This presentation shows the validation of PLAXIS 3D for the analysis of the undrained capacity of a suction anchor in clay subjected to an external load at different inclination angles and different attachment points.

In order to overcome the issue of a possible over-estimation of lateral bearing capacity (see known issue "Possible over-estimation of lateral circular pile bearing capacity"), a special version of the PLAXIS 3D calculation kernel was used in which the mesh is optimised to match a smooth circle. This version is available on special request.

The presentation shows that the obtained results are in good agreement with the benchmark results as published by Andresen et al. (2005).