Driven plate anchors can be used to hold in place large bridge caissons during
floating construction. Their small size and simple method of installation make
them a very cost effective alternative to other direct-embedment, gravity, and
drag anchors. The geotechnical design of plate anchors involves the anchor
geometry, embedment, drivability, and proof testing. This paper describes the
experience gained with plate anchors used during construction of the new
Tacoma Narrows Bridge. For this project, the anchors had to be driven in dense
to very dense sands, and had to resist large forces from 7-9 knot currents.
Author: Osama Safaqah, Marc Gerin & Robert B. Bittner, Ben C. Gerwick, Inc.
Publisher: DFI