Evaluation of undrained failure envelopes of caisson foundations under combined loading. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mehravar, Moura; Harireche, Ouahid; Faramarzi, Asaad
• Is Part Of: Applied ocean research. Volume 59(2016)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Bearing capacity -- Caisson -- Shallow foundation -- Three-dimensional finite element modelling -- Undrained analysis; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; 620.416205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apor.2016.05.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-1187

Abstract

Highlights: 3D finite element models of caisson foundations developed. Undrained bearing capacity of caissons are investigated. Response of foundation under various and combined loading is studied. A number of models are proposed to predict bearing capacities of caissons. Abstract: In this paper, results of a three-dimensional finite element study addressing the effect of embedment ratio (L/D) of caisson foundations on the undrained bearing capacity under uniaxial and combined loadings are discussed. The undrained response of caisson foundations under uniaxial vertical ( V ), horizontal ( H ) and moment ( M ) loading are investigated. A series of equations are proposed to predict the ultimate vertical, moment and maximum horizontal bearing capacity factors. The undrained response of caisson foundations under combined V-H and V-M load space is studied and presented using failure envelopes generated with side-swipe method. The kinematic mechanism accompanying failure under uniaxial loading is addressed and presented for different embedment ratios. Predictions of the uniaxial bearing capacities are compared with other models and it is confirmed that the proposed equations appropriately describe the capacity of caisson foundations under uniaxial vertical, horizontal and moment loading in homogenous undrained soils. The results of this paper can be used as a basis for standard design codes of off-shore skirted shallow foundations which will be the first of its kind.