A Study on Load Carrying Capacity of Skirted Foundation on Sand

Skirted foundations are considered to be a viable foundation for a variety of offshore applications. Skirted foundations are used widely offshore, either as a single foundation system for gravity based structures or as discrete foundation units at the corners of jacket structures and tension leg platforms. Skirted foundations used in structures and facilities for the oil and gas industry are gradually replacing piled foundations. These foundations lead to cost savings through reduction in materials and in time required for installation. The effects of skirt length on bearing capacity were already investigated and reported in many literatures. Skirted footing capacity for combined (vertical, horizontal and moment) loads has been studied by several researchers using both numerical and physical modelling. From the accomplished laboratory tests, it is concluded that there is enhancement in bearing capacity of skirted foundations occurred both with the increase in skirt depth and relative density of sand. The ultimate bearing capacity was found to increase with the size of the footing, the length of skirts and the relative density of sand.