Available online 26 November 2024 (click here)

Abstract: This study proposes a new associative yield function (f*) for suction-embedded plate anchors in undrained clay, addressing the limitations of the commonly used yield function (f). Firstly, 2520 three-dimensional finite element simulations were conducted to evaluate the capability of f in two key aspects (i) accurately fitting the anchor failure envelope under V-H-M combined loadings and (ii) enabling associated flow. For the latter, a novel method for measuring anchor plastic velocity is proposed based on specific features of the anchor’s ultimate state, allowing for a direct inspection of the associativity (normality) of anchor plastic velocity. Results suggest the fitting and associativity deteriorate as M increases or embedment decreases. To mitigate these issues, a novel algorithm, combining genetic algorithm to find the optimal mathematical form and linear regression to determine the better parameters, is proposed to identify a more effective yield function. The resulting yield function f* demonstrates improved associativity and better fit to the failure envelope compared to f. Further comparisons of their performances were made in retrospective macro-element simulations against large deformation finite element (LDFE) modellings. Function f* showed satisfactory agreement with LDFE results without requiring user intervention (back analysis), whereas f performed unsatisfactorily.