Foundation-Response Predictions Below Caisson-Retained Island

The results of two-dimensional (axisymmetric) finite element analyses of a clay sea bed located in the Canadian Beaufort Sea are described herein. The sea bed is subjected to loads associated with excavation, construction of a sand island, and placement and infilling of a caisson. This construction process is numerically simulated using an"incremental construction approach. The sea bed is characterized using the bounding surface model for isotropic cohesive soils. Values for the parameters associated with the model are determined by matching laboratory data for similar soils. The initial state of the sea-bed soil and the construction loading time history employed are, however, obtained directly from field data. The numerical predictions generated agreed quite favorably with in situ measurements. In addition to providing information concerning the response of the sea bed to the construction of a sand island, the present study provides additional evidence that validates the bounding surface model for cohesive soils.