The Performance of Dynamically Embedded Anchors in Calcareous Silt

Abstract

The Omni-Max anchor is a new type of dynamically installed anchor featuring a mooring arm located close to the anchor tip that is free to rotate about the anchor length. An experimental programme has been undertaken on a geotechnical centrifuge to assess the anchor performance in calcareous silt. The testing programme includes (i) anchor drops and measurement of the penetration depth, and (ii) anchor pull and assessment of the anchor trajectory. An anchor embedment model based on strain rate enhanced shearing resistance is capable of satisfactorily predicting anchor embedment using model parameters that are similar to those used for clay. The diving behaviour of the anchor, post keying, is demonstrated, provided that the initial embedment after impact is deep enough to prevent a shallow mechanism to develop during anchor keying.