Abstract
This paper presents a new macro-element modelling framework for plate anchors which enables the effect of pore water pressure changes and the related evolution of soil strength during the process of cyclic loading and consolidation to be captured. The proposed modelling framework combines an advanced macro-element model for plate anchors, expanded to capture the cyclic loading behaviour, with a simple one-dimensional model of undrained shearing and consolidation for a soil element representative of the whole soil mass around the anchor. The representative soil element tracks the effects of changes in effective stress on the soil strength, which in turn governs the anchor capacity in the macro-element model. The two modelling components are linked through a mobilised capacity compatibility condition. It will be firstly shown that such modelling framework is able to capture the expected changes in an anchor’s capacity related to cyclic pore pressure generation and consolidation under one-dimensional cyclic loading of the anchor. Then, the model will be used to explore the plate anchor’s behaviour and failure mechanisms under loading conditions which mobilise its full three-dimensional cyclic loading capacity. The macro-element model will identify some conflicting mechanisms (i.e., the anchor’s kinematic/rotation and soil weakening/strengthening) governing the three-dimensional capacity of the anchor.
Highlights
Embedded anchoring systems are commonly used in offshore engineering to maintain the position of and provide stability to floating structures
Macro-element models have been developed for several geotechnical problems including shallow foundations, piles, retaining walls and anchors, among others [12,13,14]
This study demonstrated that the anchor capacity increases significantly when full consolidation takes place during maintained loading or during prolonged cyclic loading
Summary
Embedded anchoring systems are commonly used in offshore engineering to maintain the position of and provide stability to floating structures. Macro-element models have been developed for several geotechnical problems including shallow foundations, piles, retaining walls and anchors, among others [12,13,14] Their development typically considers either drained or undrained conditions, and the effects of the pore water pressure generation and consolidation processes, which affect the effective stress state and the soil strength, are not currently considered in available macro-element models. The consideration of these processes is important in offshore geotechnical applications, when considering operational conditions and the whole design life of geotechnical systems [15,16,17]. It is assumed that the incremental displacements δu and δw are defined with respect to the current orientation β, following the formulation by Cassidy et al [4]
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