In the realm of offshore construction, the stability of structures like suction bucket foundations is paramount. A recent study published in *Yantu gongcheng xuebao* (Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering) sheds new light on the interface strength behaviors of saturated clay under fully undrained conditions, offering insights that could revolutionize how we approach ocean engineering projects. Led by LIAO Chencong from the State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the research delves into the critical parameters influencing the penetration resistance during installation, particularly focusing on the interface strength between the suction bucket and the clay.
The seabed, a fully submerged environment, presents unique challenges. Factors such as saturation degree, drainage conditions, and pore water pressure play significant roles in the development of interface strength. However, current testing devices often fall short in providing accurate measurements and control of these variables, limiting their ability to reflect real-world soil-structure interface characteristics. “Our study aimed to bridge this gap by modifying traditional strain-controlled triaxial instruments to achieve fully undrained interface shear and precise measurement of pore pressure in saturated clay,” explains LIAO Chencong.
The research team conducted interface shear tests at varying shear rates, roughness levels, and consolidation pressures. Their findings reveal that as the shear rate increases, both the effective stress ratio and effective stress friction angle rise. Moreover, the maximum pore water pressure escalates with increasing structural surface roughness. “The interface shear characteristics are primarily influenced by the rate effect,” notes LIAO. “As shear rate increases, the axial strain required to stabilize the interface pore water pressure also increases.”
These insights are not merely academic; they have profound commercial implications for the energy sector. Accurate measurement of interface shear strength is crucial for reliable calculation of frictional resistance and suction pressure during suction foundation installation. This precision can enhance the stability and longevity of offshore structures, reducing maintenance costs and potential failures. “Careful control of clay saturation and undrained conditions is essential for accurate measurement of interface shear strength,” emphasizes LIAO. “This can significantly impact the reliability and efficiency of suction foundation installations in ocean engineering.”
The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field by providing a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing interface strength. This knowledge can inform better design practices and more accurate predictive models, ultimately leading to safer and more cost-effective offshore construction projects. As the energy sector continues to explore deeper and more challenging environments, such advancements become increasingly vital.
Published in *Yantu gongcheng xuebao*, the research offers a comprehensive analysis of interface shear behaviors, providing a foundation for future innovations in ocean engineering. The study’s emphasis on precise measurement and control of critical variables sets a new standard for the industry, paving the way for more robust and reliable offshore structures. As the energy sector evolves, the insights from this research will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ocean engineering.