Winkler springs for axial response of suction bucket foundations in cohesionless soil

Jacket structures mounted on suction buckets carry potential as cost-efficient foundations for next-generation 10 MW+ offshore wind turbines located in transitional water depths. Given this foundation method, resistance to overturning moment relies mainly the axial response of buckets. In practice, bucket can be modelled “Beams Non-Linear Winkler Foundation” where soil is idealised non-linear springs. This paper describes derivation process static load-transfer or t–z curves installed cohesionless soil. The mathematical formulation based regression analysis data obtained from 100 axisymmetric numerical models a medium characterised by Hardening Soil model representing stress–strain relationships Frederikshavn sand, which typical sand. Various dimensions, properties and drainage conditions were simulated considering tension compression, order describe frictional behaviour at skirt–soil interface. springs' are therefore linked diameter, friction angle vertical overburden pressure. By superimposing effects all springs, load–displacement generated compared with results available experimental studies buckets, revealing reasonable agreement. It shown that existing formulations piles inapplicable large-diameter