Centrifuge modelling to assess consolidation following keying of directly embedded plate anchors

摘要

This paper describes a series of centrifuge tests carried out at 100 g on square plate anchors to assess the potential capacity increase due to reconsolidation following the keying process. Numerous post-keying consolidation periods were adopted before reloading the anchor and measuring the subsequent peak capacity. The tests with long-term reconsolidation periods gave an average bearing capacity factor, N_e = 13.5, which is in good agreement with experimental and numerical bearing capacity factors in the literature. The tests with the shortest reconsolidation periods yielded N_c values that were -75% of the long-term values. The rate at which reconsolidation takes place, as assessed through the increase in N_c with time, is much slower for plate anchors than for piles, suction caissons and dynamically installed (torpedo) anchors. It is suggested that the maximum practical reconsolidation is 50% (t_(50) = 1.13 years) for which N_c= 11.8.