Analytical Model for Pullout Capacity of a Vertical Concrete Anchor Block Embedded at Shallow Depth in Cohesionless Soil

Abstract

This paper reports theoretical investigations into the behavior of a concrete anchor block embedded in cohesionless soil. This research was carried out for the purpose of devising an analytical method for attaining a reliable and accurate estimate of the pullout capacity of an anchor block embedded at a shallow depth. To this end, it was assumed that a passive wedge of soil developed in front of the anchor block, due to the force exerted from the retaining structure via the attachment to a rebar. The limit equilibrium of the wedge was satisfied, and relevant assumptions were made to idealize the geometry of a failure mechanism. For simplicity in hand calculations, design charts were developed, utilizing the ratio of the breakout factor to the embedment depth to obtain the pullout capacity of an anchor block. The proposed theoretical estimation was compared with existing theoretical and experimental investigations for accuracy and reliability, and the comparison clearly showed the superiority of the proposed method in both the areas. Moreover, the effects of the placement of anchor blocks in relation to retaining structures were studied.