A method for eliminating soil plugs during the installation of suction caissons in sand.
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| Title: | A method for eliminating soil plugs during the installation of suction caissons in sand. |
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| Authors: | Liu, Jinzhong1 (AUTHOR), Feng, Shunliang1 (AUTHOR), Ma, Shunshun1 (AUTHOR), Kong, Desen1 (AUTHOR) desen.kong@sdust.edu.cn, Chen, Xuguang2 (AUTHOR), Di, Shengjie3 (AUTHOR), Zhang, Ying3 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Marine Georesources & Geotechnology. Feb2026, Vol. 44 Issue 2, p417-431. 15p. |
| Subjects: | Slurry, Bearing capacity of soils, Soils, Mixing machinery, Building foundations |
| Abstract: | The installation of suction caissons often encounters the problem of soil plugs, which prevent the caisson from reaching the design depth, potentially leading to insufficient bearing capacity and deviations from design expectations. Measures like enlarging the contact area between the caisson and soil or adjusting suction have been proposed, but soil plugs still exist. Therefore, a method for eliminating soil plugs during the installation of suction caissons is proposed. The soil plug inside the caisson is transformed from a solid state to a slurry state using a stirring device, after which the slurry is pumped out to eliminate the soil plug. Feasibility tests have demonstrated that this method effectively eliminates soil plugs. A series of installation tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of stirring rate, suction rate, soil relative density, and suction caisson aspect ratio. Results indicate that the stirring rate is a critical factor, and an appropriate stirring rate is necessary. This is because an insufficient stirring rate fails to transform the soil plug into a slurry, and an excessive stirring rate compromises the seal, both of which increase the installation risks. This method is expected to provide a valuable reference for the installation of suction caissons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | The installation of suction caissons often encounters the problem of soil plugs, which prevent the caisson from reaching the design depth, potentially leading to insufficient bearing capacity and deviations from design expectations. Measures like enlarging the contact area between the caisson and soil or adjusting suction have been proposed, but soil plugs still exist. Therefore, a method for eliminating soil plugs during the installation of suction caissons is proposed. The soil plug inside the caisson is transformed from a solid state to a slurry state using a stirring device, after which the slurry is pumped out to eliminate the soil plug. Feasibility tests have demonstrated that this method effectively eliminates soil plugs. A series of installation tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of stirring rate, suction rate, soil relative density, and suction caisson aspect ratio. Results indicate that the stirring rate is a critical factor, and an appropriate stirring rate is necessary. This is because an insufficient stirring rate fails to transform the soil plug into a slurry, and an excessive stirring rate compromises the seal, both of which increase the installation risks. This method is expected to provide a valuable reference for the installation of suction caissons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 1064119X |
| DOI: | 10.1080/1064119X.2025.2503799 |
