*2.2. Numerical Scheme*

Based on the proposed model, simulations were carried out with the finite element software ABAQUS (Version 6.14) (Dassault Systemes, Paris, France). The 3D finite element model for the analysis of a suction anchor embedded in a soft clay seabed was established to predict the accumulation of pore water pressure under cyclic loads. The uniform effective unit weight of the seabed was 7.17 kN/m<sup>3</sup> , representing a typical average value for seabed conditions. The parameters for seabed soil are listed in Table 1 for clarity, in accordance with Dafalias [28], which were simulated by Manzari et al. [23] and Tao and Messiner [29]. The anchor length to diameter ratio was *h*/*D* = 3, where *D* is the diameter of the anchor. The suction anchor analyzed was 2 m in diameter, and the penetration depth was 6 m below the seabed floor. The suction anchor was expected to be anchored in a normally consolidated clay seabed. To reduce the influence of the boundary conditions, a seabed diameter of 10 times the suction anchor diameter and a seabed depth of 3.3 times the anchor wall was used. This model was built in terms of a half portion of the anchor and seabed, with the symmetry axis through the center of the anchor.

**Table 1.** Properties of seabed adopted in the case studies.

