Abstract: Most of the existing calculation methods for the ultimate pullout capacity of the plate anchor only consider the conventional shape of the anchor plates. Based on the previous research work in this topic and combined with the discrete element analysis method, this paper performs extensive studies on the influence of the shape of the anchor plate on the ultimate pullout capacities. Further, by using the method of function fitting, a simplified method of estimating the ultimate bearing capacity of the circular anchor plate was proposed. This formula can consider the shape effect and has the advantage of convenient for engineering application. The results show that the bearing capacity of the anchor plate is higher when it is designed as a long and narrow shape with the same area. The proposed simplified estimation formula can be applied in the preliminary engineering design.

Key words: shape effect, shallow plate anchor, ultimate uplift capacity, simplified calculation method, discrete element method