Review on prediction of spudcan punch-through capacity in multi-layer soils and case study

To address the limitations of penetration analysis methods for jack-up platforms in multi-layer soils, this paper systematically reviews the ISO (international organization for standardization) methods and latest proposed approaches in two-layer and multi-layer soils (three or more layers). Additionally, field-measured data collected from eastern Guangdong are evaluated through back analysis. The study reveals that the ISO methods neglect issues such as soil layer interface variations, soil plugging effects, and clay strain rate and strain softening. While new methods based on soil failure mechanisms improve prediction accuracy, they are only applicable to specific soil conditions and lack general applicability in practical engineering. Through back analysis, this paper further clarifies the applicability of different methods under complex geological conditions and proposes that future research should focus on developing universal calculation methods that account for realistic soil failure mechanism, soil layer interface variations, and soil plug effects, so as to enhance the reliability of penetration risk assessment for spudcan in multi-layered soil profiles.