Model Tests on Characteristic of Suction Caissons in Saturated Fine Sand Under Intermittent Loading

Suction caissons are often used for the caissons of both offshore oil platforms and offshore wind power projects because of their advantages of simple construction, economical cost, and reusability. In this study, model tests were conducted in sand in order to investigate the effects of the caisson installation method on the penetration depth and the critical suction. Results of the test program showed that the method of changing the frequency of suction during different stages of the process can increase the penetration depth of the caisson. Combining with the deformation of the soil body inside and outside the caisson, the existing method for calculating the critical suction is modified, and the critical suction calculation equation of the discontinuous penetration test is proposed. Based on the test results, the calculation equation of the soil heave height can be more accurate predicted. The analysis results verify that the calculation method and the actual results are in good agreement.