Prediction of gravity installed anchors installation penetration

The installation of gravity installed anchors requires the knowledge of hydrodynamics and geotechnical engineering. This paper analyzes the anchor installation process from releasing the anchor in the water to reaching the maximum depth regarding the anchor´s interaction with water and seabed soil. This analysis puts an emphasis on plate-shaped anchors which have more complicated geometry than pile-shaped torpedo anchors. A theoretical model to predict the penetration depth of gravity installed anchors was developed with hydrodynamic and geotechnical theory. The associated parameters were obtained from laboratory tests conducted in Texas A & M University Haynes Coastal Engineering Laboratory and OWN Low Speed Wind Tunnel. The results from the laboratory tests conducted for plate-shaped gravity installed anchors will be discussed. The validation of this prediction model by an anchor field installation database and field tests for both types of gravity installed anchor is presented.