Installation performance of structurally enhanced caissons in sand

Suction caissons are attractive solutions to support offshore structures. Their capacity, both pull-out and bearing, grows with their embedment depth. However, higher depths increase risks of installation failure due uncertainty seabed condition, increased chance piping structural buckling. For the first time, this paper investigates structurally enhanced (SECs), in form flanges attached caisson shaft, through developing a numerical procedure based on finite element analysis. The SEC has potential offer additional (over 20%) bearing capacity compared standard can have substantial positive impacts torsional capacity. Using proposed procedure, impact adding resistance was studied against caisson. A criterion defined which allows tracking soil region where develops evolves as proceeds. flange base sizes sand compaction required suction for were studied. results be used guidance predict install flanged facilitate uptake SEC. framework is applicable other geometries.