The performance of drag anchor and chain systems in cohesive soil

Abstract

The synthesis of anchor equilibrium equations with recently derived chain equilibrium expressions enables calculations for anchor system capacity which account for the anchor‐chain interaction. This forms the basis for a study into the effects of relative chain size on anchor performance, and extrapolation of scale‐model tests to prototype events. Applications of these expressions are particularly suited to clay soils, where the failure mechanism of the soil is local and hence the anchor capacity is essentially independent of anchor orientation. Expressions are derived for the ultimate holding capacity of anchors in terms of two fundamental anchor parameters. Analytical relationships for the development of embedment and capacity with drag distance are shown to compare favorably with numerical solutions and also with field test data.