A Theoretical Study of the Vertical Uplift Capacity of Suction Caissons

Abstract

An extensive theoretical investigation has been carried out regarding suction caissons subjected to vertical uplift loading for cases where the behaviour of the seabed soil is undrained, partially drained or fully drained. Theoretical solutions for the uplift capacity are derived, based on the results of a finite element study, and then validated by previous field experiments and model test results. The expressions developed in this paper for the uplift capacity take into account the influence of the aspect ratio of the caisson, the shear strength parameters of the soil, the soil permeability and the loading rate.