A theoretical model for the load-transfer analyses of load distributive compression anchor integrating DSC-based interface nonlinear model

An innovative anchorage technology named load distributive compression anchor (LDCA) has recently been employed in a multitude of geotechnical engineering. The anchoring structure comprises multiple anchor bodies, thereby overcoming the bearing defects associated with conventional load-concentrated anchors and providing superior bearing performance. The complex structural configuration of LDCA considerably complicates the process of load-transfer theoretical modeling. A lack of relevant studies from theoretical solution perspective is yet evident in previous works. In this paper, a theoretical model was proposed for the load-transfer analyses of LDCA, of which the soil-anchor interface mechanical behavior was specially characterized by a disturbed state concept (DSC)-based nonlinear model. The mechanical simulation for the connections in different anchor bodies was incorporated into the theoretical analysis framework through the utilization of finite difference method. Three groups of 3D finite element (FE) models were established to simulate the load-transfer behaviors of LDCAs with different numbers of anchor bodies. The theoretical calculations agree well with the FE numerical results and the in-situ pullout test data, thereby confirming the applicability of the load-transfer theoretical model. The axial force and interface shear stress distributions, as well as the bearing capacity for LDCAs, were discussed based on theoretical calculations and FE simulations. Sensitivity analysis of several key design parameters was conducted to investigate their effects on the bearing capacity of LDCAs. The findings achieved in this study can provide insights into the understanding of the load-transfer behaviors of LDCA, and contribute to the bearing performance evaluation.