Suction caisson foundations for offshore wind energy installations in layered soils

Suction caissons are being increasingly considered as an alternative foundation concept for offshore wind turbines. Once installed and connected to the wind energy superstructure, they are exposed to cyclic loading from wind and waves. This thesis has considered the response of a suction caisson when subjected to the type of long-term and multidirectional cyclic loading experienced by an offshore wind turbine over Its design life. The database on the accumulated rotation and caisson-soil stiffness has been established through physical model tests, which benefits to the design of suction caisson supported offshore wind turbines.