Vertical Stability Simulation and Analysis for Single Bucket Foundation Platform Yiran Feng College of Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China e-mail: ryan-fung@msn.com Yinbang Wang College of Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China e-mail: wangyb@ouc.edu Yongjian Gu College of Info Science & Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China Shihua Zhang, Xinjie Chu Drilling Technology Research Institute, Shengli Petroleum Administration Bureau, Dongying, Shandong 257017, China
			ABSTRACT

A gravity ocean platform with a single bucket foundation and its physical model are designed. The experimental investigation of the model platform’s response under cyclic vertical loading in silt foundation has been carried out to simulate daily process of oil storage and oil discharge in real seabed conditions. Total stress and pore pressure at stress concentration points is monitored by transducers. Based on Mohr-Coulomb’s strength theory and by MATLAB programming, the model platform data can get back to the real response of prototype platform to determine whether the foundation soil is stable. What is more, rational numerical simulation is also achieved. Two capacity options are tested: 500 tons and 1000 tons. When the caisson’s oil capacity is assumed 500 tons, the foundation soil is unconditionally stable; while the number reaches 1000 tons, local instability occurs, despite whole stability under most circumstances. The conclusion is drawn that upper loadings should not be applied instantly after suction penetration. In consideration of vertical oil loading alone, 1000 tons is the ultimate capacity and 500 tons or more is appropriate. This paper presents the dimensions of the designed platform, numerical simulation, laboratory model simulation, and ultimately provides referential resources for future design and construction in silt.

Keywords: Single bucket foundation; Silt soil; Stability; Vertical cyclic loading; Numerical simulation; Mohr-Coulomb Strength Theory

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