Abstract
This paper documents the use of finite element analyses techniques to determine the capacity of suction caisson foundations founded in soft clays under undrained conditions. The stress-strain response of the soft clay is simulated using an elasto-plastic model. The constitutive model employed is the classical von Mises strength criterion with linear elasticity assumed within the yield/strength surface. Both two- and three-dimensional foundation configurations are analyzed. The three-dimensionality of the failure surface of the actual caisson requires that computationally intensive three-dimensional models be used. Suggestions are given on how to improve computational efficiency by using quasi three-dimensional Fourier analyses with excellent results instead of true three-dimensional analyses. The finite element techniques employed the verified against available classical limit solutions. Results indicate that both hybrid and displacement-based finite element formulations are adequate, with the restriction that reduced-integration techniques are often required for displacement-based formulations.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 89-107 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Computers and Geotechnics |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1999 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
- Computer Science Applications