Suction Pile Technology has investigated the behavior of suction piles subjected to horizontal loads by combining several variables such as soil properties, load direction, attachment point of loading and H(p)/D-ratio (relation penetration depth versus diameter). For each configuration the maximum loading and mechanism of failure have been examined. The test results have been compared to the results determined by Plaxis, a finite element code for analysis of deformation and stability of geotechnical structures. Furthermore the results have also been compared to conventional analytical methods whereby bearing capacity has been determined by using API-standards. The objective of this study is to improve the efficiency of the design of suction piles.

For the design of suction anchors for offshore foundations API standards are applicable. In order to investigate the exact behaviour and interaction of suction anchors in the sea bottom a combined numerical/experimental research was performed at Delft University of Technology. In centrifuge tests as well as by means of three-dimensional finite element calculations the influence of various parameters, among which the height/diameter ratio (H/D), the mooring attachment height (h/H) and the attachment angle (α), was investigated for suction anchors in dry sand. The research shows a good agreement between the numerical and experimental results. It is concluded that the actual horizontal bearing capacity of the suction anchors is well beyond the maximum anchor force that is allowed according to the API standards. The research also provides clear insight in the failure mechanism that occurs in the sea bottom due to excessive anchor forces. It is concluded that the best position of the cable attachment point is at 2/5 of the anchor height. This paper mainly concentrates on the numerical modelling aspects and the (graphical) results. Graphs of the maximum anchor force are presented in non-dimensionalised form, so that they can be easily applied to suction anchors with other dimensions.