This paper presents a numerical based study on the undrained load capacity of a typical torpedo anchor embedded in a purely cohesive isotropic soil using a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model. In this model, the soil is simulated with solid elements capable of representing its nonlinear physical behavior and the large deformations involved. The torpedo anchor is also modeled with solid elements, and its geometry is represented in detail. Moreover, the anchor-soil interaction is addressed with contact finite elements that allow relative sliding with friction between the surfaces in contact. A number of analyses are conducted in order to understand the response of this type of anchor when different soil undrained shear strengths, load directions, and number and width of flukes are considered. The results obtained indicate two different failure mechanisms: The first one involves significant plastic deformation before collapse and, consequently, mobilizes a great amount of soil; the second is associated with the development of a limited shear zone near the edge of the anchor and mobilizes a small amount of soil. The total contact area of the anchor seems to be an important parameter in the determination of its load capacity, and, consequently, the increase in the undrained shear strength and the number of flukes and/or their width significantly increases the load capacity of the anchor.
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Ocean Engineering
Undrained Load Capacity of Torpedo Anchors Embedded in Cohesive Soils
José Renato M. de Sousa,
José Renato M. de Sousa
Department of Civil Engineering, Centro de Tecnologia,
e-mail: jrenato@laceo.coppe.ufrj.br
COPPE/UFRJ
, Bloco I2000, Sala I116, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21945-970, Brazil
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Cristiano S. de Aguiar,
Cristiano S. de Aguiar
Department of Civil Engineering, Centro de Tecnologia,
COPPE/UFRJ
, Bloco I2000, Sala I116, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21945-970, Brazil
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Gilberto B. Ellwanger,
Gilberto B. Ellwanger
Department of Civil Engineering, Centro de Tecnologia,
COPPE/UFRJ
, Bloco I2000, Sala I116, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21945-970, Brazil
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Elisabeth C. Porto,
Elisabeth C. Porto
PETROBRAS Research and Development Center
, Cidade Universitária, Quadra 7, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21949-900, Brazil
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Diego Foppa,
Diego Foppa
PETROBRAS Research and Development Center
, Cidade Universitária, Quadra 7, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21949-900, Brazil
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Cipriano José de Medeiros, Jr.
Cipriano José de Medeiros, Jr.
PETROBRAS Research and Development Center
, Cidade Universitária, Quadra 7, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21949-900, Brazil
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José Renato M. de Sousa
Department of Civil Engineering, Centro de Tecnologia,
COPPE/UFRJ
, Bloco I2000, Sala I116, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21945-970, Brazile-mail: jrenato@laceo.coppe.ufrj.br
Cristiano S. de Aguiar
Department of Civil Engineering, Centro de Tecnologia,
COPPE/UFRJ
, Bloco I2000, Sala I116, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21945-970, Brazil
Gilberto B. Ellwanger
Department of Civil Engineering, Centro de Tecnologia,
COPPE/UFRJ
, Bloco I2000, Sala I116, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21945-970, Brazil
Elisabeth C. Porto
PETROBRAS Research and Development Center
, Cidade Universitária, Quadra 7, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21949-900, Brazil
Diego Foppa
PETROBRAS Research and Development Center
, Cidade Universitária, Quadra 7, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21949-900, Brazil
Cipriano José de Medeiros, Jr.
PETROBRAS Research and Development Center
, Cidade Universitária, Quadra 7, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21949-900, BrazilJ. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng. May 2011, 133(2): 021102 (12 pages)
Published Online: November 16, 2010
Article history
Received:
November 30, 2009
Revised:
April 20, 2010
Online:
November 16, 2010
Published:
November 16, 2010
Citation
de Sousa, J. R. M., de Aguiar, C. S., Ellwanger, G. B., Porto, E. C., Foppa, D., and de Medeiros, C. J., Jr. (November 16, 2010). "Undrained Load Capacity of Torpedo Anchors Embedded in Cohesive Soils." ASME. J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng. May 2011; 133(2): 021102. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4001953
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