Shallow Anchor Resistance to Eccentric Uplift Load

Abstract

During the past several years, a number of laboratory model and large-scale field test results on the breakout resistance of horizontal circular anchors (shallow and deep), due to vertical uplifting force, have been reported. A comprehensive review of such related works has been given by Vesic. Similar laboratory model test results on the breakout resistance of shallow rectangular anchors in loose sand, with length-to-width ratio of the model plates varying from 1 to 5, have been reported by the writers. The results of these tests were also compared with the existing theory of Meyerhof and Adams. A review of related literature shows that no work has been done to determine the ultimate breakout resistance of horizontal anchor plate during the pullout process, resulting in an unsymmetrical failure of soil. As pointed out by Vesic, such results may be extremely helpful in salvage operations at the ocean bottom. The purpose of the present paper is to report some recent model test results of shallow circular anchor resistance to eccentrically located pullout force in relatively loose sand.