Abstract
The horizontal pullout capacity of vertical anchors embedded in sand in the presence of pseudo static horizontal earthquake body forces has been determined by using the lower bound finite element limit analysis. The variation of the pullout factor Fγ with changes in embedment ratio of the anchor plate for different values of horizontal earthquake acceleration coefficient (αh) has been established. The effect of the anchor-soil interface friction angle on the results has also been examined. The pullout capacity decreases quite significantly with an increase in αh. The pullout capacity becomes higher for greater values of embedment ratio and interface friction angle. The normal pressure distribution along the front surface of the anchor plate and the development of failure patterns have also been examined.