Large deformation numerical assessment of rock anchor response under axial loading for offshore renewable energy applications

Alessio Genco, Matteo Oryem Ciantia (Lead / Corresponding author), Marco Previtali, Michael Brown, Ana Ivanović, Nick Cresswell, Vincent Twomey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
59 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The study presented in this paper aims to advance the current understanding of Rock Anchor (RA) performance under axial loading through large deformation numerical analyses. Simulations are conducted using the Geotechnical Particle Finite Element Method within a coupled hydro-mechanical framework. Experimental data from the literature is used to calibrate a strain hardening plasticity constitutive model for rocks. The calibrated model is then used to investigate rate effects on the axial response of a novel rock anchor design. The axial pullout induces rock dilatation at the bottom edge of the anchor with the consequent formation of a zone of negative water pressure change and a bulb of positive pore water pressure change above it. Depending on the pullout rate, distinct drained, partially drained, and undrained hydraulic regimes are identified. These, along with the variable damage distributions, are shown to influence the rock anchor axial capacity considerably. The geometrical and elastic properties of the rock anchor modelled as a deformable body, along with the interface friction angle between the anchor and the rock are also explored. Results such as load capacity curves, stress path evolutions, and stress distributions on the rock-rock anchor interface are analysed emphasizing their impact on rock anchor design.
Original languageEnglish
Article number106563
Number of pages13
JournalComputers and Geotechnics
Volume173
Early online date4 Jul 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024

Keywords

  • Rock anchor
  • Renewable energy
  • Numerical analysis
  • Geotechnical-particle-finite-element modelling
  • Rate effects
  • Offshore geotechnical engineering
  • Hydro-mechanical coupling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Computer Science Applications

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