Centrifuge modelling of uplift response of suction caisson groups in soft clay

This paper describes a program of centrifuge model tests on the uplift behaviour of suction caisson foundations. The parameters considered were the loading rate, caisson diameter (D), soil strength profile, and type of footing (i.e., mono-caisson and tetra-caissons group). The loading responses were examined in terms of total uplift resistance, suction beneath the caisson lid, and the vertical displacements of the caisson and at the soil surface. There exists a critical uplift displacement, approximately 0.02D and 0.01D for the mono-caisson and the tetra-caissons groups, respectively, at which a turning point can be identified in the load–displacement curve. This was found to be attributed to the adhesion on the caisson–soil interface reaching a peak response and then dropping. Of interest is that the tetra-caissons group exhibits much greater normalized uplift resistance than the mono-caisson group before reaching an uplift displacement of about 0.02D, suggesting superiority of the former in term of serviceability. However, a reversed trend was observed at greater displacement, and accordingly an empirical model was derived to quantify the shadowing effect of caisson groups. Regarding the cyclic response, several cycles of large-amplitude loading are sufficient to reduce the ultimate bearing capacity of caisson(s) to below the self-weight of the inner soil plug(s), indicating a transition of failure mechanism.