Inclined pullout capacity of suction anchors in clay-silty sand-clay soil deposits

This study focuses on two types of suction anchor foundations frequently used in wind power projects, evaluated through numerical modeling to assess their pullout capability under inclined mooring loading in a clay-silty sand-clay-soil deposits. A finite element model was generated and validated against existing data with good agreement. A parametric study was then conducted to investigate the effects of geometric variation, including the interbedded silt sand, padeye positioning, and soil material properties. Key design factors identified from the simulations include: (1) the optimized padeye position, (2) the ultimate horizontal (or lateral) and vertical pullout abilities, and (3) the horizontal (or lateral) load distributions at different padeyes. Finally, based on the results of numerical analysis, an empirical design approach was proposed, along with a design method that enhances current guidelines for more accurate prediction of anchor pullout capacity in clay-silty sand-clay soil deposits.