ABSTRACT
Suction caissons have been a primary foundation system in deepwater Gulf of Mexico, especially in water depths greater than 1300 m. They have been used for several different applications including taut to semitaut legged mooring systems, manifold foundations, and anchorages for pipeline end terminals (PLETS). For mooring applications the uplift capacity of the caisson will often control the design. This uplift capacity is comprised of three parts: (1) the submerged weight of the caisson and appurtenances, (2) the reverse end bearing at the bottom of the caisson and (3) the skin friction along the external sides of the caisson.
