Grain-size effect on uplift capacity of plate anchors in coarse granular soils. Issue 2 (24th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Athani, S.; Kharel, P.; Airey, D.; Rognon, P.
• Is Part Of: Géotechnique letters. Volume 7:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2017-04-24
• Subjects: anchors & anchorages -- sands; Geotechnical engineering -- Periodicals; Engineering geology -- Periodicals; 624.151
• DOI: 10.1680/jgele.17.00002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-2543

Abstract

Abstract : This letter investigates the uplift capacity of plate anchors in granular soils. Simulations based on a discrete-element method are used to measure the uplift capacity of anchors of differing widths to embedment B / H and width to grain-size B / d ratios. Results confirm that the uplift capacity of anchors with a large B / d ratio is well described by existing models developed from continuum mechanics, with no grain-size effect. In contrast, results reveal a strong deviation from these models for anchors with relatively small B / d ratios. A semi-empirical model is introduced that captures this strong grain-size effect. This model is further supported by a micro-mechanical analysis, indicating that anchor uplift capacities are not only governed by a frustum mechanism predicted by continuum mechanics but also involve the mobilisation of grains surrounding this frustum. These results and model are particularly important to rationalise uplift capacities measured in small-scale experiments, typically involving small B / d ratios, and to safely upscale them to larger anchor size relevant to field applications.