Model Tests on Suction Caisson Installation with Soil Plug Removal

Tong Zhu; He Wang; Jian-Min Zhang; Rui Wang

Publication Title
Model Tests on Suction Caisson Installation with Soil Plug Removal

Abstract

Suction caissons are widely used in ocean engineering as an important type of foundation. The formation of soil plugs within the suction caisson, induced by negative pressure during the suction installation process, can impede the penetration of the caisson, consequently reducing its bearing capacity. This study proposes a soil plug removal device for suction caissons that can remove soil plugs during suction installation. The device facilitates the removal of the soil plug within the caisson by employing a fixed frame, a motor system, and a stirring system. The added device does not affect the negative pressure inside the caisson during the suction penetration process via sealing connection with the suction caisson. This newly proposed device and installation procedure provides the benefits of adaptable modification, efficient installation and removal, and reuse of suction caissons. 1g model tests are conducted in this study for suction caisson installation using the proposed device and procedure in sand and clay, comparing the vertical pullout capacity of the caisson with and without the removal of soil plugs. The results show that this installation method can effectively remove soil plugs inside the suction caisson and improve the vertical pullout capacity of the caisson, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of the device and procedure.

Authors
Tong Zhu; He Wang; Jian-Min Zhang; Rui Wang

Published In

11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)

Theme

Special Session 4: Innovative Methods for Offshore Foundation Installation