Centrifuge evaluation of the influential factors in the uplift capacity of suction foundations in clay

ABSTRACT

The passive suction of suction foundations plays a significant role in pull-out resistance. The factors influencing the uplift capacity include stress state, embedment ratio, and loading rate. This article investigates the effect of embedment ratio and loading rate on the bearing behavior of suction foundations using centrifuge testing. A series of uplift tests on a suction foundation in clay were performed using a beam centrifuge. During the tests, uplift displacement, suction, and loading rate were monitored. The suction was obtained by measurement of water pressure. To compare the influence of different factors on uplift capacity due to passive suction, two types of uplift tests were conducted; the first was on the closed caisson and the second was on the vented caisson. The results show that the pull-out resistance increased with an increase of the uplift loading rate, which was induced by the suction. The maximum resistance occurred when the upward displacements reached 14%D under a ratio of skirt length (L) to diameter (D) (L/D) of 0.5 and 17%D under an L/D ratio of 2. These findings provide a way for suction caissons to resist pull-out load or for structures to be removed from the seabed.

KEYWORDS:

• Clay
• loading rate
• suction foundations
• uplift capacity