Investigation of the installation process of drag-in plate anchors from LDFE modelling

Abstract

The installation of drag-in plate anchors is investigated using advanced large-deformation finite-element (LDFE) analysis. A new modelling technique that can realise the continuously evolving loading angle on the anchor line is described. The entire anchor trajectory is simulated until the anchor reaches an ultimate state after dragging for a very large distance, typically in the range of 40-70 times the anchor width. An installation in simple uniform and non-sensitive soil is first presented with agreement against well-established plasticity analysis and an analytical solution offering verification of the techniques developed. The effects of anchor padeye position, seabed soil conditions, a..