Three-Dimensional Simulations of Plate Anchor Pullout in Granular Materials
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 19, Issue 4
Abstract
Plate anchors are embedded into the ocean floor to provide holding capacity for offshore structures. Anchor holding capacity is a function of both the anchor and soil properties. Although plate anchors have been widely studied experimentally and numerically, there is still no universally agreed-upon design approach, indicating that the problem physics remain elusive. In this work, discrete-element method (DEM) simulations were used to investigate the behavior of plate anchors during pullout in an effort to elucidate some of the microscale physical processes that influence overall system behavior. Macroscale assembly response was compared to published experimental results and empirical solutions. The influence of embedment ratio, anchor roughness, soil density, and anchor size on holding capacity was investigated, and system-scale results reasonably agreed with previously published work. Thus, observations of the simulated contact force network and particle velocity during uplift were used to provide insight into anchor failure mechanisms. Finally, the model was used to briefly explore the response of a cyclically loaded plate anchor embedded in a granular assembly.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under Award DE-FG36-08GO18179. This paper was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. The views and opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.
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International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 19 • Issue 4 • April 2019
Copyright
© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 5, 2018
Accepted: Sep 7, 2018
Published online: Jan 14, 2019
Published in print: Apr 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Jun 14, 2019
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