Stability of circular vertical earth anchors

Abstract

This study aims to provide an extensive analytical approach for determining the uplift capacity of circular vertical earth anchors and to investigate the soil–anchor interaction. The solution is simplified by utilizing proper dimensionless parameters, in which controlling dimensionless factors [Formula: see text] are produced for a range of values of H/D and angle of internal friction. The factor [Formula: see text] is a pressure ratio representing gravitational and shear strength of the soil, and H/D signifies relative depth, which pertains to anchor geometry. The functional relationship of these parameters was previously studied for H/D ratios up to 6. The present work concludes that the greater the value of H/D the higher the uplift resistance, but with a decreasing rate until a constant value of uplift force is reached. The transitional value of depth, which defines the condition of failure, is a function of the shear strength of the burial soil. This transitional stage indicates the optimum possible value for uplift capacity for a given relative depth (H/D). Key words: tension foundation, uplift capacity, earth anchor load capacity, soil anchor interaction.