A unified explicit formula for calculating the maximum embedment loss of deepwater anchors in clay

Abstract

Deepwater anchors, typically the suction embedded plate anchor (SEPLA) and the OMNI-Max anchor, would encounter the phenomenon of embedment loss after initial penetration, which remarkably reduces the pullout capacity and affects the subsequent behavior of the anchor. Therefore, the maximum embedment loss (MEL) becomes a key index for design and engineering practice. Based on the mechanical mechanism and kinematic property of anchors, a unified explicit formula for calculating the MEL of SEPLAs and OMNI-Max anchors in clay, in terms of the anchor geometry, interactional property, soil condition, anchor line property and applied loading, is developed by combining theoretical models and nonlinear fitting analyses. The efficiency and precision of the formula are validated by experiments and other available methods. Compared to existing methods, the proposed formula provides a simple tool for fast assessing the MEL of both SEPLAs and OMNI-Max anchors in clay, and performs superiorly in easiness, efficiency and applicability.