Behavior of Suction Embedded Plate Anchors during Keying Process

Abstract

Suction embedded plate anchors (SEPLAs) allow for accurate positioning, thus providing an attractive alternative to traditional drag embedment anchors. This paper presents an analytical model for predicting the behavior of SEPLAs during the keying process, with a specific focus on predicting the loss of embedment depth as the anchor rotates from its initial vertical position to its target orientation perpendicular to the direction of loading. The soil is idealized as an incompressible, rigid-plastic material obeying an associated-flow rule. A generalized plastic limit analysis is employed to estimate the trajectories and corresponding capacities of SEPLAs under different loading conditions. The effects of soil resistance on the shank and anchor interaction with the anchor chain are also considered in the model. The SEPLA design commonly features a hinged flap; the effect of the flap is examined theoretically by comparing the solutions for the SEPLA with and without flap. Predicted solutions are shown in reasonably good agreement with some published numerical and experimental results, supporting the validity of the model.