Effect of padeye offset ratio on keying behaviours and capacity of square plate anchors in clay

This paper reports the effect of padeye offset ratio on the keying behaviours and capacity of square plate anchors in clay. The investigation is conducted through three-dimensional large deformation finite element analyses using the Remeshing and Interpolation Technique with Small Strain in ABAQUS. Strain rate dependency of the undrained shear strength and soil remoulding are accounted for adopting an extended Tresca model. The results from LDFE analyses are compared with existing analytical solutions, centrifuge test data, and numerical results; with reasonable agreement obtained. Parametric analyses are then carried out varying several critical factors including initial embedment depth, load eccentricity, padeye offset ratio, soil sensitivity, and soil strength heterogeneity. It is seen that the padeye offset has significant influence on the ultimate loss of embedment and capacity under vertical loading. To assess the keying behaviour of square plate anchors in clay, an equivalent soil strength incorporating strain rate dependency and remoulding is adopted. A combined factor defined as a function of the initial embedment depth and equivalent soil strength is used to estimate the ultimate loss of embedment. An equivalent ultimate bearing capacity factor is shown to be a function of the initial embedment depth, padeye offset ratio, and load eccentricity. •The keying behaviour of square plate anchors with padeye offset in NC clay is investigated by 3D LDFE analysis.•The effects of strain softening and strain rate are considered during keying process of square plate anchors.•The ultimate bearing capacity factor is a function of the initial embedment depth, padeye offset ratio and load eccentricity.