# Ultimate Pullout Capacity of a Square Plate Anchor in Clay with an Interbedded Stiff Layer

Authors: Tugen Feng; Jingyao Zong; Wei Jiang; Jian Zhang; Jian Song
Journal: Advances in Civil Engineering
 (2020)

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## 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.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

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. In contrast to offshore jacket platforms or gravity platforms, certain floating structures are supported by an anchor foundation (sustaining tension) that must be set in the seabed. One type of thin cylindrical shell structure is the suction embedded plate anchor foundation. Due to their advantages of accurate positioning, low cost, easy operation, and high vertical pullout bearing capacity, suction embedded plate anchor foundations have been used in deep-ocean exploitation (for example, as floating oil production platforms and other offshore platform foundations). Suction embedded plate anchor foundations are connected with the floating structure mainly through the mooring cable and bear the drawing load transmitted by the upper floating structure. Therefore, the uplift bearing characteristics of suction embedded plate anchors are the key characteristics that must be considered in the design and analysis of suction embedded plate anchor foundations.The flow characteristics of the soil around plate anchors and the pullout bearing capacities of plate anchors have been studied by domestic and foreign scholars using numerical simulation methods, model tests, and the upper- and lower-bound limit analysis method [1, 2]. Wang et al. [3, 4] investigated the influences of the plate anchor shapes and the separation mode of the interface on the uplift bearing characteristics of plate anchors using the three-dimensional large deformation RITSS technique. Liu et al. [5] used the CEL technique (a fluid-solid coupling algorithm) in ABAQUS to analyze the large deformation of soils, and the variation rules of the complete load-displacement curves of plate anchors with different embedment depths and sizes were discussed. Athani et al. [6] and Evans and Zhang [7] analyzed the behavior of plate anchors during pullout in a granular assembly using the discrete element method, and the microscale physical processes were elucidated. Through numerous model tests, Das [8], Singh and Ramaswamy [9, 10], Liu et al. [11], Chow et al. [12], and Dash and Choudhary [13] determined the pullout bearing capacities of plate anchors of different sizes and at different depths in soft clay and sandy soil. Using centrifugal model tests, Gaudin et al. [14], Gaudin et al. [15], Randolph et al. [16], and Song et al. [17] studied the “keying” process in the installation of suction embedded plate anchors. The results show that the “keying” process can reduce the embedment depth of the anchor body, which reduces the pullout bearing capacity of the plate anchor. Through centrifuge model tests, Blake [18] analyzed the effects of soil consolidation on the pullout bearing capacity of plate anchors after their installation. Based on generalized plastic limit analysis, Yang et al. [19] and Lu [20] put forward analysis models of the “keying” process of suction embedded plate anchors and predicted the movement path and pullout bearing capacity of suction embedded plate anchors under different loading conditions. 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.Although the bearing characteristics of plate anchors have been reported, most existing reports have mainly focused on cases in single-layer soil. In practical engineering, layered soils are also common. The bearing characteristics of plate anchors in layered soils are obviously different from those in single-layer soil. At present, little research has been performed on the bearing mechanisms of plate anchors in layered soils, especially for cases with large differences between the properties of the lower and upper soil layers. Therefore, 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. The 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.


## 2. Finite Element Calculation Model

Das [23] and Das et al. [24] noted that the pullout bearing capacity Qu of a plate anchor during normal operation (in general working conditions) includes the net pullout bearing capacity Qn, the suction force Fs, and the anchor weight Wa. The suction force is generated due to the difference in the superstatic pore water pressure on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate anchor. Suction is often neglected in engineering design, and the resulting conservative design is beneficial for engineering safety. The influence of suction force is not considered in the calculations detailed in this paper.


## 3. Establishment of a Linear Programming Model

A model of the pullout bearing capacity of a square plate anchor is established using ABAQUS finite-element analysis software. As shown in Figure1, a 1/4 calculation model is established considering the symmetry of the plate anchor. The length L and width B of the plate anchor are L = B = 2 m, and the thickness is t = 0.3 m. The length and width of the model are taken as 10B. As shown in Figure 2, the soil in the model is divided into three layers (layered soils): the upper soil, middle soil, and lower soil. The interface between the upper soil and middle soil is defined as interface 1, and the interface between the middle soil and the lower soil is defined as interface 2. The horizontal and vertical displacement components are set to zero at the bottom of the model, and the horizontal displacement component is equal to zero around the model. The plate anchor is set as a rigid body by applying rigid constraints, and rigid C3D8R elements are used to simulate the plate anchor. EC3D8R elements are applied to simulate the soil. The roughness coefficient between the plate anchor and the soil is assumed to be 0.3 [15]. The mesh size is adjusted according to the calculation accuracy and the calculation time limit, and a mesh pattern is presented to ensure that the mesh density gradually increases toward the periphery of the plate anchor. The soil mass surrounding the plate anchor is established as a Tresca material [4]. The soil property parameters are selected and simplified according to the results of a field test of marine soft soil performed by Stewart and Randolph [25], Ou et al. [26], and Zhang et al. [27]. The layered soil parameters are shown in Figure 2. For normally consolidated soil (upper and lower soil layers), the undrained shear strength is set to su = su,min + kH. The initial value is su,min = 0.5 kPa, and the slope is k = 1 kPa/m. The middle soil is assumed to be homogeneous, and its undrained shear strength is set to su2 = 40 kPa. The undrained shear strengths of the soils at interface 1 and interface 2 are set according to the shear strength of normally consolidated soil. The soil weight of these three soil layers is 16.5 kN/m3, and the elastic modulus E is 500su [28–30]. The lateral Earth pressure coefficient K0 of the soil is 1.0, and Poisson’s ratio μ is set to 0.49.Figure 1
Mesh layout of the analysis model.
(a)(b)Figure 2
Layered soil parameters.The pullout bearing capacity of a square plate anchor is obtained through two steps. In the first step, the initial ground stress balance of the model is calculated, and the original consolidation state of the marine soil is simulated. In the second step, uniform upward displacement is applied to the plate anchor so that the plate anchor is pulled upward uniformly, and the variations in the pullout bearing capacity of the plate anchor with uplift displacement are obtained. The stabilized load is selected as the ultimate pullout bearing capacity of the plate anchor.


## 4. Comparison of the Pullout Bearing Capacity Coefficients Determined by the Proposed Method and Those Presented in the Literature for a Plate Anchor in Single-Layer Soil

The pullout bearing capacity-displacement curve of the plate anchor indicates that the pullout bearing capacity of the plate anchor increases and then stabilizes when the displacement increases. When the fluctuation range of the pullout bearing capacity of the plate anchor does not exceed 10% [5], it is assumed that the steady state has been reached and that the average value of the pullout bearing capacity in this steady state is the net ultimate pullout bearing capacity Qn of the plate anchor. The pullout bearing capacity coefficient Nc of the plate anchor can be obtained by formula (1) [5].(1)Nc=Qn−γAHAsu,where A is the area of the plate anchor and H is the embedment depth of the plate anchor.Figure3 shows the computed Nc in the single-layer soil when the undrained shear strength is su = su,min + kH, the initial value is su,min = 0.5 kPa, and the slope is k = 1 kPa/m. To verify the rationality of the above analysis model, Figure 3 also shows the Nc results obtained using the finite element method [3, 4], the lower-bound finite element method [22], and the model test method [8]. Figure 3 shows that although the analysis methods are different, the variation rules of Nc are similar. Nc increases as the embedment depth H/B increases. When H/B reaches a certain depth, Nc tends to be stable. In addition, Figure 3 shows that the calculation results agree well with the results of Wang et al. [3, 4] before Nc is stable. For a stable Nc, the results calculated in this paper are smaller than those of Wang et al. [3, 4] but are similar to the results of the model test method [8]. The above analysis shows that it is feasible to analyze the bearing characteristics of the plate anchor by using the three-dimensional nonlinear numerical analysis presented in this paper.Figure 3
Variation in the pullout bearing capacity coefficient of the plate anchor with theH/B.


## 5. Soil Flow Characteristics during the Uplift of the Plate Anchor

In the process of pulling up the plate anchor, the flow characteristics of the soils around the plate anchor can influence the ultimate pullout capacity of the plate anchor. Thus, in this section, the differences in the flow laws between the layered soils and the single-layer soil are discussed. Because of the large difference in the properties between the middle soil layer and the upper and lower soil layers, the flow law of the layered soils around the plate anchor is different from that of the single-layer soil, which results in a difference in the pullout bearing characteristic of the plate anchor. It is assumed that the thickness of the upper soil layer isH1 = 6 m and that the thickness of the middle soil layer is H2 = 6 m. Figure 4 shows the flow of the soil around the plate anchor. The plate anchor is buried at interface 1 (H = 6 m), and the vertical displacement for the plate anchor is 0.04B (when the displacement of the plate anchor in the vertical direction exceeds 0.02B, the flow law of the surrounding soil remains stable). As shown in Figure 4(a), a complete circulation field can form around the plate anchor in single-layer soil. In the layered soils, the upper part of the soil exhibits a circulation trend. However, the soil cannot flow freely when it refluxes to interface 1 because of the differences in the properties of the upper and middle soil layers. In addition, Figure 4 shows that, for layered soils, the flow velocities of the soils around the plate anchor are smaller than those in the single-layer soil because of the existence of the middle soil layer.Figure 4
Soil flow under different formation conditions (H = 6 m). (a) Single-layer soil. (b) Layered soils.
(a)(b)The flow of the surrounding soil when the plate anchor was buried in the middle soil layer (H = 10 m) is shown in Figure 5. A complete circulation field can be formed in both the layered soils and single-layer soil. For the layered soils, the bottom of the circulation field extends to only interface 2 and cannot affect the lower soil. However, because the plate anchor is restricted by the hard soil around it, the horizontal displacement of the soil above the plate anchor in the layered soils case is larger than that in the single-layer soil case.Figure 5
Soil flow under different formation conditions (H = 10 m). (a) Single-layer soil. (b) Layered soils.
(a)(b)The soil flow when the plate anchor is located at interface 2 (H = 12 m) is shown in Figure 6. A complete circulation field can be formed in both the layered soils and single-layer soil. At this time, the horizontal displacement of the soil above the plate anchor in the layered soils is larger than that in the single-layer soil. The soil at the bottom of the plate anchor mainly deforms vertically upward.Figure 6
Soil flow under different formation conditions (H = 12 m). (a) Single-layer soil. (b) Layered soils.
(a)(b)


## 6. Variations in the Pullout Bearing Capacity Coefficient

From the above analysis, the soil flow deformation around the plate anchor in the layered soils is different from that in the single-layer soil. Therefore, the bearing characteristics under the two conditions are different. The pullout bearing characteristic of the plate anchor is mainly influenced by the embedment depth, the soil properties, the friction coefficient between the soil and the plate anchor, the lateral pressure coefficient, the soil layer thicknesses, and the plate anchor shape. Because studies of the influences of the plate anchor size and shape on the pullout bearing capacity have been performed, the influences of other factors on the variation laws of the pullout bearing capacity are discussed in this paper. Trial calculation suggests that the lateral pressure coefficient has little effect on the pullout bearing capacity coefficient. When the lateral pressure coefficient varies within 0∼1.0, the pullout bearing capacity coefficient changes within 3.5%. To facilitate analytical analysis, the lateral pressure coefficient is assumed to be 1.0 in this paper.


### 6.1. Embedment Depth

Figure7 shows the pullout bearing capacity coefficient of the plate anchor Nc,l at different embedment depths H/B (H1 = 3B, H2 = 3B, α = 0.3) in the layered soils. H/B ranges from 1 to 9. For comparative analysis, the Nc calculated in the single-layer soil is also plotted in Figure 7.Figure 7
Variation in the pullout bearing capacity coefficient at different embedment depths (H1 = 3B, H2 = 3B, α = 0.3).Figure7 shows that when H/B < 2, the Nc,l values of the layered soils are slightly larger than those of the single-layer soil. When H/B > 2, the Nc,l values of the layered soils are slightly lower than those in the single-layer soil. Combined with Figure 4, when the embedment depth of the plate anchor approaches interface 1, the area (resisting the soil flow deformation) at the bottom of the plate anchor in the layered soils is smaller than that in the single-layer soil, so its pullout bearing capacity decreases to some extent. 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. As H/B increases, Nc,l increases first and then decreases. When H/B = 5, Nc,l reaches the maximum value. When the plate anchor is located at the lower soil layer, the Nc,l values are slightly larger than those of the single-layer soil, but the difference decreases gradually with increasing H/B.


### 6.2. Upper Soil Thickness

As shown in Figure8, different embedment depths of the plate anchor are selected to study the influence of the upper soil thickness H1 on Nc,l: (i) near interface 1 (position A: H = H1 − 0.5B and position B: H=H1+0.5B), (ii) near interface 2 (position C: H=H1+H2−0.5B and position D: H=H1+H2+0.5B), and (iii) at a more central position (position E: H=H1+2B). The value of α is 0.3 for this investigation.Figure 8
Diagram of the plate anchor buried at different positions.Figure9 shows the variation in Nc,l with H1 when the plate anchor is located at positions A through E. At position A, Nc,l increases with increasing H1. When the plate anchor is located at position B, Nc,l increases with H1 until H1 reaches 4 m; then, Nc,l remains basically unchanged with increasing H1. At position C, Nc,l remains stable as H1 increases until H1 reaches 4 m; then, Nc,l decreases slightly. At position D, Nc,l remains stable as H1 increases. When the plate anchor is located at position E, Nc,l decreases gradually as H1 increases, and the rate of decrease slows when H1 approaches 6 m.Figure 9
Variation inNc,l with the upper soil thickness H1 (α = 0.3).


### 6.3. Thickness of the Hard Middle Soil Layer

Because the change in thickness of the hard middle soil layerH2 has little effect on the pullout bearing characteristic of the plate anchor buried at positions A and B, the influences at positions A and B are not discussed here. In addition, when the thickness of the hard middle soil layer changes, position E is located near position C, near position D, or in the lower soil. Thus, in this paper, the effect of H2 on the pullout bearing characteristic of the plate anchor is studied at only positions C and D, and the pullout bearing characteristic of the plate anchor at position E is not discussed separately.Figure10 shows the variation in Nc,l with the thickness of the hard middle soil layer H2 (H1 = 3B, α = 0.3). When the plate anchor is located at position C, Nc,l first increases and then stabilizes with increasing H2. When H2 is large (H2/B ≥ 2.5), the change in H2 has less effect on Nc,l. Compared with the results of the single-layer soil, Nc,l at position C is affected by interface 2 in the layered soils. When the difference in strength between the hard middle soil and the lower soil layers around interface 2 is small, Nc,l at position C in the layered soils is close to that of the single-layer soil. When the plate anchor is located at position D, Nc,l decreases only slightly with increasing H2.Figure 10
Variation inNc,l with the thickness of the hard middle soil layer H2 (H1 = 3B, α = 0.3).


## 6.1. Embedment Depth

Figure7 shows the pullout bearing capacity coefficient of the plate anchor Nc,l at different embedment depths H/B (H1 = 3B, H2 = 3B, α = 0.3) in the layered soils. H/B ranges from 1 to 9. For comparative analysis, the Nc calculated in the single-layer soil is also plotted in Figure 7.Figure 7
Variation in the pullout bearing capacity coefficient at different embedment depths (H1 = 3B, H2 = 3B, α = 0.3).Figure7 shows that when H/B < 2, the Nc,l values of the layered soils are slightly larger than those of the single-layer soil. When H/B > 2, the Nc,l values of the layered soils are slightly lower than those in the single-layer soil. Combined with Figure 4, when the embedment depth of the plate anchor approaches interface 1, the area (resisting the soil flow deformation) at the bottom of the plate anchor in the layered soils is smaller than that in the single-layer soil, so its pullout bearing capacity decreases to some extent. 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. As H/B increases, Nc,l increases first and then decreases. When H/B = 5, Nc,l reaches the maximum value. When the plate anchor is located at the lower soil layer, the Nc,l values are slightly larger than those of the single-layer soil, but the difference decreases gradually with increasing H/B.


## 6.2. Upper Soil Thickness

As shown in Figure8, different embedment depths of the plate anchor are selected to study the influence of the upper soil thickness H1 on Nc,l: (i) near interface 1 (position A: H = H1 − 0.5B and position B: H=H1+0.5B), (ii) near interface 2 (position C: H=H1+H2−0.5B and position D: H=H1+H2+0.5B), and (iii) at a more central position (position E: H=H1+2B). The value of α is 0.3 for this investigation.Figure 8
Diagram of the plate anchor buried at different positions.Figure9 shows the variation in Nc,l with H1 when the plate anchor is located at positions A through E. At position A, Nc,l increases with increasing H1. When the plate anchor is located at position B, Nc,l increases with H1 until H1 reaches 4 m; then, Nc,l remains basically unchanged with increasing H1. At position C, Nc,l remains stable as H1 increases until H1 reaches 4 m; then, Nc,l decreases slightly. At position D, Nc,l remains stable as H1 increases. When the plate anchor is located at position E, Nc,l decreases gradually as H1 increases, and the rate of decrease slows when H1 approaches 6 m.Figure 9
Variation inNc,l with the upper soil thickness H1 (α = 0.3).


## 6.3. Thickness of the Hard Middle Soil Layer

Because the change in thickness of the hard middle soil layerH2 has little effect on the pullout bearing characteristic of the plate anchor buried at positions A and B, the influences at positions A and B are not discussed here. In addition, when the thickness of the hard middle soil layer changes, position E is located near position C, near position D, or in the lower soil. Thus, in this paper, the effect of H2 on the pullout bearing characteristic of the plate anchor is studied at only positions C and D, and the pullout bearing characteristic of the plate anchor at position E is not discussed separately.Figure10 shows the variation in Nc,l with the thickness of the hard middle soil layer H2 (H1 = 3B, α = 0.3). When the plate anchor is located at position C, Nc,l first increases and then stabilizes with increasing H2. When H2 is large (H2/B ≥ 2.5), the change in H2 has less effect on Nc,l. Compared with the results of the single-layer soil, Nc,l at position C is affected by interface 2 in the layered soils. When the difference in strength between the hard middle soil and the lower soil layers around interface 2 is small, Nc,l at position C in the layered soils is close to that of the single-layer soil. When the plate anchor is located at position D, Nc,l decreases only slightly with increasing H2.Figure 10
Variation inNc,l with the thickness of the hard middle soil layer H2 (H1 = 3B, α = 0.3).


## 7. Friction Coefficient between the Plate Anchor and Soil

To analyze the influence of the friction coefficientα between the plate anchor and soil on the bearing characteristic of the plate anchor, the following values of α were considered: 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0. Figure 11 shows the variation in Nc,l with α (H1 = 3B, H2 = 3B). Nc,l clearly increases with α, but the rate of increase gradually decreases. When α exceeds 1.0, the contribution of an increase in α to the increase in Nc,l is small.Figure 11
Variation inNc,l with the friction coefficient between the plate anchor and soil α (H1 = 6 m, H2 = 6 m).


### 7.1. Plate Anchor Design in Layered Soils

#### 7.1.1. Formula for Calculating the Pullout Bearing Capacity Coefficient of a Plate Anchor

By comparing the pullout bearing characteristics of the plate anchor in the single-layer soil, it was found that influence coefficients related to different factors can be proposed. The pullout bearing capacity coefficient of the plate anchor in layered soils can be obtained by combining the formula for calculating the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the single-layer soil and the influence coefficients.Figure12 shows the variation in Nc in the single-layer soil. Nc increases with increasing H/B, and when H/B ≥ 5, Nc remains stable. The pullout bearing capacity coefficients in the single-layer soil can be expressed as(2)Nc=−0.2598HB2+2.586HB+7.565,HB<5,14,HB≥5.Figure 12
Variation inNc with embedment depth in the single-layer soil (normally consolidated soil).By comparing the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the layered and single-layer soils, the relationships between the embedment depthH of the plate anchor, the thickness H1 of the upper soil, the thickness H2 of the hard middle soil layer, and the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the layered soils Nc,l were obtained.(3)Nc,l=Nc⋅βH⋅βα.The influence coefficientβH related to H, H1, and H2 can be expressed as(4)βH=0.9,H≤H1,−0.5066HB+5.1737×αH,H1≤H<H1+H2,1.0,H>H1+H2,where αH is the interface influence coefficient, which is related to the position of the plate anchor in the hard middle soil layer. When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is 1B, αH is 0.5. When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is greater than 2B and the distance between interface 2 and the plate anchor is greater than 1B, Nc,l is not affected by the interface (αH is 1.0). When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is greater than 2B, and the distance between interface 2 and the plate anchor is 1B, Nc,l is not affected by interface 1. αH is influenced by the shear strength ratio at interface 2 and can be obtained through the following expression:(5)αH=−0.1285su2su3+1.4921,where su3 is the shear strength at interface 2.The influence coefficientβα related to α can be expressed as(6)βα=−0.0971α2+0.1771α+0.9557,H1<H≤H1+H2,1.0,H≤H1orH>H1+H2.0≤α≤1.0,


## 7.1. Plate Anchor Design in Layered Soils

### 7.1.1. Formula for Calculating the Pullout Bearing Capacity Coefficient of a Plate Anchor

By comparing the pullout bearing characteristics of the plate anchor in the single-layer soil, it was found that influence coefficients related to different factors can be proposed. The pullout bearing capacity coefficient of the plate anchor in layered soils can be obtained by combining the formula for calculating the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the single-layer soil and the influence coefficients.Figure12 shows the variation in Nc in the single-layer soil. Nc increases with increasing H/B, and when H/B ≥ 5, Nc remains stable. The pullout bearing capacity coefficients in the single-layer soil can be expressed as(2)Nc=−0.2598HB2+2.586HB+7.565,HB<5,14,HB≥5.Figure 12
Variation inNc with embedment depth in the single-layer soil (normally consolidated soil).By comparing the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the layered and single-layer soils, the relationships between the embedment depthH of the plate anchor, the thickness H1 of the upper soil, the thickness H2 of the hard middle soil layer, and the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the layered soils Nc,l were obtained.(3)Nc,l=Nc⋅βH⋅βα.The influence coefficientβH related to H, H1, and H2 can be expressed as(4)βH=0.9,H≤H1,−0.5066HB+5.1737×αH,H1≤H<H1+H2,1.0,H>H1+H2,where αH is the interface influence coefficient, which is related to the position of the plate anchor in the hard middle soil layer. When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is 1B, αH is 0.5. When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is greater than 2B and the distance between interface 2 and the plate anchor is greater than 1B, Nc,l is not affected by the interface (αH is 1.0). When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is greater than 2B, and the distance between interface 2 and the plate anchor is 1B, Nc,l is not affected by interface 1. αH is influenced by the shear strength ratio at interface 2 and can be obtained through the following expression:(5)αH=−0.1285su2su3+1.4921,where su3 is the shear strength at interface 2.The influence coefficientβα related to α can be expressed as(6)βα=−0.0971α2+0.1771α+0.9557,H1<H≤H1+H2,1.0,H≤H1orH>H1+H2.0≤α≤1.0,


## 7.1.1. Formula for Calculating the Pullout Bearing Capacity Coefficient of a Plate Anchor

By comparing the pullout bearing characteristics of the plate anchor in the single-layer soil, it was found that influence coefficients related to different factors can be proposed. The pullout bearing capacity coefficient of the plate anchor in layered soils can be obtained by combining the formula for calculating the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the single-layer soil and the influence coefficients.Figure12 shows the variation in Nc in the single-layer soil. Nc increases with increasing H/B, and when H/B ≥ 5, Nc remains stable. The pullout bearing capacity coefficients in the single-layer soil can be expressed as(2)Nc=−0.2598HB2+2.586HB+7.565,HB<5,14,HB≥5.Figure 12
Variation inNc with embedment depth in the single-layer soil (normally consolidated soil).By comparing the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the layered and single-layer soils, the relationships between the embedment depthH of the plate anchor, the thickness H1 of the upper soil, the thickness H2 of the hard middle soil layer, and the pullout bearing capacity coefficient in the layered soils Nc,l were obtained.(3)Nc,l=Nc⋅βH⋅βα.The influence coefficientβH related to H, H1, and H2 can be expressed as(4)βH=0.9,H≤H1,−0.5066HB+5.1737×αH,H1≤H<H1+H2,1.0,H>H1+H2,where αH is the interface influence coefficient, which is related to the position of the plate anchor in the hard middle soil layer. When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is 1B, αH is 0.5. When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is greater than 2B and the distance between interface 2 and the plate anchor is greater than 1B, Nc,l is not affected by the interface (αH is 1.0). When the distance between interface 1 and the plate anchor is greater than 2B, and the distance between interface 2 and the plate anchor is 1B, Nc,l is not affected by interface 1. αH is influenced by the shear strength ratio at interface 2 and can be obtained through the following expression:(5)αH=−0.1285su2su3+1.4921,where su3 is the shear strength at interface 2.The influence coefficientβα related to α can be expressed as(6)βα=−0.0971α2+0.1771α+0.9557,H1<H≤H1+H2,1.0,H≤H1orH>H1+H2.0≤α≤1.0,


## 8. Verification of the Pullout Bearing Capacity Formula

Two types of geotechnical conditions were selected to verify the rationality and applicability of formula (3), and the numerical results and empirical results are listed in Table 1.Table 1
Verification of the pullout bearing capacity formula.
Working condition (L = B = 2 m)Pullout bearing capacity coefficientNc,lDifference (%)Numerical resultFormula result1H1 = 5 m, H2 = 4 m, H = 4 m, α = 0.211.7011.372.902H1 = 5 m, H2 = 5 m, H = 9 m, α = 0.640.2639.402.18Table1 shows that when the plate anchor is located near interface 1, the numerical result of Nc,l is 11.70, and the empirical calculation result is 11.37. The numerical result is slightly higher (2.90% higher) than the empirical calculation result. 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. The numerical result is slightly higher (2.18% higher) than the calculated result. This comparison shows that the empirical calculation results are slightly lower than the numerical results and that the differences are small. Thus, it is reasonable to use the above-mentioned formula to guide the design of the pullout bearing capacity of plate anchors in layered soils.


## 9. Discussion

In the installation process, the plate anchor first sinks to the design embedment depth and then is rotated to the design angle by tethers, resulting in a certain loss of embedment depth. The loss of embedment depth will lead to a decrease in the bearing capacity and the anchoring effect, so it is necessary to adjust the installation of the plate anchor, reducing or even eliminating the loss of embedment depth during the installation process to guarantee stable anchoring effect. As shown in Figure13, in this section, an improved installation system of the plate anchor is discussed to avoid the loss of embedment depth. In this installation system, the rotation of the plate anchor is controlled by upper and lower gears through chains transmitting power. The height-adjustable supporting frame is equipped on the top of the caisson and the upper gears are set at the supporting frame. Both sides of the plate anchor are connected to the rotating levers, and the levers are fit into sockets set on the bottom of the caisson. The lower gears are fixed at the plate anchor and connected with the upper gears with chains. By transmitting power between the upper and lower gears through chains, the plate anchor is rotated to the design angle.Figure 13
Improved installation system of the plate anchor. (a) Front view. (b) Side view. (c) Detailed view of the upper gears. (d) Detailed view of the lower gears.The improved installation process of the plate anchor is shown in Figure14. During the overall installation process, the plate anchor first sinks with the caisson, and the chains between the upper and lower gears remain under tension in the sinking process. After the plate anchor sinks to the design embedment depth, the upper gears are rotated to rotate the lower gears, and then the plate anchor is driven by the rotation of the lower gears to the design angle. The rotation of the upper gears is stopped when the plate anchor reaches the design angle, the chains between the upper and lower gears are loosened by lowering the support frames, and then the chains are separated from the lower gears. By pulling on the caisson, the upper gears and the chains break away from the plate anchor. Subsequently, by fixing tethers connected with the plate anchor to the floating platform, the installation of the plate anchor is completed. In addition, the support frame described in this installation system is used to support the upper gears on the top of the caisson. After the plate anchor is rotated to the design angle, the installation system can be evacuated, and the chains between the upper and lower gears are loosened by adjusting the height of the height-adjustable support frame. Then, other machinery is used to pull up the caisson, together with the upper gears and the chains, to complete the evacuation.Figure 14
Improved installation process of the plate anchor.This improved installation system uses gears to rotate the plate anchor to the design angle without the loss of embedment depth. It is beneficial to ensure the bearing capacity of the plate anchor to a certain extent.


## 10. Conclusions

General finite element analysis software is applied to study the ultimate uplift bearing characteristics of a plate anchor in layered soils, and empirical formula for the pullout bearing capacity coefficient of a plate anchor in layered soils is proposed.(1)
The circular flowing trend of the soil surrounding a plate anchor in layered soils is similar to that in a single layer of soil during the process of plate anchor uplift. When the plate anchor is located near interface 1, the circular flow of the soil stagnates at the interface. When the plate anchor is buried near interface 2, a complete circulation field forms because the difference in the soil properties between the middle and lower soil layers is relatively small.(2)
TheNc,l values in the layered soils increase with increasing α. When the plate anchor is located in the hard middle soil layer, Nc,l is greater than those when the plate anchor is located in the other two soil layers, and Nc,l first increases and then decreases with increasing embedment depth. When the plate anchor is buried near interface 1, Nc,l increases to a certain extent as the upper soil thickness H1 increases. As the thickness of the hard middle soil layer H2 increases, the Nc,l of the plate anchor located near the top of interface 2 increases, and the influence of H2 on the Nc,l of plate anchors buried at other positions is small.(3)
Based on the bearing characteristics of a plate anchor in single-layer soil, an empirical formula of the pullout bearing capacity coefficient for plate anchors in layered soils is proposed in terms of the embedment depth, upper soil thickness, hard middle soil thickness, and friction coefficient.



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*Source: 8867678-2020-09-10.xml*