Abstract: The sliding risk during spudcan reinstallation close to a footprint greatly threatens the structural integrity of jack-up units. In this study, a finite element model based on the coupled Eulerian Lagrangian method is proposed to simulate the process of spudcan penetration close to a footprint. Sensitivities of mesh density and loading velocity are evaluated, and the optimal parameters are chosen. With the proposed model, a parametric analysis is conducted. It is revealed that the generation of sliding loads including the horizontal force and bending moment is attributed to the asymmetry of the soil failure plane under the spudcan base, and the peak sliding loads increase with the footprint inclination, depth and diameter. The sliding loads reach the peak at a certain offset distance. The spudcan base inclination has a significant effect on the sliding loads. Reduction of spudcan base inclination results in a decrease of the sliding loads. The present work emphasizes the effects of geometric parameters of both the spudcan and the footprint on the sliding loads, which are of scientific significance to guarantee the safe operation of jack-up reinstallations close to existing footprints.

Key words: jack-up units, spudcan, existing footprints, coupled Eulerain Lagrangian method