Experimental and Numerical Studies on the Inflatable Recyclable Anchor in the Tube Piece Type Based on the Soil-Anchor Interaction Mechanism

Abstract

This paper deeply studies the characteristics and “uplift bearing capacity” of a novel type of inflatable recyclable anchor in the tube piece. The proposed novel inflatable recyclable anchor in the tube piece type comprises a metallic rod, an inflatable anchorage device, and a recovery device. Fifteen field uplift tests are conducted to investigate the effects of inflation pressure, thickness of the steel disc, embedment length, and time lapse between anchor inflation and pullout on “the uplift bearing capacity.” The results show that “the uplift bearing capacity” of the novel inflatable anchor in the tube piece type increases with the increase of inflation pressure, thickness of the steel disc, and embedment length. With the increase of inflation time, “the uplift bearing capacity” of the novel inflatable anchor experiences an increase after first experiencing a decrease. The finite element analysis method is used to establish a numerical analysis model of the inflatable anchor, and the distribution law of the tensile stress of the surrounding soil during the pullout of the anchor is analysed. Compared with the traditional grouted anchor, the proposed anchor has an obvious superiority in recyclability, reusability, and swifter formation of anchorage force and thus is a resource-saving and environmentally friendly anchor technology.