Experimental investigation on the penetration mechanism and kinematic behavior of drag anchors

Five fundamental problems closely relevant to the penetration mechanism and kinematic behavior of drag anchors, including the effects of the initial orientation of the anchor, the effects of the shank angle, the penetration direction of the anchor, the relationship between the fluke orientation and the drag angle at the shackle, and the relationship between the drag distance and the anchor displacement in the soil, are investigated in a model experimental system through a specially-designed multi-parameter measurement technique. The kinematic parameters of the anchor, including the drag force, drag angle, drag distance, displacement of the anchor, and pitch and roll of the anchor are measured simultaneously during dragging. By systematically analyzing the kinematic parameters and trajectories of the anchor, further knowledge of the five fundamental problems, which is believed to be beneficial to improving our understanding on the penetration mechanism and kinematic behavior of drag anchors, is clearly obtained. The techniques and methods established in the present work provide a better basis for further research on the fundamental problems of drag anchors.