Simplified limit solutions for the capacity of suction anchors under undrained conditions

Upper bound plastic limit analyses (PLA) can provide a useful framework for estimating the load capacity of suction caisson anchors in purely cohesive soils. Since arbitrary assumptions regarding the soil stress state are not required in the PLA formulation, it may be used with greater consistency compared to other simplified approaches such as limit equilibrium methods. While PLA methods do not attempt to include all of the complexities of anchor behavior, they can provide a relatively simple framework for visualizing anchor kinematics leading to an understanding of the relative importance of various parameters on suction anchor load capacity. The most rigorous PLA formulations involve postulating a three-dimensional anchor-soil failure mechanism and deriving expressions for internal energy dissipation throughout the mechanism. This approach can involve extensive numerical integrations and a relatively complex scheme for optimizing the failure mechanism to obtain a least upper bound collapse load. Considerable simplification is possible if the problem is formulated in terms of ultimate unit resistances (lateral, axial, and their interaction) that can be exerted by the soil on the caisson. In this case, the caisson failure mechanism can be characterized in terms of one or two optimization variables. Simple expressions for the ultimate unit resistances acting on the caisson can be obtained from several sources including rigorous PLA solutions, finite element techniques, or experimental measurements. General expressions are possible by limiting consideration to common, idealized strength profiles such as uniform or constant gradient. Such simplified formulations are particularly valuable for providing an analysis tool accessible to practicing engineers. Suction caisson anchors can be subjected to a variety of load orientations including nearly vertical uplift forces imposed by the vertical tendons of tension leg platforms, horizontal loads imposed by catenary mooring systems, and inclined loads imposed by taut moorings. Recently, PLA methods have been applied to the analysis of suction caissons subjected to this range of loading conditions. This paper reviews the formulation of these analyses and summarizes the most significant findings.     

Inclined load capacity of suction caissons

A simplified method of analysis for estimating lateral load capacity of suction caisson anchors based on an upper bound plasticity formulation is presented. The simplification restricts the analysis to caissons in uniform and linearly varying undrained strength profiles; nevertheless, its computational efficiency permits quick evaluation of a number of parameters affecting load capacity. The validity and limitations of the simplified formulation are demonstrated through comparisons to more rigorous finite element solutions. A series of sensitivity studies demonstrate the effects of various soil conditions and loading parameters. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of combined translation and torsion on undrained uplift capacity of plate anchors: Plastic limit analysis (PLA) solution

Uplift capacity of plate anchors has been the focus of numerous studies, because anchor plates are designed for pull‐out in normal operating conditions. However, the response of plate anchors under 6‐degrees‐of‐freedom loading caused during extreme loading conditions is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to propose a simple yet sufficiently accurate analytical solution to investigate the behavior of plate anchor under combined in‐plane translation and torsion and to evaluate its effect on the plate uplift bearing capacity. To this end, a modified plastic limit analysis (PLA) approach is introduced and compared with limit equilibrium and simplified upper bound baseline solutions. The proposed method is verified with 3‐dimensional finite element. The variables considered in this study include plate aspect ratio, plate thickness, as well as load direction and eccentricity. Results of analytical solutions indicate the insensitivity of the “shape” of the shear‐torsion yield envelope to plate thickness. This finding facilitates the use of simplified yet reasonable yield envelope for infinitely thin plate obtained from simplified PLA approach for other plate thicknesses. The “size” of the failure envelope (controlled by pure torsional and translational capacity) could be predicted fairly accurately by PLA and limit equilibrium methods. Combination of these analytical methods offers a simple yet reasonably accurate solution to describe shear‐torsion response of anchor plate. The obtained shear‐torsion yield envelope is then fitted in the generalized 6‐degrees‐of‐freedom yield surface which describes the reducing effect of moment, torsion, and planar forces on the uplift capacity of plate.     

Effect of Rate-Dependent Soil Strength on Cylinders Penetrating Into Soft Clay

This paper presents a predictive model for undrained penetration of cylinders into soft seafloor soils. The penetration depth will depend on the velocity of the cylinder as it touches down at the seafloor, and the net deceleration of the cylinder as it is acted on by forces of self-weight, soil buoyancy, and soil-shearing resistance. The soil-shearing resistance force increases as a function of penetration depth and, due to the dependence of undrained shear strength on strain rate, penetration velocity. This paper presents finite element (FE) simulations that quantify both effects and form the basis of a simplified soil-resisting force model. Strain-rate effects are modeled within a framework of rate-dependent plasticity, with shearing resistance increasing semilogarithmically with increasing strain rate above a certain threshold strain rate. With all forces acting on the cylinder, estimated penetration depths are predicted from simple equations of motion for a single particle. Comparisons to laboratory tests involving penetration of cylinders into soft reconstituted marine clay show reasonable agreement between model predictions and measurements.