Long-Term Holding Capacity of Statically Loaded Anchors in Cohesive Soils

Abstract

Abstract : The Civil Engineering Laboratory has conducted model anchor tests, intermediate scale field tests, laboratory soil investigations, and finite element analyses to optimize procedures for estimating long-term holding capacity of statically loaded plate-like anchors embedded in cohesive seafloor soils. Also, work was done to determine relationships between long- and short- term holding capacity. This report presents the results of these test and analyses. It is concluded that the long-term holding capacity in cohesive soils can be readily analyzed using drained strength parameters and holding capacity factors originally developed for cohesionless soils. It is also concluded that suction is an itegral part of short-term holding capacity and that it should not be ignored. Procedures for estimating both long- and short-term holding capacity are given, and design factors of safety are recommended.