The geotechnical performance of Deep Penetrating Anchors in calcareous sand

摘要

Deep Penetrating Anchors have been shown to be a feasible anchoring system in normally consolidated clay. However, substantial oil and gas deposits exist in areas of the world that are characterised by calcareous ocean floor sediments. This paper examines the viability of the use of such anchors in calcareous sand through a series of centrifuge model tests and associated analytical studies. It is shown that whilst the embedments and vertical capacities in calcareous sand are lower for similar impact velocities than in normally consolidated clay, the results compare favourably with field test data reported for torpedo shaped anchors in uncemented calcareous sand in the Campos Basin, Brazil. In addition a prediction model developed for calculating expected embedments in clay has been adapted to calcareous soil conditions and gives results that agree well with the measured data.