An Advanced Numerical Approach to Evaluate the Maximum Bonding Force of Rock Anchors

To quantitatively evaluate the maximum bonding force (BF) of rock anchors, this paper conducts an analytical investigation and numerical calculation. An advanced numerical approach is proposed. During the tensioning process of rock anchors, in the elastic-softening–debonding course, the debonding region is continuously divided into five different points. Then, for these individual points, the corresponding BF is calculated. Computational loops are created to conduct the calculation until the maximum BF is obtained. Two individual experimental anchorage tests on long-grouted rock anchors were adopted to validate the effectiveness of this current approach. A comparison was conducted between the traditional and current approach. The results showed that the anchorage performance obtained with the current approach agreed well with the traditional approach. However, compared with the traditional approach, the computational efficiency of the current approach is significantly improved. The superiority of this current approach is independently reflected by the number of elements in the softening region. The grout shear strength has a significantly beneficial influence on improving the maximum BF. This study is beneficial for quantitatively evaluating the maximum BF of rock anchors with high efficiency.