Abstract
Three-dimensional nonlinear numerical analysis is carried out to determine the ultimate pullout capacity of a square plate anchor in layered clay using the large finite element analysis software ABAQUS. An empirical formula for the pullout bearing capacity coefficient of a plate anchor in layered soils is proposed based on the bearing characteristics of plate anchors in single-layer soils. The results show that a circular flow (circulation field) is induced around the plate anchor during the uplift process and that the flow velocity and circulation field range are mainly affected by the properties of the soil around the plate anchor. The bearing characteristics of plate anchors in layered soils are influenced by factors such as the embedment depth of the plate anchor, the friction coefficient between the soil and the plate anchor, the thickness of the upper soil layer, and the thickness of the middle soil layer. The rationality of the finite element numerical calculation results and the empirical formula is verified by comparing the results from this study with results previously reported in the literature.
Highlights
Tension leg platforms, spar platforms, semisubmersible platforms, and other large floating structures are widely used in the exploration of underground resources in the deep sea
When the plate anchor is located in the hard middle soil layer, the Nc,l values of the layered soils are significantly larger than those in the single-layer soil because the ability of the middle hard soil to resist deformation is larger than that of a single layer of normally consolidated soil
When the plate anchor is located near interface 2, the numerical result of Nc,l is 40.26, and the calculated result is 39.40. e numerical result is slightly higher (2.18% higher) than the calculated result. is comparison shows that the empirical calculation results are slightly lower than the numerical results and that the differences are small. us, it is reasonable to use the above-mentioned formula to guide the design of the pullout bearing capacity of plate anchors in layered soils
Summary
Spar platforms, semisubmersible platforms, and other large floating structures are widely used in the exploration of underground resources in the deep sea. Rough centrifuge model tests, Blake [18] analyzed the effects of soil consolidation on the pullout bearing capacity of plate anchors after their installation. Merifield et al [21] and Merifield et al [22] studied the bearing behavior of horizontal and vertical plate anchors in homogeneous and heterogeneous soils using the upper- and lower-bound finite element method and discussed the effects of the embedment depth, roughness coefficient, overburden pressure, and plate anchor material properties on the pullout bearing capacity. Erefore, considering stratum heterogeneity, a finite element analysis model of the pullout bearing capacity of square plate anchors in layered clay is established using the CEL technique and the finite element analysis software ABAQUS. Erefore, considering stratum heterogeneity, a finite element analysis model of the pullout bearing capacity of square plate anchors in layered clay is established using the CEL technique and the finite element analysis software ABAQUS. e differences in the (i) circulation field and (ii) pullout bearing characteristics of the plate anchors between the single-layer and layered soils are discussed, and an empirical formula for the pullout bearing capacity of plate anchors in layered soils is proposed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
