Development and field application of GFRP suction pile. (1st February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Ju-Hyung; Tran, Nghiem Xuan; Kim, Sung-Ryul
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 173(2019)
• Page Start: 308
• Page End: 318
• Publication Date: 2019-02-01
• Subjects: GFRP suction pile -- Field test -- Numerical analysis -- Bearing capacity -- Structural integrity; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2018.12.070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: Suction piles fabricated with glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) have been regarded as alternatives to conventional steel or reinforced-concrete suction piles to reduce the transportation cost and corrosion risk. However, difficulty may arise in suction installation due to the small weight of the GFRP pile. In this study, a concrete pile cap was attached to the top of the GFRP pile to add weight, provide additional resistance against lateral loading by increasing the contact area with soil, and thus solve the problem. The field applicability of the GFRP suction pile was verified by performing field tests on suction installation and numerical simulations to analyze structural integrity against design loads. Results obtained from numerical analyses showed that the GFRP suction pile was stable during penetration and under various loading conditions. Suggestions for the design of GFRP suction piles were proposed based on the field test results and in consideration of the suction pressure inside the pile. Highlights: Development of a new composite material for suction piles (GFRP suction pile). Structural stability of the GFRP suction pile was evaluated by performing numerical simulation. Field applicability of the GFRP suction pile was verified by performing field tests. Bearing behavior of the GFRP suction pile in sandy layer was analyzed by numerical simulation.