Time scaling of cyclic loading and consolidation between centrifuge and field conditions for prediction of life-time seabed-structure interaction

Publication Title
Time scaling of cyclic loading and consolidation between centrifuge and field conditions for prediction of life-time seabed-structure interaction

Abstract

In offshore environments, short-term undrained cyclic loading events, such as storms, can cause reductions in seabed strength due to excess pore pressure generation. However, recent studies have shown that periods of consolidation during the operational life of offshore structures can lead to strength recovery, potentially exceeding the original intact strength. Accurately capturing this interplay between degradation and recovery is essential for reliable and resilient foundation design. Centrifuge modelling offers an effective means to investigate these processes by accelerating pore pressure dissipation and enabling simulation of millions of load cycles within short timescales. A key challenge, however, lies in the mismatch between centrifuge and field conditions: the relative rates of cyclic loading and consolidation differ significantly. Due to apparatus limitations, cyclic motions cannot be applied at frequencies that match the rate of pore pressure dissipation, which is scaled by N², where N is the centrifuge acceleration. This discrepancy leads to an unrealistically high degree of consolidation relative to the number of cycles. This study investigates the impact of this time scaling mismatch on the evolution of seabed strength under combined cyclic loading and consolidation. The findings aim to enhance the interpretation of centrifuge test results and provide insight for modelling of the long-term soilstructure interaction behaviour of offshore foundation systems.

Authors
Zefeng Zhou; Ci Wang; Yufei Wang

Published In

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

Theme

Special Session 6: Physical modelling for life-cycle foundation management