Comparison of analytical and numerical design of suction anchors in deepwater clays

Abstract

The paper presents the result of an extensive study on the undrained holding capacity of suction anchors with different length-to-diameter ratios. The clays used in this study have a linearly increasing undrained shear strength with depth. The paper proposes a ‘ready-to-use’ equation for the preliminary design of suction anchors in soft clays. To highlight the benefit of the design equation, three example projects where detailed design of suction anchors had already been carried out numerically are compared with the equation-based design. The comparisons show that the proposed equation can be used with confidence for the preliminary design of suction anchors in similar soil conditions. The paper also addresses the key assumptions and restrictions associated with the use of the design equation.