Deeply embedded ring anchor for offshore floating structures

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This study introduces an innovative deeply embedded ring anchor (DERA) for offshore wind floating structures, inspired by suction anchors and suction embedded plate anchors (SEPLAs). The DERA, a cylindrical anchor with open ends, is installed deeply by a follower through either suction or vibration. Its circular shape ensures stability during installation and avoids the structural issues associated with SEPLAs. Once installed, a mooring line attached to the DERA is tensioned, causing the ring anchor to rotate (or "key") to an orientation nearly perpendicular to the pull-out direction. This keying process, similar to SEPLAs, results in higher soil resistance at greater depths due to the deep flow mechanism, enhancing loading efficiency. To demonstrate the superiority of the DERA, finite element simulations were performed to study its bearing capacity and kinematic behaviour under combined vertical, horizontal, and moment loads. The uniaxial capacities of the DERA with various configurations were first investigated. Simple analytical design equations are proposed to calculate the uniaxial capacities of the DERA. Additionally, the yield surface of the DERA was established and implemented in a plasticity-based force-resultant model to evaluate its keying trajectory, which was then compared with that of a typical SEPLA. The results demonstrated DERAs promising potential as an anchor solution for offshore floating structures, providing better efficiency and overall performance.

5th International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics (ISFOG2025)

13 - Developmental foundation and anchoring concepts: hybrid foundations, ring anchors, helical piles, torpedo, shared anchoring