Numerical simulation of load distributive compression anchor installed in weathered rock layer

This paper presents a finite element model for a load distributive compression anchor (LDCA). In an LDCA, the load applied to the strands is transmitted to the grout and ground by the movement of multiple plate-shaped anchor bodies installed along the anchor length. Therefore, unlike the conventional anchor where the applied load is concentrated, the LDCA has distributed loading points, and the independent load transfer of each anchor body might induce an interference effect between adjacent bodies. Hence, this study proposed grout–ground and anchor-body–grout interface models that can properly simulate the load-transfer behaviors of an LDCA. A series of numerical simulations on LDCAs installed in a weathered rock was performed. By comparing the simulation results with field-test results, the interface coefficients of weathered rock, which are difficult to estimate experimentally, were evaluated, and the applicability of the proposed model was validated. Furthermore, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the load-transfer behaviors of an LDCA depending on anchor length, number of anchor bodies, and anchor-body spacing. The results showed that the compressive or tensile failure is likely to occur in the grout of LDCA due to the interference among anchor bodies.