Numerical modelling of the effects of consolidation on jack-up spudcan penetration

© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. The paper addresses the issue of consolidation around jack-up foundations in carbonate silty clay. The problem is tackled with the numerical implementation of a hypoplastic model for structured clays, within the framework of large deformation finite element analyses. Coupled analyses are simulated to account for excess pore pressure build-up and dissipation, while sensitivity parameters capture the effects of remoulding. The model implementation is described first, followed by its validation against centrifuge data. The paper concludes with a detailed discussion of beneficial or detrimental effects on spudcan capacity upon re-penetration, depending on the consolidation and soil sensitivity characteristics.