Abstract
Model test results of a vertical square anchor plate in loose, medium and dense sand are presented. The ultimate anchor resistance has been expressed in terms of a nondimensional breakout factor, Nq=Pu/γAH. For shallow anchors, the breakout factor increases with embedment ratio. Beyond the critical embedment ratio, when the anchor behaves as a deep anchor, the breakout factor remains approximately constant. The critical embedment ratio is about 5 for loose sand and increases to about 8 for dense sand. The variation of the experimental breakout factor for deep anchor with the angle of friction of sand has been compared with that predicted by the existing theories.
