A Critical Review of Recent Advances in Suction Caisson Design

The search necessitated by the need for a cheaper alternative of foundation installation for fixed and floating platforms in ultra-deep waters led to the study and use of suction caisson. This skirted foundation/anchor has the relative advantage of faster installation with precision, displacing more lateral capacity with cheaper material fabrication allowing for retrieval and use. This book is an extensive review of the development made in the design of deep suction caisson in the light of its advantages over the traditional method.The key design parameters considered were the undrained shear strength, skin friction, critical underpressure and plug heave some of which present areas of uncertainties. Some case work were also presented involving installation in clay, sand and mixed profile soils.