Experimental investigation of the uplift capacity of group anchor plates embedded in sand

In this study, the uplift capacity of anchor plates embedded in sand was investigated by conducting model tests. Square shaped anchors were used in the tests and parameters such as relative density of sand, embedment ratio (H/B), spacing ratio between anchors (S/B) and anchor configuration affecting the uplift capacity were investigated. Breakout factor and group efficiency which are dimensionless parameters were used to show the results. A series of finite element analyses and analytical solutions were additionally performed to ascertain the validity of the findings from the laboratory model tests and to supplement the results of the model tests. It can be concluded that the embedment depth in dense sand soil condition is the most important parameter with respect to the other parameters as to influencing the uplift capacity of group anchors.