Implementation of a hypoplastic model with intergranular strain for the modelling of spudcan cyclic response in silty clay
Abstract
Jack-up units are mobile self-elevating platforms extensively used in oil & gas and offshore wind energy sectors (LHS Figure 1). The super-structure relies on the bearing capacity offered by the circular foundations - known as spudcans - located at the end of each leg.
Ragni et al. (2016, 2017) demonstrated that when spudcans are installed in fine grained material, consolidation can play an important part in shaping the response of the foundation. In particular, the progressive dissipation of excess pore pressures was demonstrated to increase both vertical and combined multi-directional undrained bearing capacity.
However, jack-ups are constantly subjected to metocean actions, e.g. wind, waves and currents, so that an assessment of the spudcan response to such loading of cyclic nature is required.