Macro-element modelling of suction-embedded plate anchors for floating offshore structures

This work presents a new macro-element model to predict the behaviour of Suction Embedded Plate Anchors (SEPLAs) for floating offshore structures during keying and loading stages. Differently from previously published models for anchors, this new model is characterised by (i) a non-associated plastic potential with the aim of improving the prediction of anchor trajectory for the whole displacement domain and for a large range of padeye offsets; and (ii) by a strain-hardening rule enabling to predict the force and displacement mobilisation from the early stages of the keying process. The model was calibrated against LDFE analyses and compared with a broad set of LDFE and centrifuge tests results. The model proves capable of reproducing anchor rotation and displacement with good accuracy for a wide range of padeye offsets and distinct studies from the literature.