Pull-out performance of inclined plate anchors with varying aspect ratios

The aspect ratio of the plate anchor is a key parameter governing pull-out capacity; however, previous studies focus primarily on horizontal and vertical plate anchors or inclined strip plate anchors. In addition, the majority of the shape factor equations are empirical, independent of internal friction angles, and exhibit notable inconsistencies among themselves. Therefore, the current study undertook an extensive set of comprehensive three-dimensional finite element analyses to methodically investigate the influence of anchor aspect ratio, inclination angle, embedment depth ratio, and relative density of sandy soil on the breakout factor, shape factor, inclination factor, pressure–displacement response, and failure mechanisms. The findings revealed that the breakout factor exhibits a nonlinear increase with a reduction in aspect ratio and with increases in relative density, embedment depth ratio, and inclination angle. The geometry and spatial extent of the failure surface, along with the interaction between active and passive zones, are identified as the primary mechanisms controlling pull-out resistance. Moreover, new empirical equations are proposed for predicting the breakout factor of horizontal strip anchors, as well as inclination and shape factors, expressed as functions of anchor geometry, embedment depth ratio, inclination angle, and friction angle, and the breakout factor is obtained by combining these parameters.