Soil Displacement Near a Bucket Foundation Installed in Sand by Suction and Jacking in a Centrifuge

Abstract

In this study, the effect of the bucket installation method on the subsoil movements was investigated in sand by using centrifuge model tests. In order to directly observe the soil behavior around the bucket installed by suction and jacking, half buckets were installed for each installation method along a box fitted with a transparent window in the centrifuge. Consecutive images were captured during the installation process and subsequently analyzed by an image analysis tool to quantify the soil movements. Direct comparisons were performed to understand the differences in soil behavior around the bucket installed in sand by suction and jacking. The results indicated that a large soil plug heave occurred along the skirt wall interior during the suction installation, whereas no significant soil displacements were observed during jacking installation, and this significantly affects the bucket penetration behavior.