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Published on: September 19, 2018
Bearing characteristics of modified suction caissons under long-term horizontal cyclic loading
Xingzheng Zhou1, Lunbo Luo2, Weihuan Zhuang3
1China Three Gorges Renewables (Group) Co., Ltd., Fuzhou, 350001, China. zhou_xingzheng@ctg.com.cn.
Scientific Reports
|June 22, 2026
Summary
This study investigated modified suction caissons (MSC) under cyclic loading. Increased loading frequency and cycles amplified horizontal displacement and pore water pressure, while vertical load enhanced stability and reduced rotation.
Area of Science:
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Marine Foundations
- Offshore Structures
Background:
- Modified suction caissons (MSC) are crucial for offshore infrastructure.
- Understanding their behavior under long-term horizontal cyclic loading is essential for design.
- Previous studies often lack comprehensive analysis of combined vertical and cyclic loads.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bearing characteristics of MSC under long-term horizontal cyclic loading.
- To evaluate the influence of cyclic loading frequency and vertical loading on MSC performance.
- To analyze horizontal displacement, rotation, pore water pressure, and stiffness.
Main Methods:
- Conducting model tests on modified suction caissons.
- Applying long-term horizontal cyclic loading.
- Varying cyclic loading frequency and vertical loading conditions.
- Monitoring horizontal displacement, cumulative rotation, pore water pressure, and stiffness.
Main Results:
- Horizontal displacement of MSC increases with loading frequency.
- MSC exhibits upward vertical displacement, decreasing with higher frequencies.
- Pore water pressure increases with loading cycles.
- Increased vertical load reduces horizontal displacement and rotation, enhancing stiffness and recovery.
- Rotation angle increases rapidly after 2000 cycles.
- Stiffness decreases with increasing cycles under multistage loading.
Conclusions:
- Loading frequency and cycles significantly impact MSC stability and performance.
- Vertical load is a critical factor in improving MSC's horizontal bearing capacity and rotational stability.
- MSC stiffness degrades over time under cyclic loading, necessitating careful design considerations.
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