Numerical Simulation on Anchored Load-Bearing Characteristics of Suction Caisson for Floating Offshore Wind Power

• Published in: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
• Main Authors: Shangle Xie, Chaoyi Sun, Bo Liu, Liji Huang, Huiyuan Deng, Mingxing Zhu, Xiaojuan Li, Guoliang Dai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2025-08-01
• Subjects: floating offshore wind power; anchor foundation; suction caisson; anchor load-bearing characteristics; numerical simulation
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/9/1653

Suction caisson anchor foundations have been widely applied in oil and gas platforms but remain in the exploratory stage for floating offshore wind power applications, where research on their anchor load-bearing characteristics is insufficient. This study focuses on the influence of length-to-diameter ratio, loading angle, and loading point depth on the anchor load-bearing characteristics of suction caisson anchor foundations. Through numerical simulation, the load–displacement curves, internal force distribution along the caisson body, movement mode transitions, and soil failure characteristics were obtained. The results indicate that loading point depth and loading angle alter the movement mode of the suction caisson anchor foundation, directly affecting its bearing capacity. Smaller loading angles result in higher bearing capacity, which initially increases with loading point depth, peaks at 0.6 L, and then decreases at 0.8 L due to a transition in the foundation’s movement mode. Similarly, as the length-to-diameter ratio decreases, the bearing capacity and overall movement amplitude of the foundation decrease, leading to a shift in the optimal loading point position. The circumferential soil pressure and horizontal soil resistance distributions vary significantly with loading angle and depth. The findings of this study provide valuable reference for the design and application of suction caisson anchor foundations.