Advances in the prediction of spudcan punch-through in double-layered soils

Punch-through failure of jack-up spudcan foundations occurs in active oil and gas drilling exploration regions, where relatively stiff soil overlies soft marine layer. Therefore, installation of spudcan foundations in such seabed formations threatens the stability of the jack-up rig. A site-specific assessment of the potential and severity of failure must be completed before the commencement of the installation. However, the accuracy of the prediction is limited by the validity of the design method currently in use. This paper presents advances in the prediction of punch-through failure of jack-up platforms in sand/stiff clay over soft clay soils. New analytical models for spudcan installation in double-layered soils are reviewed and compared to the existing methods in the ISO 19905-1 standard and SNAME standard. The capabilities and limitations of each method are summarised and recommendations are drawn for the theoretical predictions of spudcan punch-through in double-layered soils.