Towards a simple and reliable method for calculating uplift capacity of plate anchors in sand

This paper investigates the uplift capacity of horizontal plate anchors in sand through finite element analyses and centrifuge experiments. The simulations adopt a sophisticated bounding surface plasticity model that accounts for stress- density-dependent behaviour, as well loading- fabric-related anisotropic effects sands. Failure mechanisms at peak anchor show failure occurs progressively, with marked decrease mobilised friction angle within shear bands close to edge. Numerical large set experiments on rectangular, strip, circular plates different relative densities stress levels are good agreement dense conditions, but perform more poorly loose conditions due mainly open cone yield model. Equivalent comparisons current limit equilibrium methods highlight challenges direct application element-level strength equations. Finally, proposes modified solution based “rigid-block” mechanism extending soil surface, factors encompass results from simulations. provides higher level database pipeline test data than existing methods.