ABSTRACT
A deeply embedded horizontal anchor is one whose failure is characterized by localized shear around the anchor and is not affected by the location of the ground surface. Even though many previous studies have addressed the uplift response of deeply embedded ground anchors, there is still limited clarity on the propagation of slip surface, zone of influence, and the localized movement of soil particles during uplift loading. In this study, an attempt has been made to observe the response of soil particles and associated localized movement during the pullout of deeply embedded anchors in sand by discrete element method using PFC3D. Results indicated that the uplift capacity is significantly influenced by the anchor width, embedment depth, and soil density. It was also observed that the volume of soil involved in resistance against uplift decreases as the embedment depth increases due to better confinement and overburden in deeper regions. Additionally, the shape of the anchor, particularly the difference between circular and square anchors of the same width, influences load resistance, with square anchors showing higher resistance.
