Load Capacity of Deeply Embedded Tubular Anchor in Normally Consolidated Clay Under Inclined Loading

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4. Load Capacity of Deeply Embedded Tubular Anchor in Normally Consolidated Clay Under Inclined Loading

A deeply embedded tubular anchor is fully enveloped by soil, with the top of the anchor some 5-15 anchor diameters below the mudline. The deep embedment provides a high geotechnical efficiency such that a relatively compact anchor can provide high load capacity, thereby reducing fabrication, transport, and deployment costs, in addition to alleviating supply chain barriers and demands on the port facilities supporting wind and marine energy construction. This anchor can function in single-line and shared-anchor systems and is particularly promising for usage in taut mooring systems. In shared-anchor systems, the load inclination angle is variable, typically ranging from the mooring line attachment angle to nearly vertical. While deep embedment is possible in a variety of soil profiles, this study addresses load capacity in normally consolidated clay profiles. Optimal design of this anchor requires reliable estimates of ultimate load capacity over a range of load inclination angles. Toward this end, finite element (FE) studies were conducted to evaluate load capacity for loads ranging from purely vertical to purely horizontal. The vertical load capacity studies focus on establishing the conditions under which reverse end bearing resistance can be fully mobilized and determining the factors for forward and reverse end bearing resistance. The inclined and lateral loading studies quantified the effects of axial-lateral load interactions and rotational effects. Based on the finite element studies, an upper bound plastic limit analysis (PLA) formulation was developed to facilitate routine design calculations. FE and PLA solutions were validated through comparisons to geotechnical centrifuge test data.

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

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