Drag anchor fluke-soil interaction in clays

Abstract

Finite element analysis has been used to investigate the interaction between anchor flukes and undrained soil at failure. The behaviour of a rectangular and a wedge-shaped anchor has been investigated when the anchors are subject to combined rotational and translational loadings similar to those experienced during anchor dragging. The results have been presented in terms of a plasticity framework to produce an associated plastic failure locus for combined loading conditions. It is seen that the wedge-shaped anchor has a different shaped failure locus and displacements at failure because of its asymmetrical shape, and this will affect drag anchor behaviour. A new design method is introduced that aims to predict drag anchor embedment trajectory and holding capacity through examination of the fluke–soil interaction. The yield loci and plastic potentials produced from consideration of fluke–soil interaction are used in the new design method to predict drag anchor kinematics. Results from the new analysis meth...