Numerical modeling of keying of vertically installed plate anchor in sand. (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al Hakeem, Nabil; Aubeny, Charles
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 223(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.108674
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: Pile driven plate anchors are typically oriented vertically during installation. To function properly in a mooring system they must be rotated, or keyed, to an angle normal to the mooring line load. Keying involves reduction in anchor embedment, with concomitant reduced load capacity, so realistic prediction of embedment loss during keying is essential to design. This study investigates the kinematic behavior and load capacity of a vertically installed strip plate anchor embedded in uniform cohesionless soil using large deformation finite element (LDFE) analysis. Embedment loss during keying is evaluated as a function of load eccentricity, load angle, and plate thickness. The model indicates that the plate angle at which maximum pullout resistance occurs increases with increasing eccentricity. The finite element simulations also show the embedment loss during keying decreases with increasing load eccentricity. Loss of anchor embedment increases with increasing pullout angle. The model also predicts that the loss in anchor embedment increases with decreasing anchor thickness, especially when eccentricity is small. The simulations show anchor during keying was essentially independent of the soil elastic modulus to have virtually no effect on keying behavior for shallow anchors, but elastic effects can be significant for deeply embedded anchors. Highlights: Embedment loss of driven plate anchors in sand can be significant. Embedment loss decreases with increasing shank length. Embedment loss increases with increasing line load angle. Embedment loss decreases with increasing plate thickness. Effects of elastic soil properties significant for deeply embedded anchors.