Finite-element Analysis of Soil Failure Mechanism During Installation of Suction Caisson Model in Silt

Finite-element analysis is used to study the mechanism of soil failure during installation of suction caisson model in silt. Based on analysis of experiments from literatures, a soil failure mechanism is introduced. Depth related critical hydraulic gradient is suggested for soil in this mechanism. A linear relationship between critical hydraulic gradient and depth are proposed based on experiments from literatures. Uniform permeability with high value is assigned to failed zone in this mechanism. In Finite-element analysis, a simple and effective method is used to identify the failed zone and its developing process. The results of Finite-element analysis compare well with the results of experiments from literatures. It proves the soil failure mechanism suggested in this work is reasonable. And shortcomings of it are discussed at the end.