Centrifuge investigations of normal and reverse fault interaction with jack-up rig spudcan foundations

This paper introduces the methodology for a series of centrifuge model tests which investigated the interaction between geological faults, in sand and a jack-up rig with spudcan foundations. Understanding the fault rupture-soil-foundation-structure interaction (FR-SFSI) is critical when attempting to develop platform design and risk mitigation strategies. The findings may be used alongside other hazard risk mitigation strategies deployed during site investigations and assessments of rig operations. Results show how a reverse fault propagates though the soil and directly intercepts the spudcan foundations. The jack-up causes fault diversion and bifurcation yet still suffers from significant rotations at the hull and large axial forces in the legs. This research forms part of a wider study which includes finite-element analyses (FEA) of the jack-up-fault interaction. The centrifuge results will be used to validate and further calibrate the numerical analyses.