Numerical analysis of ultimated bearing capacity behavior of suction caisson foundations under cyclic loading

To rationally evaluate the uplift bearing capacity behavior of suction caisson foundation under cyclic loading pattern,a 3D quasi-static numerical procedure based on FEM for evaluating the uplift bearing capacity behavior of suction caisson foundation is developed.Based on the framework of the general-purpose finite element analysis software ABAQUS,applying Andersen′s analytical method about gravity foundation and combining cycle strength of soft soil and Mises yield criterion,the cyclic bearing capacity and collapse envelope of suction caisson foundation under cyclic loading pattern are determined.Then comparative numerical computations are performed for different aspect ratios of caisson foundation under monotonically combined loading pattern and cyclic combined loading pattern.The experimental results indicate that the uplift bearing capacity behavior of suction caisson foundation under cyclic loading pattern is significantly reduced compared with that under monotonically loading pattern,and the aspect ratio of caisson has little influence on the reduced effect of cyclic bearing capacity.