Dian Eksana Wibowo, Yusep Muslih Purwana, Bambang Setiawan, Galuh Chrismaningwang
Ground anchors are critical to ensuring the stability of sandy soils and improving the load-bearing capacity of soil retention systems in loose sand conditions. This study investigates the pullout capacity of anchors in sandy soils through a series of controlled laboratory experiments. Jack-like ground anchors with specified dimensions and configurations were installed in prepared sandy soil samples contained within a test box. The primary objective of the experiments was to determine the pullout capacity of anchors by varying the relative density (Dr) and embedment depth. Pullout tests were conducted using a hydraulic jack that applied an axial load to the jack-like ground anchor until pullout failure occurred. The maximum tensile force was measured and recorded as the load decreased. Each test was performed three times, and the results were averaged to ensure reliability. Three levels of relative density were examined: low (Dr = 30%), medium (Dr = 50%), and high (Dr = 80%), combined with embedment depths of 50 cm, 75 cm, and 100 cm. The results indicate that increasing the anchor opening angle consistently enhances pullout capacity, with the most notable improvement observed at angles of 60° and 75°, as these configurations generate a wider shear zone. Embedment depth also had a significant influence: increasing from 50 cm to 75 cm markedly improved pullout capacity, whereas extending the depth to 100 cm yielded only marginal gains. In medium- density soils (Dr = 50%), the interaction between anchor geometry and embedment depth exerted a stronger effect on pullout capacity compared to low-density soils, where embedment depth alone was more decisive. These findings highlight that optimal anchor performance under tensile loading requires a combination of sufficient soil density, well- designed anchor geometry, and appropriate embedment depth. © 2026 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved.
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia; Department of Civil Engineering and Planning Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia
