Model tests and finite element analysis for vertically loaded anchors subjected to cyclic loads in soft clays

Abstract

More attention has been focused on the pull-out behaviour of plate anchors under monotonic loads. Relatively less attention has been focused on the cyclic behaviours of vertically loaded anchors (VLAs) subjected to combined average and cyclic loads in soft clays. Therefore, these anchors are investigated by conducting reduced-scale model tests under 1 g conditions, and the cyclic deformation process of VLAs in soft clays are simulated through a 3D finite element method using an advanced elastoplastic bounding surface constitutive model of soft clays proposed by the authors. The failure displacement of VLAs for the shallow-embedded and deep-embedded conditions was determined by performing monotonic loading tests. The change rules of average and cyclic displacement and the cyclic bearing capacity of anchors with the number of cycles are revealed by performing cyclic loading tests. The influence of the average and cyclic load levels and the embedded depth on the cyclic bearing capacity is clarified. The displacement time, load-displacement histories and cyclic bearing capacity of VLAs can be predicted relatively well through 3D finite element analysis. The significant plastic strain accumulation and nonlinear cyclic hysteresis responses of VLAs in soft clays and the soil flow mechanisms surrounding the plate anchors at failure can be captured.