Behavior of Shared Suction Anchors in Clay Overlying Silty Sand Soils Considering the Souring Effect

This paper investigates, through finite element analysis, the bearing capacity behavior of the shared suction anchors in clay-covered silt soil layers, considering the effects of soil scour. Its aim is to address the anchors’ failure mechanisms and corresponding bearing capacity. The numerical model was validated against previously reported data, with good agreement obtained. The main findings are as follows: (1) the tensional force T exerts an influence on the horizontal bearing capacity; (2) it is proven that scour significantly affects the failure mechanism of the suction anchor in clay overlying silty sand and, consequently, the corresponding bearing capacity; and (3) a bearing capacity design process for the shared suction anchor subjected to combined VHMT loading in clay-covered silt soil layers, considering soil scour, is proposed to provide guidance for practical engineering.