Abstract:
In this paper attempts have been made to find the effects of sequential loadings on the ultimate
uplift capacity of a typical horizontal plate anchor loaded vertically. A series of finite element analyses was
performed where the anchor was subjected to different initial loading under undrained conditions followed by
consolidation under sustained loading. The anchor was then loaded under undrained conditions up to failure.
The anchor is idealised as a circular plate embedded in a homogeneous soil. The soil is represented by the
Modified Cam Clay material model with an undrained shear strength varying linearly with depth. No
allowance has been made to model break away between the soil and the anchor. The results of the finite
element analyses show that if a low value of the initial loading is applied to the anchor under undrained
conditions followed by consolidation, the ultimate undrained uplift resistance of the anchor increases.
However, for relatively high values of the initial loading the soil fails during the consolidation period.
