Pull-Out Mechanism of Horizontal and Inclined Plate Anchors in Normally Consolidated Clay

As most existing experimental studies on plate anchors were carried out in uniform clay, a centrifuge model study is presented in this paper to investigate the pull-out behaviour of plate anchors in normally consolidated clay, which is not uncommon in offshore seabed. Horizontal and inclined anchors with different embedment depths and aspect ratios (length to width) are considered. The soil movement pattern around the plate anchor is evaluated from high-resolution photographs taken during the tests employing the Particle Image Velocimetry technique. The separation mechanism at the plate-soil interface is hence identified. The significant contribution of suction towards the ultimate pull-out capacity of a plate anchor is quantified by monitoring the soil resistance and the pore pressure beneath the anchor base under undrained condition. By comparing the pull-out responses of horizontal and inclined anchors, the effect of anchor inclination on the anchor capacity and failure mechanism is evaluated.

Design and analysis of plate anchors in sand

Plate anchors, as an efficient and reliable anchorage system, have been widely used to resist uplift forces produced by structures, such as transmission towers, offshore platforms, submerged pipelines, and tunnels. In order to design a plate anchor it is important to know the factors which influence the design and uplift behavior of anchors embedded in sand. In this report a number of model uplift tests and numerical investigations made by different authors are described and based on these readings the uplift behavior of anchors in sand is explored and anchor's design procedure is described. In addition, basic anchor types, failure modes in anchors, and design codes are mentioned. Based on this study, it is found that the failure plane and uplift capacity is significantly influenced by the soil density and embedment depth. Therefore, it is concluded that the influence of sand density and embedment depth should be considered in anchor design.

Design and analysis of plate anchors in sand

Plate anchors, as an efficient and reliable anchorage system, have been widely used to resist uplift forces produced by structures, such as transmission towers, offshore platforms, submerged pipelines, and tunnels. In order to design a plate anchor it is important to know the factors which influence the design and uplift behavior of anchors embedded in sand. In this report a number of model uplift tests and numerical investigations made by different authors are described and based on these readings the uplift behavior of anchors in sand is explored and anchor's design procedure is described. In addition, basic anchor types, failure modes in anchors, and design codes are mentioned. Based on this study, it is found that the failure plane and uplift capacity is significantly influenced by the soil density and embedment depth. Therefore, it is concluded that the influence of sand density and embedment depth should be considered in anchor design.