Predicting Punchthrough of Jackup Spudcans on Sand over Clay

Abstract

This paper considers the prediction of spudcan punchthrough failure in sand over clay. Centrifuge model tests published in the literature reveal that the failure mechanism is complex and changes as the spudcan pushes through the sand and the sand plug below it is pushed into the clay. This paper assesses the relevant provisions of the new ISO standard and proposes a simple adjustment to the present predictive equations. Results are compared with data published in the literature.