Hello Dlubal community,
I'm modelling a suction bucket foundation for an offshore wind turbine (see photo). The soil is modelled as a solid in the Geotechnical Analysis add-on via a borehole, as shown in the Dlubal videos. The bucket is half embedded in the seabed, half in water, and the base contact surface is set to (failure under tension). The ballast in the upper half is applied as a vertical load.
Problem: Under cable tension I get a huge uplift deformation. I expected the embedded half to be held by friction with the surrounding soil.
Questions:
- How do I define contact (skin friction) between the embedded bucket walls and the soil, not just the base?
- Is applying the ballast as a simple vertical load acceptable here?
Thanks in advance!
Hi waelnoaman,
thanks for your message!
To analyse the problem more precisely, the model file would be very helpful:
Click on File → Save as and choose the following settings to reduce the file size:
Then upload the file here (e.g. *.rf6, *.rs9) – this way, the community can also contribute to the solution.
Prefer not to share the file publicly? No problem – send it to me via direct message: click on my profile picture or user name → Message.
Best regards
Matthias
Hi waelnoaman,
Thank you for sending me your model.
1) This is described in the following webinar: https://www.dlubal.com/de/support-und-schulungen/schulungen/webinare/003481
You first have to conduct a linear calculation and then use these results as your initial state.
The friction is included in the material model.
You can also just model a slice of your model to verify it. This is also shown in the webinar:(https://www.dlubal.com/en/support-and-learning/learning/webinars/003482)
You can also use surface contacts or contact solids. However, in that case, you have to create surfaces parallel to the embedded surfaces.
- Yes, this should be fine.
I have sent you my model via private message.
Best regards
Matthias
Hi Matthias,
Thanks so much, now it is very clear. I appreciate it so much.
Thanks
best regards,
Wael
