Uplift Capacity of Granular Pile Anchors in Clay Using Finite Element Limit Analysis

The granular pile anchor (GPA) is a relatively new and uncomplicated ground improvement technique that can support tensile loads effectively. In this study, the uplift capacity of GPAs embedded in clay was assessed using finite element limit analysis (FELA) with an adaptive mesh. The analysis considered a broad range of parameters, including the GPA’s diameter and length, the undrained shear strength of the surrounding clay, and the friction angle and unit weight of the GPA material. Results showed that the dimensionless uplift capacity generally increased with a higher length-to-diameter ratio. However, the nature of this increase varied for certain cases due to shifts in the failure mechanism of the GPA. To establish a practical correlation, multiple linear regression was applied, resulting in a predictive equation for dimensionless variables. The model's goodness-of-fit was evaluated using statistical measures such as the z-test, demonstrating its reliability. This study's findings provide valuable insights for designing GPAs in clayey soils and contribute to more effective engineering applications.