New Design Approach for Spudcan Penetration in Nonuniform Clay with an Interbedded Stiff Layer

AbstractThe paper describes a mechanism-based design approach for assessing spudcan penetration in soft nonuniform clay with an interbedded stiff layer. The proposed approach is developed on the basis of the results from a parametric study through large deformation finite-element analyses and validated against centrifuge test data. This can be taken as a “top-down” approach. Design formulas are proposed for assessing the limiting cavity depth and soil plug height. A direct comparison between the predicted profiles using the proposed design approach and the “bottom-up” approach recommended in an ISO standard confirms the benefit of using the former.

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