Bearing capacity of a side-rounded suction caisson foundation under general loading in clay. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fu, Dengfeng; Zhang, Youhu; Yan, Yue
• Is Part Of: Computers and geotechnics. Volume 123(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Bearing capacity -- Side-rounded suction caisson -- Clay -- Combined loading -- Capacity surface; Engineering geology -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Soil mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Rock mechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 624.1510285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compgeo.2020.103543
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-352X

Abstract

Abstract: A novel side-rounded suction caisson foundation is proposed in this study. Compared to a conventional circular shape in plan, it has a rectangular middle section inserted in between the two circular halves for increased moment capacity. This paper presents an investigation into the bearing performance of this novel foundation in clay under uniaxial and combined loading by means of an extensive finite element parametric analysis. It is found that by adopting a dimensionless equivalent embedment ratio and a dimensionless equivalent strength heterogeneity ratio, which account for the side-rounded shape of the proposed foundation, its design approach can be unified with an existing framework established for conventional skirted circular footings. The advantage of the proposed foundation and the application of the proposed design method is demonstrated through an example application.