Reliability-based evaluation of ultimate embedment depths of torpedo anchors in spatially variable clay

Abstract

In this study, a large deformation random finite element (LDRFE) method was used to investigate the dynamic penetration of anchor piles in spatially variable clay. Validation of the rationality of the proposed methodology using data from published studies. The randomness of the undrained shear strength of the soil in the system is considered by three-dimensional random fields to investigate the anchor penetration mechanism and quantitatively assess the ultimate embedment depths (Hran ) of the anchor in spatially variable clay. The strain softening and strain rate effects of the soft clayey soil were considered. The findings indicate that the variability in soil strength significantly affects the flow pattern and failure mechanism of the soil, consequently influencing the Hran of the anchor. Furthermore, according to the computed Hran results, a coefficient of variation of soil shear strength φ can be used to connect the deterministic (Hdet ) and random analysis results. This correlation may facilitate further development of reliability-based designs.