Pull-Out Capacity of Multi-Plate Expandable Anchors in Grouted Media: A CFD-DEM Study

Ensuring the stability of anchors is essential for the safety and longevity of structures in offshore and onshore projects. Grouting into soil is a promising approach to improving the load-bearing capacity of the anchors. However, identifying a suitable numerical model and conducting laboratory tests for grouting models pose significant challenges for engineers. This study employed the discrete element method (DEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to evaluate the stability of multi-plate anchors. The numerical modeling was conducted in two steps: simulation of the intercalation between soil particles and anchors and modelling of grouting with soil particles. The DEM was applied to the soil particles, while the CFD addressed fluid dynamics. This study also examined parameters that included time delays in the anchor movement, the velocity of the anchors and their rotation in order to improve understanding about the mechanism of grouting on the anchors as well as providing more accurate estimation of the load-bearing capacity of the anchor. The findings indicated that an increase in the time delay of multi-plate anchor movement and changing the velocity of the anchors improved the load-bearing capacity. Moreover, a comparison of rotating anchors located near the grouting line indicated that the closer the rotation is to the grouting, the greater will be the improvement in the pull-out capacity.