Comparison Between Different Types of Suction Pile

Abstract

Abstract The utilization of suction pile as a foundation for subsea structures is a modern alternative to the traditional foundation types. Suction pile foundation is widely used nowadays due to the benefits and advantages relevant to the design and installation of such a foundation. Throughout this paper, A review of three types of load-bearing suction pile foundation is introduced based on a cost efficiency as well as design and construction aspects study. The aim of this review is to explore and critically assess the pros and cons of each type of the studied types to outline a guidance or a selection criterion for the different circumstances. The approach adopted for the achievement of the above objective is based on a numerical analysis of the suction pile foundation types under certain loading combination, in which, both geotechnical and structural aspects are fulfilled to reach a sound design and optimum dimensions of the three said suction pile foundation types satisfying a prefdefined acceptance criterion. The resulted design of the three types is then used in a cost-based comparison to conclude the most cost-effective type, in addition to a critical assessment and review of the suction pile foundation design and construction challenges to figure out the pros and cons of each type. The said comparison has concluded that the single pile should be the basic and the most preferable choice. This is due to its’ high direct and indirect cost efficiency and the simplicity and easiness of fabrication and installation. Double-piled type has also shown positive outcomes with regard the cost efficiency as well as the construction performance, which raises a question mark on its’ rare use in the industry. Four-piled suction pile foundation type, and despite being frequently used in the industry, has shown a negative cost efficiency along with high construction precautions. The review has shown that the four-piled type foundation is advantageous only when needed to support an extra-size structure with large footprint area or when used in a highly sloped seabed surface to get the benefit from its’ high levelling capability.