Numerical Simulation of Vertical Pullout of Plate Anchors Embedded in Reinforced Sand

This paper presents a model to predict the ultimate pullout load (P-u) for a shallow single vertical plate anchor embedded in sand and fiber reinforced sand for depth (H)/diameter (D) ratios of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. The model was developed based on literature field test results and wide laboratory investigation. The numerical analysis was performed using the software ABAQUS considering elastoplasticity (Mohr Coulomb - Abaqus CAE) for modelling fiber reinforced sand. The results indicate that this type of fiber reinforced sand significantly increases the P-u of shallow anchor plates. Based on test results, critical values were discussed and recommended in order to estimate the P-u for shallow single vertical plate anchor embedded in sand and fiber reinforced sand. The proposed theory was compared against available bibliography of homogeneous material (sand) in field tests or analytical methods. The variability of the results shows that the proposed method is in the range of expected results. For fiber reinforced sand, no method for comparison has been found literature.