Enhancing CPT-based suction caisson penetration design: insights from back-analysis of large-scale field installation data

This paper presents a detailed back-analysis of large-scale field data from suction caisson installations in complex, layered soil conditions, enhancing the understanding of caisson installation interaction through a refined assessment of the parameters for cone penetration test (CPT)-based installation calculation methods. Leveraging CPT and suction caisson installation data from a large database, this paper proposes a more nuanced CPT-based design approach tailored for such complex soil conditions. The findings highlight notable parameter differences between dilative and contractive soils, suggesting the necessity of treating these two groups distinctively. Through a comparative analysis with existing CPT-based methods, this research highlights areas where current practices align well with field realities and identifies areas where crucial adjustments are needed to enhance design accuracy. The paper also proposes a quantile-based approach for high estimate installation calculations, which demonstrates an effective balance between safety and excessive conservatism.