Suction installed caissons have seen increased acceptance in the offshore wind industry due to their potential for low-noise, quick installation; and suitability to certain challenging soil conditions. This enables them to compete on a commercial basis with traditional monopile and jacket designs.
The Offshore Wind Accelerator (OWA) published guidelines in 2019 to provide clarity and guidance to industry on the geotechnical design of suction caissons foundations. The document provides an overview of the critical factors to consider during design, and gives practical support to engineers in order to manage the design process efficiently and cost effectively.