Finite Element Analysis of Vertical Strip Anchors Buried in Dense Sand Subjected to Lateral Loading.

Vertical anchors are widely used to support many structures. In this study, the load-displacement behaviour of a vertical anchor buried in dense sand is modeled numerically. The numerical analyses are performed using Abaqus/Explicit finite element (FE) software adopting two soil models: (i) the elastoplastic Mohr-Coulomb (MC) model and (ii) a Modified Mohr-Coulomb (MMC) model. In the MC model, the two required geotechnical parameters are the constant angles of internal friction (ϕ') and dilation (ψ). However, in the MMC, pre-peak hardening, post-peak softening and the effects of mean effective stress and relative density on stress-strain behaviour of dense sand are considered. Comparison of FE results with physical model test results shows that the MMC model can simulate better the load-displacement response than the MC model. The mechanisms involved in soil deformation are also explained using FE results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]