The Dynamically Embedded Plate Anchor: Results From an Experimental and Numerical Study

Dynamically embedded plate anchors are rocket shaped anchors that penetrate to a target depth in the seabed by the kinetic energy obtained through free-fall. After embedment the central shaft is retrieved leaving the anchor flukes vertically embedded in the seabed. The flukes constitute the load bearing element as a plate anchor. This paper provides an overview of an experimental and numerical study undertaken to provide the first performance data for this anchor concept. The experimental work includes geotechnical centrifuge modelling and field tests using three different reduced anchor scales, whereas the numerical work focused on investigating anchor capacity for a rage of geometries, embedment depths and seabed conditions. The experimental work indicates that expected tip embedments are in the range 2 to 3.3 times the anchor length and depend on the impact velocity, anchor mass and shear strength of the soil. As with other plate anchors, the anchor needs to key before maximum capacity can be mobilised. Both the centrifuge and field experiments show that this keying and pullout behaviour is typical of other vertically installed plate anchors, where the main issue is the loss in embedment during keying. Both the experimental and numerical studies showed that the capacity of the DEPLA is much higher than that of other dynamically installed anchors with capacities up to 40 times the dry weight of the plate and plate bearing capacity factors of about 15.