The suction-pile model uses SHELL281 quadratic shell elements.

The inner and outer soil models use SOLID186 quadratic solid elements.

Nonlinear frictional contact regions are defined between the outer soil and suction-pile skirt, and between the inner soil and suction-pile skirt, via CONTA174 / TARGE170 contact pairs.

The constant shell thickness of the suction-pile skirt is defined as t_s = 20 mm, and the effective shell thickness of the suction-pile top as t_T = 180 mm.

Figure 58.2: Suction Pile and Ground Mesh