soil drainage condition during caisson being pulled out, the fully drained, partially drained and undrained are divided, and an equation is provided to assess differential pressure beneath the caisson lid incorporating the effects of main factors. Based on the above simulation results, a calculation method is proposed to calculate the uplift capacity of caissons. The prediction results are compared with the centrifuge model tests and previous studies, which indicate that the prediction accuracy is much improved. This proposed method contributes to the more accurate assessment of uplift capacity of suction caisson in sand.