Numerical modelling of the effects of consolidation on the undrained spudcan capacity under combined loading in silty clay
2017
Abstract
The paper shows the increase in vertical and combined horizontal and moment bearing capacity of jack-up spudcan installed in silty clay, when a load-hold period is accounted for. The numerical implementation of a hypoplastic model for structured clays, combined with large deformation coupled analyses allowed the modelling of the spudcan installation process.
Results were mapped into three-dimensional small strain analyses, conducted to investigate the combined loading capacity and describe the yield surface. The underlying failure mechanisms were investigated and increases in capacity due to consolidation determined.
Experimental centrifuge data on carbonate silty clay validated the qualitative trend revealed numerically.