Finite-Element Lower Bound Lateral Pullout Capacity of Vertical Strip Anchors
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24, Issue 10
Abstract
This paper pertains to the finite-element lower bound limit analysis (FELA-LB) of vertical strip anchors embedded in cohesionless and cohesive soils and subjected to static and earthquake forces (using pseudostatic analysis) to estimate the optimal horizontal pullout capacity using nonlinear programming (NLP) technique for isolating the optimal solution. In the developed procedure, a mesh of finite-number triangular elements and assuming a linear stress field that satisfies all the equations of internal equilibrium at all points within the soil medium, elemental interface equilibrium, boundary conditions and no-yield conditions at all the nodal points, has been adopted. In contrast to the use of linear programming (LP), as used in the early phase of the development of FELA of stability problems, in the adopted optimization scheme (NLP), the nonlinear no-yield conditions are incorporated directly, eliminating the necessity of successive linearization of the no-yield constraints. The convergence of the solutions (by varying the number of elements in the soil mesh) and extensibility of the selected stress field (by extending the mesh of elements) has been checked and ensured. The correctness of the estimated lower bound has been checked by comparing the obtained solutions with those reported in the literature. Parametric studies showing the effect of the embedment depth of the vertical anchor, soil properties, and earthquake acceleration on the horizontal pullout capacity of the vertical anchor have also been presented in the paper.
Practical Applications
Anchor plates are used in the design and construction of foundation for retaining walls, sheet piles, bulkheads, transmission towers, bridge abutments, and buried pipelines to withstand the horizontal, vertical, or inclined loads. The present study adds to the existing state of art for the design and installation of anchor systems subjected to static and seismic conditions and may improve the performance of such foundation systems.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
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Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24 • Issue 10 • October 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 20, 2023
Accepted: Apr 15, 2024
Published online: Jul 30, 2024
Published in print: Oct 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Dec 30, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Analysis (by type)
- Anchors
- Computer programming
- Computing in civil engineering
- Continuum mechanics
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Equipment and machinery
- Finite element method
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Linear functions
- Mathematical functions
- Mathematics
- Methodology (by type)
- Nonlinear analysis
- Numerical analysis
- Numerical methods
- Pullout behavior
- Soil analysis
- Soil dynamics
- Soil mechanics
- Soil properties
- Solid mechanics
- Structural analysis
- Structural dynamics
- Structural engineering
- Uplifting behavior
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