Behavior of a shallow plate anchor in clay under sustained loading

Laboratory model test results for the uplift of a shallow circular plate anchor embedded in a soft saturated clay are presented. For all tests the bottom of the anchor plate was vented to eliminate the mud suction force. The tests were divided into two categories: (1) short‐term tests to determine the variation of the net ultimate uplift capacity and hence the breakout factor with embedment ratio, and (2) creep tests with sustained uplift loads at varying embedment ratios. Based on the model test results, the variation with time, has been determined for the rate of strain of the soil located above the plate anchor. Empirical relationships for obtaining the rate of anchor uplift have been proposed.     

Estimation of Uplift Capacity of Rapidly Loaded Plate Anchors in Soft Clay

Plate anchors are extensively used in civil engineering constructions as they provide an economical alternative to gravity and other embedded anchors. The rate of loading is one of the important factors that affects the magnitude of soil resistance as well as soil suction force. This article outlines the effect of pullout rate on uplift behavior of plate anchors (70 mm diameter) buried in soft saturated clay by varying the pullout rate from 1.4 mm/min to 21.0 mm/min. The variation of breakout force and suction force with embedment depth and rate of pull are presented. A correlation between the rate of increase of undrained strength of clay and anchor capacity with rate of strain has been established. Finally an empirical equation has been proposed that includes the rate of pull in the estimation of breakout capacity of anchors.     

Estimation of Uplift Capacity of Rapidly Loaded Plate Anchors in Soft Clay

Plate anchors are extensively used in civil engineering constructions as they provide an economical alternative to gravity and other embedded anchors. The rate of loading is one of the important factors that affects the magnitude of soil resistance as well as soil suction force. This article outlines the effect of pullout rate on uplift behavior of plate anchors (70 mm diameter) buried in soft saturated clay by varying the pullout rate from 1.4 mm/min to 21.0 mm/min. The variation of breakout force and suction force with embedment depth and rate of pull are presented. A correlation between the rate of increase of undrained strength of clay and anchor capacity with rate of strain has been established. Finally an empirical equation has been proposed that includes the rate of pull in the estimation of breakout capacity of anchors.     

Evaluation of the uplift behavior of plate anchor in structured marine clay

The uplift behavior of a plate anchor in a structured clay (soft Ariake clay) is investigated through a series of laboratory tests and method of finite element analysis. The tests are adopted to identify the factors influencing the behavior of the anchor, including the thixotropic nature of Ariake clay, consolidation time, and embedment ratio of the anchor. A finite element method (FEM) is used to analyze and predict the uplift behavior of the anchor plate well in the elastic region and the yield load. The results from both the laboratory tests and the FEM analysis suggest that the embedment ratio for a deep anchor in Ariake clay is close to 4. Further increase in embedment ratio improves the capacity to a lesser extent. FEM overestimates the failure load of the uplift anchor in soft Ariake clay by about 20%. This may be ascribed to the hypothesis in the FEM analysis that there is continuous contact between the clay and the anchor until failure. Vesic’s theory for deep anchors, which may be used to predict the ultimate pullout resistance of the plate anchor in reconstituted Ariake clay, is verified to be applicable. In this paper, the plastic flow zone around the anchor is discussed using FEM which makes the behavior of anchor more understandable during the design stage.     

Behavior of underwater suction anchor in soil

To study the feasibility and efficiency of underwater suction anchors in soil, the performance of eight model anchors was evaluated in a 30 in. (76·2 cm) by 72 in. (183·0 cm) by 32 in. (81·3 cm) deep test tank. The soil studied were a medium fine sand, a silt and a clay. A gantry-type loading mechanisms was used to apply the vertical breakout force. A pullout rate of approximately 0·1 in/min (0·25 cm/min) was used for all tests.For the range of conditions studied, the test results indicate that the underwater suction anchor is feasible and effective. The breakout behavior of the suction anchors depends upon the anchor geometry including anchor diameter and skirt length, soil strength properties, soil-anchor friction and adhesion, and suction; i.e. the difference between the pressure underneath the porous plate and the ambient pressure. For the anchors and soils tested, the anchor capacity increases linearly with increasing suction provided the anchor skirt length to diameter ratio remains constant. An increase in the anchor capacity results with increasing suction and with increasing internal friction angle of the test soils. To study the results suggest that the underwater suction anchor is particularly useful for short-term anchorage.     

Pullout behavior of suction anchors in soft marine clays

In the field of ocean engineering, a beginning has been made in the use of large‐sized suction anchors for safe anchoring of large compliant structures. Suction anchors derive most of their uplift resistance from passive suction developed during the pullout movement. This article describes a set of laboratory tests on model suction anchors of three different embedment ratios to estimate the pullout behavior of suction anchors in soft clays typical of Indian marine clays. Tests were conducted on model anchors installed in soil beds prepared at four different consistencies in a test tank. This study shows the influence of soil consistency and embedment ratio (L/D) on the pullout behavior of suction anchors and on the variation of suction pressure at the top of the soil plug. The test results reveal that the behavior of suction anchors is much better than the behavior of open‐ended anchors from the considerations of both capacity and deformation. The consistent development of suction inside the anchor top confirms the plug formation and significant breakout resistance in the form of suction‐induced reversed end bearing. The results are further analyzed in terms of suction breakout factors. Further, the effect of burial depth of suction anchor on pullout behavior is shown.     

Lower bound solutions for uplift capacity of strip anchors adjacent to sloping ground in clay

Numerical solutions have been obtained for the vertical uplift capacity of strip plate anchors embedded adjacent to sloping ground in fully cohesive soil under undrained condition. The analysis was performed using finite element lower bound limit analysis with second-order conic optimization technique. The effect of anchor edge distance from the crest of slope, angle and height of slope, normalized overburden pressure due to soil self-weight, and embedded depth of anchor on the uplift capacity has been examined. A nondimensional uplift factor defined as F_cγ owing to the combined contribution of soil cohesion (c_u), and soil unit weight (γ) is used for expressing the uplift capacity. For an anchor buried near to a sloping ground, the ultimate uplift capacity is dependent on either pullout failure of anchor or overall slope failure. The magnitude of F_cγ has been found to increase with an increase in the normalized overburden pressure up to a certain maximum value, beyond which either the behavior of anchor transfers from shallow to deep anchor or overall slope failure occurs.     

Characteristic Test Study on Bearing Capacity of Suction Caisson Foundation Under Vertical Load

Suction caisson foundations are often subjected to vertical uplift loads, but there are still no wide and spread engineering specifications on design and calculation method for uplift bearing capacity of suction caisson foundation.So it is important to establish an uplift failure criterion. In order to study the uplift bearing mechanism and failure mode of suction caisson foundation, a series of model tests were carried out considering the effects of aspect ratio,soil permeability and loading mode. Test results indicate that the residual negative pressure at the top of caisson is beneficial to enhance uplift bearing capacity. The smaller the permeability coefficient is, the higher the residual negative pressure will be. And the residual negative pressure is approximately equal to the water head that causes seepage in the caisson. When the load reaches the ultimate bearing capacity, both the top and bottom negative pressures are smaller than Su and both the top and bottom reverse bearing capacity factors are smaller than 1.0 in soft clay. Combined the uplift bearing characteristics of caisson in sandy soil and soft clay, the bearing capacity composition and the calculation method are proposed. It can provide a reference for the engineering design of suction caisson foundation under vertical load.     

Uplift of symmetrical anchor plates by using grid-fixed reinforced reinforcement in cohesionless soil

Uplift response of symmetrical anchor plates with and without grid fixed reinforced （GFR） reinforcement was evaluated in model tests and numerical simulations by Plaxis. Many variations of reinforcement layers were used to reinforce the sandy soil over symmetrical anchor plates. In the current research, different factors such as relative density of sand, embedment ratios, and various GFR parameters including size, number of layers, and the proximity of the layer to the symmetrical anchor plate were investigated in a scale model. The failure mechanism and the associated rupture surface were observed and evaluated. GFR, a tied up system made of fiber reinforcement polymer （FRP） strips and end balls, was connected to the geosynthetic material and anchored into the soil. Test results showed that using GFR reinforcement significantly improved the uplift capacity of anchor plates. It was found that the inclusion of one layer of GFR, which rested directly on the top of the anchor plate, was more effective in enhancing the anchor capacity itself than other methods. It was found that by including GFR the uplift response was improved by 29%. Multi layers of GFR proved more effective in enhancing the uplift capacity than a single GFR reinforcement. This is due to the additional anchorage provided by the GFR at each level of reinforcement. In general, the results show that the uplift capacity of symmetrical anchor plates in loose and dense sand can be significantly increased by the inclusion of GFR. It was also observed that the inclusion of GFR reduced the requirement for a large L/D ratio to achieve the required uplift capacity. The laboratory and numerical analysis results are found to be in agreement in terms of breakout factor and failure mechanism pattern.     

深海吸力锚水平极限承载力研究

深海吸力锚基础的极限承载能力是海洋工程锚固系统的一个关键问题。基于Coulomb摩擦接触对原理,给出一种模拟吸力锚承载能力的有限元模型。在该数值模型基础上,利用通用有限元分析软件ABAQUS,研究系泊点位置、吸力锚长径比对极限承载力的影响,并给出深海吸力锚失稳模式。结果表明,系泊点位置极大地影响着吸力锚的极限承载力与稳定性,系泊点位置的变化会导致吸力锚出现前倾转动、平移滑动和后仰转动失稳模式,同时吸力锚失稳模式受长径比的影响。为工程实际和理论分析提供了技术支持和理论指导。     

新型铰接式重力锚的设计及其性能研究

重力锚锚固是一种常见的锚固形式。为了能够提供足够的水平承载力,传统型式的重力锚普遍比较笨重,在上拔回收时会产生较大的竖向吸附力,不利于重复利用。针对此问题,设计了一种新型铰接式重力锚,并阐述了其铺设与回收方案。其次采用有限元方法对其整体强度进行了校核,结果均符合规范。最后基于模型试验,对铰接式重力锚在黏土中的运动过程进行了研究,进而确定了其在黏土中的水平承载力和回收时的上拔力。结果表明：相较于传统重力锚,新型铰接式重力锚在确保水平承载性能的基础上,能够大幅减小上拔力,从而有效地降低铺设和回收作业的难度,且可适应多种海底土质,但该锚型仅适用于悬链线式系泊系统。相关研究结果可为实际工程中铰接式重力锚的设计提供参考。     

Two-Dimensional Large Deformation Finite Element Analysis for the Pulling-up of Plate Anchor

Based on mesh regeneration and stress interpolation from an old mesh to a new one, a large deformation finite element model is developed for the study of the behaviour of circular plate anchors subjected to uplift loading. For the deterruination of the distributions of stress components across a clay foundation, the Recovery by Equilibrium in Patches is extended to plastic analyses. ABAQUS, a commercial finite element package, is customized and linked into our program so as to keep automatic and efficient running of large deformation calculation. The quality of stress interpolation is testified by evaluations of Tresca stress and nodal reaction forces. The complete pulling-up processes of plate anchors buried in homogeneous clay arc simulated, and typical pulling force-displacement responses of a deep anchor and a shallow anchor are compared. Different from the results of previous studies, large deformation analysis is of the capability of estimating the breakaway between the anchor bottom and soils. For deep anchors, the variation of mobilized uplift resistance with anchor settlement is composed of three stages, and the initial buried depths of anchors affect the separation embedment slightly. The uplift bearing capacity of deep anchors is usually higher than that of shallow anchors.     

Centrifuge evaluation of the influential factors in the uplift capacity of suction foundations in clay

The passive suction of suction foundations plays a significant role in pull-out resistance. The factors influencing the uplift capacity include stress state, embedment ratio, and loading rate. This article investigates the effect of embedment ratio and loading rate on the bearing behavior of suction foundations using centrifuge testing. A series of uplift tests on a suction foundation in clay were performed using a beam centrifuge. During the tests, uplift displacement, suction, and loading rate were monitored. The suction was obtained by measurement of water pressure. To compare the influence of different factors on uplift capacity due to passive suction, two types of uplift tests were conducted; the first was on the closed caisson and the second was on the vented caisson. The results show that the pull-out resistance increased with an increase of the uplift loading rate, which was induced by the suction. The maximum resistance occurred when the upward displacements reached 14%D under a ratio of skirt length (L) to diameter (D) (L/D) of 0.5 and 17%D under an L/D ratio of 2. These findings provide a way for suction caissons to resist pull-out load or for structures to be removed from the seabed.     

Pullout Capacity of Horizontally Loaded Suction Anchor Installed in Silty Sand

Current floating structures require more reliable and higher anchoring capacities because of their increased size. A suction anchor is one of the most popular anchors for a floating system. In this study, the behavior of a suction anchor installed in cohesionless soil was investigated when the anchor was subjected to mainly a horizontal load. Three-dimensional finite element numerical analyses were carried out using ABAQUS, and three centrifuge tests were performed to calibrate the numerical analyses. A parametric study with different dimensions and loading points for the suction anchor was conducted. The horizontal capacity of the suction anchor was estimated, and the soil reaction distribution was analyzed when the load was applied at the optimal point. Based on the results, an analytical equation for calculating the horizontal capacity of a suction anchor was proposed that can be easily adopted for design.     

法向承力锚拖曳安装过程的整体模拟

法向承力锚(Vertically Loaded Plate Anchor,VLA)是一种适用于深水的新型系泊基础,它的拖曳安装过程直接决定了其系泊定位的精度和锚体的最终承载能力。综合考虑VLA锚体、锚泊线和上部船体的运动,建立了一种新的准静力整体分析模型。模型包括不断贯入海床的锚体、锚泊线(土中反悬链段和水中悬链段)和安装船体三部分,针对确定的锚泊线长度,安装船运动张紧锚泊线进行安装的过程,计算了此过程中锚体的运动轨迹、锚泊线形态和作用在船体上的锚泊线张力矢量的变化,重点分析了不同抛链长度和海床土体的参数对安装过程控制的影响,发现链长与水深之比达到5时,接近极限贯入深度。     

Simplified limit solutions for the capacity of suction anchors under undrained conditions

Upper bound plastic limit analyses (PLA) can provide a useful framework for estimating the load capacity of suction caisson anchors in purely cohesive soils. Since arbitrary assumptions regarding the soil stress state are not required in the PLA formulation, it may be used with greater consistency compared to other simplified approaches such as limit equilibrium methods. While PLA methods do not attempt to include all of the complexities of anchor behavior, they can provide a relatively simple framework for visualizing anchor kinematics leading to an understanding of the relative importance of various parameters on suction anchor load capacity. The most rigorous PLA formulations involve postulating a three-dimensional anchor-soil failure mechanism and deriving expressions for internal energy dissipation throughout the mechanism. This approach can involve extensive numerical integrations and a relatively complex scheme for optimizing the failure mechanism to obtain a least upper bound collapse load. Considerable simplification is possible if the problem is formulated in terms of ultimate unit resistances (lateral, axial, and their interaction) that can be exerted by the soil on the caisson. In this case, the caisson failure mechanism can be characterized in terms of one or two optimization variables. Simple expressions for the ultimate unit resistances acting on the caisson can be obtained from several sources including rigorous PLA solutions, finite element techniques, or experimental measurements. General expressions are possible by limiting consideration to common, idealized strength profiles such as uniform or constant gradient. Such simplified formulations are particularly valuable for providing an analysis tool accessible to practicing engineers. Suction caisson anchors can be subjected to a variety of load orientations including nearly vertical uplift forces imposed by the vertical tendons of tension leg platforms, horizontal loads imposed by catenary mooring systems, and inclined loads imposed by taut moorings. Recently, PLA methods have been applied to the analysis of suction caissons subjected to this range of loading conditions. This paper reviews the formulation of these analyses and summarizes the most significant findings.     

Upper Bound Solutions for Uplift Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Suction Caisson Foundation

Suction caisson foundation derives most of their uplift resistance from passive suction developed during the pullout movement. It was observed that the passive suction generated in soil at the bottom of the caisson and the failure mode of suction caisson foundation subjecting pullout loading behaves as a reverse compression failure mechanism.The upper bound theorems have been proved to be a powerful method to find the critical failure mechanism and critical load associated with foundations, buried caissons and other geotechnical structures. However, limited attempts have been reported to estimate the uplift bearing capacity of the suction caisson foundation using the upper bound solution. In this paper, both reverse failure mechanisms from Prandtl and Hill were adopted as the failure mechanisms for the computation of the uplift bearing capacity of the suction caisson. New equations were proposed based on both failure mechanisms to estimate the pullout capacity of the suction caisson. The proposed equations were verified by the test results and experimental data from published literature. And the two solutions agree reasonably well with the other test results. It can be proved that both failure mechanisms are reasonably and more consistent with the actual force condition.     

基于椭圆型滑动面的砂土中条形锚板上拔承载力计算方法

对于砂土中的竖向拉拔锚板,锚周土体滑动面的形态会随埋深比的增大而发生变化。基于滑动面连续演化的观点,审视了既有统一模型中滑动面形态表征函数的不足,在此基础上,提出了一种新的椭圆形态函数,并建立了相应的统一力学分析模型,提出了新的承载力计算方法。结果表明：新的形态函数能更好地反映滑动面的实际形态,承载力计算新方法也表现出了更好的适应性。     

Experimental investigation of the keying process of OMNI-Max anchor

ABSTRACT

The OMNI-Max anchors are newly developed dynamically installed anchors for deep water mooring systems. After installation, the anchor is keyed to a new orientation and position by tensing the attached mooring chain, which is known as the “keying process”. This study conducted 1g model tests to study the trajectories and capacity developments of OMNI-Max anchors in homogeneous and lightly overconsolidated (LOC) clays. A testing arrangement was designed to simulate the anchor keying process with a constant pullout angle at the mudline. A half model anchor which could move against the box glass was used to determine the anchor trajectory in the soil. The effects of padeye offset angle, uplift angle at the mudline, anchor fluke thickness, anchor initial embedment depth, and soil strength on the anchor trajectory and capacity were systematically investigated. Moreover, the critical uplift angle at the padeye and the anchor critical initial embedment depth were discussed. The results indicate that the anchor can dive both in homogeneous and LOC clays under certain conditions. A padeye offset angle of 24–30° is recommended for the OMNI-Max anchor to maintain high capacity and diving trend simultaneously. Besides, the anchor diving trend can be improved with small uplift angles at the mudline and with thick anchor flukes. A critical initial embedment depth of 1.3 times the anchor length is recommended to preclude the anchor from being pulled out.     

黏土中隔舱吸力式钢圆筒安装及水平受荷试验研究

近年来大直径钢圆筒结构在离岸人工岛工程中得到应用,如港珠澳大桥人工岛即采用振动下沉的方式安装钢圆筒,该方法对施工条件、装备以及施工控制技术要求较高。提出一种新型隔舱吸力式钢圆筒结构,在钢圆筒内部设置隔舱板,将结构分为上下两个隔舱,通过对下舱抽气实现隔舱吸力式钢圆筒在负压作用下的下沉安装。设计了隔舱吸力式钢圆筒安装及水平承载力模型试验,对比了负压贯入的隔舱吸力式钢圆筒和压力贯入的传统钢圆筒结构的贯入阻力及承载特性,分析了改变隔舱吸力式钢圆筒上下舱高度比L₁/L₂对其沉贯过程及承载特性的影响。结果表明,采用负压吸力沉贯的隔舱吸力式钢圆筒相比于采用压力贯入的传统钢圆筒结构的贯入阻力减小,水平极限承载力提高。在极限水平荷载作用下,随着隔舱吸力式钢圆筒的L₁/L₂从2.28减小到1.00、0.56,转动中心位置上移,水平极限承载力及弯矩承载力得到显著提高。