• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.165-181
• /
• 2014

In the past decade, different types of underreamed ground anchors have been developed for substructures requiring uplift resistance. This article introduces a new type of umbrella-shaped anchor. The uplift behavior of this ground anchor in clay is studied through a series of laboratory and field uplift tests. The test results show that the umbrella-shaped anchor has higher uplift capacity than conventional anchors. The failure mode of the umbrella-shaped anchor in a large embedment depth can be characterized by an arc failure surface and the dimension of the plastic zone depends on the anchor diameter. The anchor diameter and embedment depth have significant influence on the uplift behavior. A finite element model is established to simulate the pullout of the ground anchor. A parametric study using this model is conducted to study the effects of the elastic modulus, cohesion, and friction angle of soils on the load-displacement relationship of the ground anchor. It is found that the larger the elastic modulus and the shear strength parameters, the higher the uplift capacity of the ground anchor. It is suggested that in engineering design, the soil with stiffer modulus and higher shear strength should be selected as the bearing stratum of this type of anchor.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.277-289
• /
• 2019

In this study, an innovative anchoring approach has been developed dealing with all relevant aspects in consideration of previous works. An ultimate pulling force calculation of anchor is presented from a geotechnical point of view. The proposed umbrella anchor focuses not only on the friction resistance capacity, but also on the axial capacity of the composite end structure and the friction capacity occurring around the wedge. Even though the theoretical background is proposed, in-situ application requires high-level mechanical design. Hence, the required parts have been carefully improved and are composed of anchor body, anchor cap, connection brackets, cutter vanes, open-close ring, support elements and grouting system. Besides, stretcher element made of aramid fabric, interior grouting system, guide tube and cable-locking apparatus are the unique parts of this design. The production and placement steps of real sized anchors are explained in detail. Experimental results of 52 pullout tests on the weak dry soils and 12 in-situ tests inside natural soil indicate that the proposed approach is conservative and its peak pullout value is directly limited by a maximum strength of anchored soil layer if other failure possibilities are eliminated. Umbrella anchor is an alternative to conventional anchor applications used in all types of soils. It not only provides time and workmanship benefits, but also a high level of economic gain and safe design.