The response of helical anchors under offshore environmental loading

This thesis investigates the response of helical anchors in sand, under monotonic, cyclic, and dynamic uplift loading. Centrifuge tests were used to observe the soil deformation mechanisms at the helix embedment depth, and to study the anchor response following their installation “in flight”. Key findings include the identification of soil compaction and sand migration as governing mechanisms of the anchor ratcheting under cyclic loading, as well as the significant increase in anchor capacity under dynamic "snatch" loading due to inertial effects. Overall, this thesis study provides valuable insights into understanding helical anchor response under offshore environmental loading conditions.