This paper presents a numerical study of the resistance and failure of cemented seabed burying an uplifting pipe using distinct element method (DEM). The mechanical properties of cemented sand are firstly simulated and analyzed with various inter-grain bond strength; and then

local deformation

distribution of broken bond

and displacement fields are investigated to analyze the failure mechanism of cemented seabed with different bond strength during pipe uplifting; Finally

uplift resistances and upheaval displacement of cemented seabed are discussed with respect to bond strength effect. The results show that the ground deformation and inter-grain bond failure are mainly located in overlying soils of the pipe. Furthermore

The backfilling of soils beneath the pipe vanishes as the increase of bond strength

an apparent tensile-failure rupture above the pipe

and an enhanced uplift resistance of cemented seabed are observed. In addition

the upheaval displacement of seabed increases with the pipe uplift displacement.