LAUSR

Abstract Vertically loaded anchors offer an attractive alternative for mooring system because of their relatively high efficiency and low costs. Predicting the ultimate embedment depth (UED) of anchor is important as it essentially determines the holding capacity. By analyzing the shank's mechanism, an analytical method is established to determine the ultimate state of the reconfigurable bridle shank. Thus, based on this method, a new form of analytical solution for the ultimate embedment depth of a vertically loaded anchor is proposed using the plasticity approach. Parametric studies on the effects of shank dimensions, yield surface and chain parameters are also conducted. A series of criteria are proposed to optimize the bridle ratio. A proper range for the bridle ratio is presented.