minerals
Article
Mechanical Behavior Analysis of Fully Grouted Ground
Anchor in Soft-Hard Alternating Stratum
Xiujun Liu 1,2, * and Zhanguo Ma 1, *
Citation: Liu, X.; Ma, Z. Mechanical
Behavior Analysis of Fully Grouted
Ground Anchor in Soft-Hard
Alternating Stratum. Minerals 2023,
13, 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/
min13010059
Academic Editor: Yosoon Choi
Received: 30 November 2022
Revised: 26 December 2022
Accepted: 28 December 2022
Published: 29 December 2022
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Minerals 2023, 13, 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13010059
1 State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining
and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
2 Shenzhen Geotechnical Investigation & Surveying Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518028, China
* Correspondence: lb18220002@cumt.edu.cn (X.L.); zgma@cumt.edu.cn (Z.M.)
Abstract: Assuming that the ground anchor is connected with the rock–soil of the sidewall by a
tangential linear spring, the load transfer model of the fully grouted ground anchor is established by
using the spring element method, and the analytical solutions of the displacement, axial force, and
shear stress distribution of the ground anchor in the upper and lower parallel strata foundation and
sandwich foundation are given, respectively. Corresponding to the above two kinds of alternating
strata, the mechanical behavior of the vertical fully grouted ground anchor in the soft–hard alternating
stratum is analyzed using the four conditions in Case 1 and the six conditions in Case 2, respectively.
Through the case analysis, it can be concluded that the mechanical behavior of the round anchor is
greatly affected by the shear modulus of the shallow stratum, and is less affected by the shear modulus
of the deep stratum. The depth of the stratum interface and the thickness of the interlayer have some
influence on the mechanical behavior of the whole ground anchor but have little influence on the
displacement and axial force distribution of the ground anchor. This paper has certain guidance and
reference significance for the design of vertical fully grouted ground anchors in the alternating strata.
Keywords: fully grouted ground anchor; alternating stratum; spring element method; load transfer
model; mechanical behavior
1. Introduction
In recent years, geotechnical anchoring technology has developed rapidly, and anchors
are widely used in reinforcement projects, such as in civil engineering and mining. Three
main types of anchoring technology are widely used at present: mechanical anchoring,
grouting, and friction anchoring. Among these, grout anchoring is the most popular in
practice due to its ease of installation, relatively low cost, and versatility in applications [1].
Among the various types of anchors, fully grouted anchors are the most common in
practical applications. A fully grouted anchor is an anchor that is inserted and grouted in
a borehole along the entire length [2]. The bearing performance of fully grouted anchors
mainly depends on the type of steel bar, the grout material, and the lithology of the
formation. Having a better understanding of the anchor load transfer mechanism can help
to optimize the anchor profile design, which can significantly improve the performance of
the rock anchor reinforcement system [3].
Understanding the load transfer mechanism of the anchor can be accomplished by using
methods such as field tests, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis. In the field
testing of anchors, much experimental research work has been carried out [4–10]. These
research results have laid a good foundation for the theoretical analysis of fully grouted
anchors. Much work has also been conducted on the theoretical analysis of the load transfer
mechanism of fully grouted anchors. Phillips [11] and Farmer [12] proposed the exponential
function form of the shear stress distribution at the anchor interface. Starting from the
displacement solution of Mindlin, scholars such as Wijk [13] deduced the details of the
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/minerals
Minerals 2023, 13, 59 2 of 16

solution of the axial force and shear stress distributed along the anchoring section of the
anchor. Aydan et al. [14] assumed that the rock mass, grout, anchor, and interface between
them are all in an elastic working state, and established the solution of the drawing load
distribution of the anchor. Li and Stillborg [15] proposed an analytical model for fully
grouted rock anchors under tensile load based on the shear stress distribution along the
anchor, successfully accounting for decoupling at the anchor–rock interface. Ren et al. [1]
used the tri-linear shear–slip model of the anchoring interface to establish an analytical
solution of the axial force and shear stress distribution of the anchored section in the fully
elastic, elastoplastic, and fully plastic states. Ma et al. [3] used a nonlinear shear–slip
model to conduct a preliminary analysis of the load transfer and nonlinear characteristics
of full-length bonded anchors under pull-out load. Chen et al. [16] used a tri-linear model
to consider the elastic, softening, and debonding behaviors at the cable–grout interface,
and proposed an analytical model for fully grouted anchors under axial load conditions. Li
et al. [17] proposed a novel constitutive model to characterize the mechanical behavior of
cable anchors under axial load and subjected to different boundary conditions, including
constant confining pressure and constant normal stiffness. Jahangir et al. [18] proposed a
new interface constitutive model for fully grouted rock anchors and cable anchors based
on pull-out test results. A database was created combining published experimental data
with in-house tests. In addition, many field tests and theoretical research on fully grouted
anchors have been conducted, which will not be mentioned here.
In the previous theoretical research work, in order to simplify the calculation, it is often
assumed that the rock and soil around the anchor are homogeneous. However, in practical
projects, it is often encountered that the anchor is embedded in the soft–hard alternating
layer foundation. Engineering experience shows that the shear modulus of rock and soil
around the anchor has a greater impact on the bearing characteristics of the anchor. At this
time, if the rock and soil around the anchor are still assumed to be homogeneous in the
design, it is bound to cause a large deviation between the theoretical calculation results and
the actual situation, thus laying unnecessary hidden dangers for the project’s safety. Guo
et al. [19] studied the pullout force of tension-type ground anchors with anchor sections
crossing two soil strata, but the model they proposed is a semi-analytical method, which is
not rigorous in theory. Moreover, their focus was mainly on the ultimate bond strength, and
they did not discuss the influence of the difference in the shear modulus of the two strata
on the mechanical behavior of the bolt. Therefore, in order to more deeply understand the
load transfer mechanism of fully grouted anchors in the soft–hard alternating stratum, it
is essential to analyze and study its mechanical behavior characteristics in the soft–hard
alternating stratum.
In the following sections, we introduce a method for analyzing the force of anchors,
the spring element method, which is based on the idea of discretization and force balance
analysis of each mass spring element. It is assumed that the ground anchor and the sidewall
rock and soil are connected by tangential linear springs, and the load transfer model of
the fully grouted ground anchor is established by the spring element method. Then, using
the load transfer model, the analytical solutions of the mechanical behavior of the ground
anchor in the upper and lower parallel strata foundation and the sandwich foundation
are derived, respectively. Finally, the influence of the variables such as the shear modulus
of the stratum and the depth of the stratum interface on the mechanical behavior of the
vertical fully grouted ground anchor is discussed by using the four conditions in Case 1
and the six conditions in Case 2, respectively.

2. Theoretical Model
The authors have put forward a method for mechanical analysis of grouted anchors—
spring element method and studied the mechanical behavior of fully grouted ground
anchors in homogeneous strata under axial cyclic load [20]. In this paper, the spring
element method is applied to the study of the mechanical behavior of fully grouted ground
Minerals 2023, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 16
Minerals 2023, 13, 59 3 of 16

spring element
anchors in soft method
and hardis alternating
applied to the study
strata as of the mechanical
a continuation of behavior of fully
the previous grouted
study. The
ground anchors in soft and hard alternating strata as a continuation
following is a brief creation process of the spring element method. of the previous study.
The following is a brief creation process of the spring element method.
2.1. Analysis of Anchor Force
2.1. Analysis
As shown of Anchor Force
in Figure 1, a homogeneous free bar with equal cross-section can be dis-
As into
cretized shown in Figure 1,
n mass-point a homogeneous
spring elements with free
thebar
samewith equal k.
stiffness cross-section
Each springcan be dis-
element is
cretized into n mass-point spring elements with the same stiffness k. Each spring
composed of a spring and an infinitesimal mass point. In the free state, its length is the sameelement
is composed
as that of the of a spring
free and an infinitesimal
bar micro-segment, and the mass point.
external In on
force theeach
free bar
state, its length is the
micro-segment is
same as that on
concentrated of the
the free
massbar micro-segment,
point and the spring
of the corresponding external force on
element. eachthe
After barsame
micro-seg-
tensile
ment Pisisconcentrated
force applied at bothon the mass
ends, thepoint
bar isof the corresponding
elongated by s, and the spring element.
elongation ∆sAfter the
i of each
same tensile
spring elementforce
canPbeisobtained
applied at both ends,
according the bar islaw
to Hooke’s elongated
as by s, and the elongation
Δsi of each spring element can be obtained according to Hooke’s law as
Pl
∆si = (1)
Δ𝑠 nEA
= (1)

where EE is
where is the
the elastic modulus,AAisisthe
elasticmodulus, thecross-sectional
cross-sectionalarea, andl lisisthe
area,and thelength
lengthof
ofthe
thebar.
bar.

rod spring k

mass point
spring unit

before load

n n-1 k+2 k+1 k k-1 k-2 2 1

P P
n n-1 k+2 k+1 k k-1 k-2 2 1

after load

Figure 1.
Figure 1. Schematic
Schematic diagram
diagram of
of discretization
discretization of
of free
free rod.
rod.

Then,
Then, the
the stiffness
stiffness of
of each
each spring
spring element
elementisis

𝑘 nEA
= (2)
k= (2)
l
Similarly, as shown in Figure 2, a homogeneous anchor of equal sections can also be
Similarly,
discretized intoasnshown
spring in Figure 2,
elements witha homogeneous anchor
the same stiffness. of equal
Since sections
the anchor can also be
is constrained
discretized into n spring elements with the same stiffness. Since the anchor is constrained
by the sidewall, after tensile force P is applied to the top of the anchor, the elongation Δsi
by the sidewall,
of each after tensile
spring element is notforce P isatapplied
equal andtop of the anchor, the elongation ∆si of
to the
this time,
each spring element is not equal at this time, and
Δ𝑠 = (3)
Pi
where Pi is the spring tension of the ith spring ∆si = element. (3)
k
where Pi is the spring tensionl of the ith spring element.
s
Number the spring elements from 1 to n starting from the place where the load is applied.
grout (orofrocksoil)
Then, the displacements the ith and i + 1th spring elements are related as follows:
before load

si − si+1 = ∆si (4)

grout (or rocksoil)
Figure 3 shows the force analysis diagram of the ith spring element. The following
s s
relationship can be seenanchor
n 1
from Figure 3:
deformale grout (or rocksoil) after load
Fi = Pi−1 − Pi (5)
P
where Fi is the lateral resistance provided by the sidewall to the ith spring element.
deformale grout (or rocksoil)

Figure 2. Schematic diagram of discretization of anchor.

 Similarly, as shown in Figure 2, a homogeneous anchor of equal sections can also be
discretized into n spring elements with the same stiffness. Since the anchor is constrained
by the sidewall, after tensile force P is applied to the top of the anchor, the elongation Δsi
of each spring element is not equal at this time, and

Minerals Δ𝑠 = (3)
2023,13,
Minerals2023, 13,59
x FOR PEER REVIEW 44 of
of 16
16
where Pi is the spring tension of the ith spring element.

l s
Number the spring elements from 1 to n starting from the place where the load is
applied. Then, thegrout
displacements
(or rocksoil)
of the ith and i + 1th spring elements are related as fol-
lows: before load

𝑠 −𝑠 = Δ𝑠 (4)
grout (or rocksoil)
Figure 3 shows the force analysis diagram of the ith spring element. The following
s s
relationship can be seenanchor
n 1
from Figure 3:
deformale grout (or rocksoil)
𝐹 =𝑃 −𝑃 after load (5)
where Fi is the lateral resistance provided by the sidewall
P to the ith spring element.
Combiningdeformale
Equations (3)rocksoil)
grout (or and (5), we obtain

Δ𝑠 − Δ𝑠 = (6)
Figure 2.
Figure 2. Schematic
Schematic diagram
diagram of
of discretization
discretization of
of anchor.
anchor.

Fi

i+1 i i-1
Pi Pi-1

Figure3.3.Force
Figure Forceanalysis
analysisdiagram
diagramof
ofthe
theith
ithspring
springelement.
element.

When n → Equations
Combining ∞, the discrete spring
(3) and element
(5), we obtaincan be transformed into a continuous an-
chor again. Then Equations (3) and (6) can be, respectively, transformed into
F
∆si−1 − ∆si = ( i ) (6)
𝑠 (𝑥) = − k (7)
When n → ∞, the discrete spring element 𝑠 (𝑥)can
( )
= be transformed into a continuous anchor (8)
again. Then Equations (3) and (6) can be, respectively, transformed into
In these formulas, P(x) is the distribution function of anchor axial force, F(x) is the
P( x )
distribution function of side resistance, s0 ( xs′(x)
) = is
−the first derivative of the displacement dis- (7)
tribution function s(x), s″(x) is the second derivative k u of s(x), x is the length from the top of
the anchor, ku is the stiffness of the anchor perFunit ( x ) length, namely, ku = kl/n = EA.
s00 ( x ) = (8)
ku
2.2. Establishment of Load Transfer Model
In these formulas, P(x) is the distribution function of anchor axial force, F(x) is the
Many scholars
distribution function[21–23]
of sidehave studieds0 (x)
resistance, the ismechanical propertiesofofthe
the first derivative thedisplacement
anchor shear
interface, and it is believed that the change law is as follows:
distribution function s(x), s”(x) is the second derivative of s(x), x is the length from with increased shear dis-
the top
placement,
of the anchor,theku shear
is the stress
stiffnessincreases almostper
of the anchor linearly; whennamely,
unit length, maximum ku =shear
kl/n =stress
EA. τf is
reached, as the displacement increases, the shear stress decreases until the residual
strength
2.2. is reached.
Establishment Because
of Load our Model
Transfer research object is the influence of the change of the shear
modulus
Many scholars [21–23] have stratum
ratio of the alternating studied on thethe mechanical
mechanical behaviorofofthe
properties theanchor
verticalshear
fully
grouted anchor, we only consider the situation of the anchor in
interface, and it is believed that the change law is as follows: with increased shear dis- the elastic deformation
stage for convenience,
placement, the shear stressthat is, the situation
increases almostoflinearly;
the anchor debonding
when maximum or decoupling
shear stressisτ fnot
is
considered. Based on this law, it is assumed that the anchor and the
reached, as the displacement increases, the shear stress decreases until the residual strength rock–soil mass are
isconnected by tangential
reached. Because linear springs.
our research object is The shear displacement
the influence between
of the change the anchor
of the shear modulusand
the sidewall is coordinated, then
ratio of the alternating stratum on the mechanical behavior of the vertical fully grouted
anchor, we only consider the situation of 𝐹(𝑥) the=anchor
𝑘 ′ 𝑠(𝑥)in the elastic deformation stage for (9)
convenience, that is, the situation of the anchor debonding or decoupling is not considered.
whereon
Based k′u this
is the shear
law, it isspring stiffness
assumed peranchor
that the unit length
and thebetween anchor
rock–soil and
mass arerock–soil.
connected by
Cai etlinear
tangential al. [23] deduced
springs. Theanshear
empirical formula between
displacement for calculating sidewall
the anchor and spring stiffness
the sidewall is
k′u by analyzing
coordinated, thenthe stress state of the rock mass unit around the anchor, based on the force
( x ) = k0u s( x ) When the grout has the same charac-
balance conditions and approximate Fassumptions. (9)
teristics0 as the rock soil, we have
where k u is the shear spring stiffness per unit length between anchor and rock–soil.
Minerals 2023, 13, 59 5 of 16

Cai et al. [23] deduced an empirical formula for calculating sidewall spring stiffness
0
k u by analyzing the stress state of the rock mass unit around the anchor, based on the
force balance conditions and approximate assumptions. When the grout has the same
characteristics as the rock soil, we have

2πGg
k0u = (10)
ln( rR )
b

and when the properties of the grout and the rock soil are different, we have

2πGg Gr
k0u = r (11)
Gg ln( rRg ) + Gr ln( rg )
b

in which Gg is the shear modulus of the grout, Gr is the shear modulus of the rock soil, rg is
the radius of the borehole, and R is the influence radius of the anchor, that is, the radius of
the deformation zone.
Substituting Equation (9) into Equation (8), the anchor load transfer equation at this
time can be obtained as
k0
s00 ( x ) − u s( x ) = 0 (12)
ku
The general solution to the above equation is

s( x ) = A1 eλx + A2 e−λx (13)

p
where A1 and A2 are the parameters to be sought, and λ = k0u /k u .
It is known that the boundary conditions are

P0
s 0 ( x )  x =0 = −

(14)
ku

s0 ( x ) x =l = 0

(15)
where s0 and P0 are the displacement and pull-out force at the top of the anchor, respectively.
Substituting boundary condition Equations (14)–(15) into Equation (13), we obtain
P0 −λl P0 eλl
A1 = λk u
· eλle−e−λl ; A2 = λk u
· eλl − e−λl
.
Then the displacement distribution function of the anchor can be obtained as

P0 ch[λ(l − x )]
s( x ) = · (16)
λk u sh(λl )

where sh () is the abbreviation of hyperbolic sine function sinh (), and ch () is the abbrevia-
tion of hyperbolic cosine function cosh ().
Taking the derivative of x on both sides of Equation (16), and substituting s0 (x) into
Equation (7), the axial force distribution function of the anchor can be obtained as

sh[λ(l − x )]
P( x ) = P0 (17)
sh(λl )

Substituting Equation (16) into Equation (9), we can obtain the shear stress distribution
function of the anchor as
P0 λ ch[λ(l − x )]
τ (x) = · (18)
2πrb sh(λl )
where rb is the radius of the anchor.
Minerals 2023, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 16
Minerals 2023, 13, 59 6 of 16

A e +A e (0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 )
𝑠(𝑥) = ′ Behavior
3. Analytical Solution of Mechanical of Fully Grouted Ground Anchor in (19)
Alternating Stratum A e +A e
′
(𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙)

whereForAthe convenience of research, this paper only analyzes the following𝑘two

1, A2, A′1, and A′2 are the parameters to be sought, and 𝜆 = ⁄𝑘kinds
; 𝜆 of
=
alternating
𝑘 ⁄𝑘 . strata.
Substitute the boundary condition Equations (14) and (15) into Equation (19), and
3.1. Upper and Lower Parallel Stratum Foundation
consider the continuity of s(x) and P(x) at the stratum interface, so as to obtain
As shown in Figure 4, the vertical fully grouted ground anchor is buried in the upper
and lower parallel strata. A = Accordingch[ to the
𝜆 (𝑙above
− 𝑥 )]analysis,
− sh[ 𝜆the (𝑙 −displacement
𝑥 )] distribution
(20)
function of the ground anchor is as follows:
A = (A ech[ λ1 x𝜆+(𝑙
A− 𝑥−λ)]1 x+ 0sh[ ≤ 𝜆x ≤
(𝑙 −x j 𝑥 )]

(21)
1 2e
s( x ) = (19)
A10 ′eλ2 x + A20 e−λ′2 x


xj ≤ x ≤ l
A = ; A = (22)
0 0
q q
0 0
where
in A1 , 𝜂A2,
which =Ash( 1, and
𝜆 𝑥A 2 are
) ch[ 𝜆 the
(𝑙 −parameters
𝑥 )] + ch( to be
𝜆 𝑥sought,
) sh[ 𝜆 and 1 =
(𝑙 −λ𝑥 )]. ku1 /ku ; λ2 = k u2 /k u .

Stratum-1
xj
l

Stratum-2

Figure
Figure 4.
4. Ground
Ground anchors
anchors buried
buried in
in upper
upper and
and lower
lower parallel strata foundation.
parallel strata foundation.

Substitute
Then the boundarydistribution
the displacement condition Equations (14) and
function, axial force(15) into Equation
distribution (19), and
function,
consider
shear thedistribution
stress continuity of s(x) andofP(x)
function theat the stratum
ground anchorinterface, so as to obtain
can be obtained as

P0 e−λ1 x j
 𝑠(𝑥) =
λ2


A1 = ch[λ2 l − x j ]− sh[λ2 l − x j ] (20)
ch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] ch[ 𝜆2λ(𝑥1 k−
u η𝑥)] + sh[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥λ)]1 sh[ 𝜆 (𝑥 − 𝑥)] (0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 ) (23)

P0 eλ1 xch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥)]
λ2 (𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙)

j
 


A2 = ch[λ2 l − x j ]+ sh[λ2 l − x j ] (21)
2λ1 k u η λ1
P0 e−λ2𝑃(𝑥)l = P eλ2 l
0
A10 = ; A20 = (22)
2λ 1 k
ch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] sh[ 𝜆 (𝑥 − 𝑥)] + sh[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] ch[
u η 2λ 1 k u𝜆η(𝑥 − 𝑥)] (0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 ) (24)

λ2

in which η = sh(λ1 x j )ch[λ2 ⋅l −sh[ x j 𝜆] +(𝑙 λ−ch (λ1 x j )sh[λ2 l − x j ].
1 𝑥)] (𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙)
Then the displacement distribution function, axial force distribution function, and
shear stress distribution function of the ground anchor can be obtained as (25)
𝜏(𝑥) =
 n
o
 P0 ch[λ2 l − x j ] ch[λ1 x j − x + λ2 sh[λ2 l − x j ] sh[λ1 x j − x





λ1 k u η λ1 0 ≤ x ≤ xj
s( x ) = P0
(23)
λ k u η ch[ λ2 ( l − x )] xj ≤ x ≤ l

1
 function of the ground anchor is as follows:
A e +A e (0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 )
𝑠(𝑥) = A e ′
+A e ′
(𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 ) (26)

Minerals 2023, 13, 59

A e
′′
+A e ′′
(𝑥 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙) 7 of 16
where A1, A2, A , A , A and A are the parameters to be sought.
′1 ′2 ″1, ″2

Substitute the boundary condition Equations (14) and (15) into Equation (26), and
 n consider the continuity of s(x) and P(x) at the stratum interface, so as to obtain
 P0 ch[λ2 l − x j ] sh[λch[ 𝜆 (𝑥 − 𝑥 )] ch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] − sh[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] +


 λ2

o

1 xj − x + λ1 sh[λ2 l − x j ] ch[λ1 x j − x 0 ≤ x ≤ xj
P( x ) =
η
A = ; (27)(24)
sh[ P𝜆0 (𝑥 λ2 − 𝑥 )] sh[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] − ch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 x )]≤ x ≤ l

η · λ1 sh[ λ2 ( l − x )]

j
ch[ 𝜆 (𝑥 − 𝑥 )] ch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] + sh[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] +
A = ; (28)
sh[ 𝜆 (𝑥λ1 ch[−
λ2 (𝑥l −)]
x j )] ch[sh[
λ1 ( x𝜆j −(𝑙x )]
−+𝑥λ2 sh )][λ+2 (l −ch[
x j )] 𝜆
sh[(𝑙
λ1 − x j𝑥− x)]

P ( )]

2πrb · 0 ≤ x ≤ xj

 0
η
τ (x) =
(29)(25)
A =  ch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] − P0sh[· 𝜆λ2(𝑙
 2 ch[−λ2 (𝑥l − x)])] ;
x ≤ x ≤ l
2πr b λ η 1
j

A (30)
3.2.=Sandwich ch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] +
Foundation sh[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] ;
As shown in Figure 5, the vertical fully grouted ground anchor is buried in the(31) sand-
A = foundation.
wich ; Similarly, according to the above analysis, the displacement distribution
function of the ground anchor is as follows:
𝐴 = . (32)
x − x


0 ≤ x ≤ x j1
 λ λ
In which,  A1 e 1 + A2 e 1
s( x ) = A10 eλ2 x + A20 e−λ2 x


x j1 ≤ x ≤ x j2 (26)
𝜅 = ch[ 𝜆 (𝑥 − 𝑥 )] sh[ 𝜆 (𝑙 + 𝑥 − 𝑥  )] A
+00sh[ 𝜆x (𝑥 00 −λ1 x

1e
λ 1 + A2 e x j2 ≤ x ≤ l
𝜆 𝜆 (33)
− 𝑥 )] 0 sh[ 0𝜆 (𝑙00− 𝑥 )] sh( 00 𝜆 𝑥 ) + ch[ 𝜆 (𝑙 − 𝑥 )] ch( 𝜆 𝑥 )
𝜆 𝜆
where A1 , A2 , A1 , A2 , A1 , and A2 are the parameters to be sought.
x j1

Stratum-1
x j2

Stratum-2
l

Stratum-1

Figure 5. Ground anchors buried in sandwich foundation.

Substitute the boundary condition Equations (14) and (15) into Equation (26), and
consider the continuity of s(x) and P(x) at the stratum interface, so as to obtain
(


)
P0 e−λ1 x j1 ch[λ2 x j2 − x j1 n] ch[λ1 l − x j2 ]−sh[λ1 l − x j2 ] + o
A1 =


; (27)
2λ1 k u κ sh[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ] λλ12 sh[λ1 l − x j2 ]− λλ2 ch[λ1 l − x j2 ]
1

(


 )
P0 eλ1 x j1 ch[λ2 x j2 − x j1 n] ch[λ1 l − x j2 ] +sh[λ1 l − x j2 +
A2 =
λ1
λ2
o ; (28)
2λ1 k u κ sh[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ] λ2 sh[λ1 l − x j2 ]+ λ ch[λ1 l − x j2 ]
1

P0 e−λ2 x j2
 

λ
A10 = ch[λ1 l − x j2 ]− 1 sh[λ1 l − x j2 ] ;


(29)
2λ1 k u κ λ2
P0 eλ2 x j2
 

λ
A20 = ch[λ1 l − x j2 ]+ 1 sh[λ1 l − x j2 ] ;


(30)
2λ1 k u κ λ2
Minerals 2023, 13, 59 8 of 16

00 P0 e−λ1 l
A1 = ; (31)
2λ1 k u κ
00 P0 eλ1 l
A2 = . (32)
2λ1 k u κ
In which,



κ = ch[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ]nsh[λ1 l + x j1 − x j2 + sh[λ2 x j2


o (33)
− x j1 )] λλ12 sh[λ1 l − x j2 ]sh(λ1 x j1 ) + λλ2 ch[λ1 l − x j2 ]ch(λ1 x j1 )
1

Similarly, the displacement distribution function, axial force distribution function, and
shear stress distribution function of the ground anchor can be obtained as
  

  

ch[λ1 l − x j2
] ch[λ1 x j1 − x

 ch[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ] +sh[λ1 l − x j2 ] sh[λ1 x j1 − x +

 
 


  


P0

0 ≤ x ≤ x j1

 ( λ

 )
λ1 k u κ  1
sh[λ1 l − x j2 ] ch[λ1 x j1 − x




 sh[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ] + λ2 ch[λ l − x
] sh[λ x − x


 
 λ 2




s( x ) = ( λ1
1 j2

1 )j1 (34)
ch [ l − x ] ch [ x − x

λ λ

2 j2

 P0 1 j2



λ1 k u κ + λ1 sh[ λ l − x

 x j1 ≤ x ≤ x j2
] sh[λ2 x j2 − x

1 j2


 λ 2
P0


ch[λ (l − x )] x j2 ≤ x ≤ l


λ1 k u κ 1
  

  

ch[λ1 l − x j2
] sh[λ1 x j1 − x

 ch[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ] +sh[λ1 l − x j2 ] ch[λ1 x j1 − x + 

 
 

  

 P0

 ( λ

 ) 0 ≤ x ≤ x j1
1
− −


 κ 
sh [ λ 1 l x j2 ] sh [ λ 1 x j1 x
 sh[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ] + λ2 ch[λ l − x
] ch[λ x − x


   λ2 


P( x ) = (35)

( λ1 1 j2 1 ) j1
 λ2


P0 λ1 ch[ λ1 l − x j2 ] sh[ λ2 x j2 − x



x j1 ≤ x ≤ x j2




κ
+sh[λ1 l − x j2 ] ch[λ2 x j2 − x





P0

κ sh[ λ1 ( l − x )] x j2 ≤ x ≤ l

  

  

ch[λ1 l − x j2
] ch[λ1 x j1 − x

ch[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ] + 

 
 
− −

+ sh [ l x ] sh [ x x
 


P0 λ1
 λ 1 j2 λ 1 j1


· ≤ x ≤ x

 ( λ

 ) 0 j1
λ2 sh[ λ1 l − x j2
] ch[λ1 x j1 − x
2πr 1
 κ
b



 sh[λ2 x j2 − x j1 ]

 
 

λ2
 
τ (x) =
 + λ1 ch[λ1 l − x j2 ] sh[λ1 x j1 − x 
(36)
(

 )
λ2
P0 λ1 λ1 ch[ λ1 l − x j2 ] ch[ λ2 x j2 − x






2πr ·

 x j1 ≤ x ≤ x j2
κ
+sh[λ1 l − x j2 ] sh[λ2 x j2 − x

 b


P0 λ1


2πr · κ ch[ λ1 ( l − x )] x j2 ≤ x ≤ l


b

4. Verification and Discussion

In order to verify the correctness of the above analysis model, the following fully grouted
ground anchors are used for analysis and research. It is known that this ground anchor has
the following parameters: ground anchor length l = 10 m; ground anchor radius rb = 18 mm;
elastic modulus of ground anchor Eb = 210 GPa; drilling radius rg = 90 mm; mortar elastic
modulus Eg = 20 GPa; mortar Poisson’s ratio µg = 0.25. For the convenience of research, it is
assumed that no matter how the shear modulus of each stratum changes, the ground anchor
will not appear debonding or decoupling under the load of 200 kN. According to the above
parameters, ku = 213.8 MN was calculated. Referring to the assumption of Cai et al. [23], the
influence radius of the ground anchor was taken as R = 35rb .
 Minerals2023,
Minerals 2023,13,
13,59x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of
9 of1616

4.1. Case
4.1. Case 11 (Corresponding
(Corresponding to Stratum in Section
Section 3.1)
3.1)
Assume that the ground anchor is
Assume that the ground anchor is buried buried in the stratum
in the as shown
stratum in Section
as shown 3.1 and
in Section 3.1
discuss the influence of the change of stratum shear modulus and stratum
and discuss the influence of the change of stratum shear modulus and stratum interfaceinterface depth
on theon
depth mechanical behavior
the mechanical of fully
behavior ofgrouted ground
fully grouted anchoranchor
ground through severalseveral
through specialspecial
con-
ditions listed in Table 1.
conditions listed in Table 1.

Table1.1.Several
Table Severalspecial
special conditions
conditions in
in Case 1.

Shear Modulus of Stratum-1

Shear Modulus Shear Shear
of Stratum-1 Modulus of Stratum-2
Modulus of Stratum-2 Depth of Stratum
Depth of Stratum Interface
Interface
Conditions
Conditions Gr1 (MPa)
Gr1 (MPa) Gr2 (MPa)
Gr2 (MPa) xj (m)
xj (m)
Condition 1 1
Condition α·Gr2 α·G 80 80 5 5
r2
Condition 2 2
Condition 40 40 80 80 β·l β ·l
Condition 3 3
Condition 80 80 α·Gr1α·Gr1 5 5
Condition
Condition 4 4 80 80 40 40 β·l β·l
Note:InInthe
Note: the table
table α and
α and β are
β are the the variation
variation coefficients.
coefficients.

Figure 66 shows
Figure shows the
the influence
influence of the change of Gr1r1on onthethemechanical
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorofofthe the
ground
ground anchoranchor under condition 1. It can be seen from Figure 6a that with the increaseofof
condition 1. It can be seen from Figure 6a that with the increase
G
Gr1r1 , the displacement at
at each
each depth
depth ofofthe
theground
groundanchor
anchorisisgradually
graduallydecreasing,
decreasing,and andthethe
upper part
upper part of
of the
the ground
ground anchor decreases
decreases moremore obviously
obviouslythan thanthe
thelower
lowerpart.
part.ItItcan canbebe
seenfrom
seen fromFigure
Figure6b 6bthat,
that,except
exceptforforthe
thetop
topand
andtail
tailof
ofthe
theground
groundanchor,
anchor,thetheaxial
axialforce
forceat
at each
each depth
depth of the
of the ground
ground anchor
anchor is gradually
is gradually reduced
reduced withwith the increase
the increase of Gr1of, G
andr1, and the
the axial
axial at
force force
the at the middle
middle of the of the ground
ground anchoranchor
is more is obvious.
more obvious.
It can It
becan befrom
seen seen Figure
from Figure6c that
6c that
with thewith the increase
increase of Gr1 , the Gr1, the
of shear shear
stress at stress at each
each depth of depth of theanchor
the ground groundinanchorStratum-1in
Stratum-1 is gradually increasing, and the increase is more obvious
is gradually increasing, and the increase is more obvious at the top of the ground anchor; at the top of the
ground anchor;
however, however,
in Stratum-2, thein shear
Stratum-2,
stresstheat shear stress at
each depth ofeach depth ofanchor
the ground the ground anchor
is gradually
is graduallyespecially
decreasing, decreasing, at especially
the stratum at interface.
the stratum interface.

4 200 800
α = 0.50 α = 0.50 α = 0.50
α = 0.75 α = 0.75 α = 0.75
α = 1.00 α = 1.00 α = 1.00
3 α = 1.25 150 α = 1.25 600 α = 1.25
Displacement (mm)

Shear stress (kPa)

Axial force (kN)

α = 1.50 α = 1.50 α = 1.50

2 100 400

1 50 200

0 0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 6.
Figure 6. Effect
Effect of
of shear
shear modulus
modulus change
change of
of Stratum-1
Stratum-1ononmechanical
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorofofground
groundanchor.
anchor.
(Case 1: condition 1) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear
(Case 1: condition 1) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear
stress distribution curve.
stress distribution curve.
Figure 7 shows the influence of the change of xj on the mechanical behavior of the
Figure 7 shows the influence of the change of xj on the mechanical behavior of the
ground anchor under condition 2. It can be seen from Figure 7a that with the increase of
ground anchor under condition 2. It can be seen from Figure 7a that with the increase
xj,xthe
of displacement at each depth of the ground anchor is slightly increased, which is
j , the displacement at each depth of the ground anchor is slightly increased, which is
more obvious in the middle of the ground anchor. It can be seen from Figure 7b that with
more obvious in the middle of the ground anchor. It can be seen from Figure 7b that with
the increase
the increase of
of xxj,, the
the upper
upper and
and lower
lower parts
parts of
of the
the ground
groundanchor
anchorshow
showtwo twocompletely
completely
j
different change trends, but both are not very obvious. The axial
different change trends, but both are not very obvious. The axial force at the force at theupper
upperpart
partof
the ground anchor is gradually decreasing, whereas the axial force at the lower part of of
of the ground anchor is gradually decreasing, whereas the axial force at the lower part the
the ground
ground anchor
anchor is gradually
is gradually increasing.
increasing. It canItbecan befrom
seen seenFigure
from Figure
7c that 7c that
with thewith the
increase
of xj , the shear stress at each depth of the ground anchor in Stratum-1 and Stratum-2 is
gradually increasing.
Minerals2023,
Minerals 2023,13,
13,xxFOR
FORPEER
PEERREVIEW
REVIEW 10 of
10 of 16
16

Minerals 2023, 13, 59 increaseof

increase ofxxj,j,the
theshear
shearstress
stressat
ateach
eachdepth
depthof
ofthe
theground
groundanchor
anchorin
inStratum-1
Stratum-1and
and10Stra-
Stra-
of 16
tum-2 is gradually increasing.
tum-2 is gradually increasing.

200 500
500
44 200
ββ==0.3
0.3 ββ==0.3
0.3 ββ==0.3
0.3
ββ==0.4
0.4 ββ==0.4
0.4 ββ==0.4
0.4
400
400 ββ==0.5
0.5
β = 0.5
β = 0.5 150 ββ==0.5
0.5
33 ββ==0.6
0.6 150 ββ==0.6
0.6 β = 0.6
(mm)

β = 0.6

(kPa)
Displacement(mm)

stress(kPa)
(kN)
β = 0.7 β = 0.7

force(kN)
ββ==0.7
0.7 β = 0.7 β = 0.7
300
300
Displacement

Shearstress
Axialforce
22 100
100
200
200

Axial

Shear
11 50
50
100
100

00 0 00 00
0 22 44 66 88 10
10 00 22 44 66 88 10
10 00 22 44 66 88 10
10
Distancefrom
Distance fromtop
topofofground
groundanchor
anchor(m)
(m) Distancefrom
fromtop
topofofground
groundanchor
anchor(m)
(m)
Distance Distancefrom
Distance fromtop
topofofground
groundanchor
anchor(m)
(m)

(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c)
Figure 7. Effectof
Figure of thedepth
depth ofstratum
stratum interfaceonon mechanicalbehavior
behavior of groundanchor.
anchor. (Case1:1:
Figure7.7.Effect
Effect ofthe
the depthof
of stratuminterface
interface onmechanical
mechanical behaviorofofground
ground anchor.(Case
(Case 1:
condition 2) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve;
condition 2) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) (c)shear
shearstress
stress
condition
distribution2) (a) displacement
curve. distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
distribution curve.
distribution curve.
Figure 8 showsthe
Figure the influenceof of thechange
change ofGGr2r2on on themechanical
mechanical behaviorof of the
Figure 88 shows
shows the influence
influence of the the change of of Gr2 onthe the mechanicalbehavior behavior of the the
ground
ground anchor under condition 3. It can be seen from Figure 8a that with the increase of
groundanchor anchorunderundercondition
condition3.3.ItItcan canbe beseen
seenfrom
fromFigure
Figure8a 8athat
thatwith
withthe the increase
increase of of
GGr2, thedisplacement
displacement at eachdepth depth of theground ground anchordecreasesdecreases slightly,and and thelower
lower
Gr2r2, ,the
the displacementatateach each depthofofthe the groundanchoranchor decreasesslightly,
slightly, andthe the lower
partof
part ofthe
theground
groundanchoranchorisisslightly
slightlymoremoreobvious
obviousthan thanthe
theupper
upperpart.
part.ItItcan
canbe beseen
seenfromfrom
part of the ground anchor is slightly more obvious than the upper part. It can be seen from
Figure
Figure 8b that with the increase of G , the axial force at each depth of the ground anchor
Figure 8b 8b that
that with
with the the increase
increase of of G
Gr2r2, ,the
theaxial
axialforce
forceatateach
eachdepth
depthof ofthe
theground
groundanchor
r2
anchor
has almost no
has no change,
change, and and only
only shows
shows aa slight slight increasing
increasing trend in in the
the middle
middle of of the
the
has almost
almost no change, and only shows a slight increasing trendtrendin the middle of the ground
ground
ground anchor.
anchor. anchor. It
It can beItseen can
can be be seen
seen
from from
from 8c
Figure Figure
Figure 8c that
8c that
that with with
thewith the increase
the increase
increase of G
of Gshear
of Gr2 , the , the shear
r2, thestress
r2 stress
shearatstress
each
at
at each
each depth
depth of
of the
the ground
ground anchor
anchor in
in Stratum-1
Stratum-1 decreases
decreases
depth of the ground anchor in Stratum-1 decreases slightly, whereas the shear stress slightly,
slightly, whereas
whereas theatshear
the shear
each
stress at
stress
depth at each
of eachground
the depth of
depth of the
the ground
anchor ground anchor
anchor
in Stratum-2 in Stratum-2
in
increasesStratum-2 increases
increases
slightly, slightly,
slightly,
both of which both
arebothmoreofofobvious
which
which
arethe
are
at more
more obvious
obvious
stratum atatthe
interface.thestratum
stratuminterface.
interface.

33 200
200
600 αα==0.50
0.50
αα==0.50
0.50 αα==0.50
0.50 600
αα==0.75
0.75 αα==0.75
0.75 αα==0.75
0.75
α = 1.00
α = 1.00 α = 1.00
α = 1.00 αα==1.00
1.00
150
150 αα==1.25
1.25
αα==1.25
1.25
(mm)

α = 1.25
(kPa)

450
Displacement(mm)

α = 1.25
stress(kPa)

450 αα==1.50
1.50
(kN)

22 αα==1.50
1.50 αα==1.50
1.50
force(kN)
Displacement

Shearstress
Axialforce

100
100 300
300
Shear
Axial

11
50
50 150
150

00 00 00
00 22 44 66 88 10
10 00 22 44 66 88 10
10 00 22 44 66 88 10
10
Distancefrom
fromtop
topofofground
groundanchor
anchor(m)
(m) Distancefrom
fromtop
topofofground
groundanchor
anchor(m)
(m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
Distance Distance

(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c)
Figure8.
Figure
Figure 8.Effect
8. Effect of
Effectof shearmodulus
ofshear
shear moduluschange
modulus change
changeof of Stratum-2
ofStratum-2
Stratum-2onon mechanical
onmechanical behavior
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorofof ground
ofground anchor.
groundanchor.
anchor.
(Case
(Case 1: condition 3) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear
(Case 1: condition 3) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c)shear
1: condition 3) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear
stress
stress distribution curve.
stressdistribution
distribution curve.
curve.

Figure999shows
Figure
Figure showsthe
shows theinfluence
the influenceof
influence ofthe
of thechange
the changeof
change ofxxxj jon
of onthethemechanical
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorof ofground
ground
j on the mechanical behavior of ground
anchor
anchor
anchor underunder condition
under condition
condition 4. 4. It can
4. ItItcan
canbe be seen
beseen from
seenfrom Figure
fromFigure
Figure 9a 9a that
9a that with
that with the
with the increase
the increase
increase ofof xxxjj,j,, the
of the
the
displacementat
displacement
displacement ateach
eachdepth
depthof
depth ofofthe
theground
the groundanchor
ground anchorisisisslightly
anchor slightly
slightly reduced,
reduced,
reduced, which
which
which ismore
is is
moremore obvi-
obvi-
obvious
ous
ous inin the
the middle
middle of
of the
the ground
ground anchor.
anchor. It
It can
can be
be seen
seen from
from Figure
Figure 9b
9b that
that
in the middle of the ground anchor. It can be seen from Figure 9b that with the increase of xj , with
with the
the increase
increase
ofxxj,upper
of
the j,the
theupper
upper andlower
and
and lower lower parts
parts parts
of theofof theground
the
ground ground anchor
anchoranchor
also show alsotwo
also show
show twocompletely
two completely
completely differentdifferent
different
change
change
change trends,
trends, trends, which
which
which are are
not are not
not
very very obvious.
very obvious.
obvious. The axial The
The axial force
axialatforce
force at the upper
at the part
the upper upper part
of part of the ground
of the ground
the ground anchor
is gradually increasing, whereas the axial force at the lower part of the ground anchor is
gradually decreasing. It can be seen from Figure 9c that with the increase of xj , the shear stress
at each depth of the ground anchor in Stratum-1 and Stratum-2 are gradually decreasing.
 anchor is gradually increasing, whereas the axial force at the lower part of the ground
anchor is gradually decreasing. It can be seen from Figure 9c that with the increase of xj,
Minerals 2023, 13, 59 11 of 16
the shear stress at each depth of the ground anchor in Stratum-1 and Stratum-2 are grad-
ually decreasing.

3 200
β = 0.3 β = 0.3
β = 0.3
β = 0.4 β = 0.4 600 β = 0.4
β = 0.5 β = 0.5 β = 0.5
150 β = 0.6 β = 0.6

Shear stress (kPa)

β = 0.6
Displacement (mm)

β = 0.7

Axial force (kN)

2 β = 0.7 β = 0.7 450

100
300
1
50 150

0 0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 9.
Figure 9. Effect
Effect of
of the
the depth
depth of
of stratum
stratuminterface
interfaceon
onmechanical
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorofofground
groundanchor.
anchor.(Case 1: 1:
(Case
condition 4) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
condition 4) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
distribution curve.
distribution curve.
It can be seen from the comprehensive comparison of Figures 6–9 that the change of
It can be seen from the comprehensive comparison of Figures 6–9 that the change
the shear modulus of Stratum-1 has a great impact on the mechanical behavior of the
of the shear modulus of Stratum-1 has a great impact on the mechanical behavior of the
ground anchor, whereas the change of the shear modulus of Stratum-2 does not have a
ground anchor, whereas the change of the shear modulus of Stratum-2 does not have a
great impact on it. Whether it is the upper soft and lower hard strata or the upper hard
great impact on it. Whether it is the upper soft and lower hard strata or the upper hard
and lower soft strata, the change of the depth of the stratum interface has an impact on
and lower soft strata, the change of the depth of the stratum interface has an impact on the
the mechanical behavior of the ground anchor, but the impact on the displacement and
mechanical behavior of the ground anchor, but the impact on the displacement and axial
axial force distribution of the ground anchor is relatively weak.
force distribution of the ground anchor is relatively weak.
4.2. Case
4.2. Case 22 (Corresponding
(Corresponding toto Stratum
Stratum in
in Section
Section 3.2)
3.2)
Assume that
Assume that the
the ground
ground anchor
anchor isis buried
buriedin inthe
thestratum
stratumas
asshown
shownininSection
Section3.2,
3.2,and
and
discuss the influence of the change of stratum shear modulus, the thickness of
discuss the influence of the change of stratum shear modulus, the thickness of interlayer,interlayer,
and the
and the depth
depth of
of stratum
stratum interface
interface on
on the
the mechanical
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorofoffully
fullygrouted
groutedground
ground
anchor through several special conditions listed in
anchor through several special conditions listed in Table 2. Table 2.

Table 2. Several special conditions in Case 2.

Table 2. Several special conditions in Case 2.
Shear Modulus of Shear Modulus of Top Surface Depth of Thickness of
Shear Modulus of Shear Modulus of Top Surface Depth of Thickness of
Conditions Stratum-1 Stratum-2 Interlayer Interlayer
Conditions Stratum-1 Stratum-2 Interlayer Interlayer
Gr1 (MPa)
Gr1 (MPa) Gr2G r2 (MPa)
(MPa) xj1(m)
xj1 (m) h h(m)
(m)
Condition 1 α·Gr2 80 3 2
Condition 1 α·Gr2 80 3 2
Condition
Condition 2 2 40 40 80 80 33 hh
Condition
Condition 3 3 40 40 80 80 β·β·l
l 11
Condition
Condition 4 4 80 80 α·Gr1
α·Gr1 33 22
Condition 5
Condition 5 80 80 40 40 33 hh
Condition 6 80 40 β ·l
Condition 6 80 40 β·l 11

Figure 10
Figure 10 shows
shows the
the influence
influence of of the
the change
change of
of G
Gr1r1on
onthe
themechanical
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorofofthe the
ground anchor
ground anchor under
under condition
condition 1.1. ItIt can
canbe beseen
seenfrom
fromFigure
Figure10a
10athat
thatwith
withthe
theincrease
increaseofof
GGr1
r1,, the
the displacement
displacement at at each
each depth
depthof ofthe
theground
groundanchor
anchorisisgradually
graduallydecreasing.
decreasing.ItItcan can
be seen from Figure 10b that, except for the top and tail of the ground
be seen from Figure 10b that, except for the top and tail of the ground anchor, the axial anchor, the axial
force at
force ateach
eachdepth
depthofofthetheground
groundanchor
anchor is is gradually
gradually reduced
reduced with
with thethe increase
increase of Gofr1 ,Gand
r1,

and the axial force of the ground anchor in Stratum-2 decreases more obviously.
the axial force of the ground anchor in Stratum-2 decreases more obviously. It can be seen It can be
from Figure 10c that with the increase of Gr1 , the shear stress at each depth of the ground
anchor shows the following change trend: it gradually increases in Stratum-1 (upper layer),
and the increase at the top of the ground anchor is more obvious; it decreases gradually
in Stratum-1 (lower layer), and is slightly obvious at the tail of anchor rod; and it is also
gradually decreasing in Stratum-2.
 seen from
seen from Figure
Figure 10c
10c that
that with
with the
the increase
increase of of G
Gr1
r1, the shear stress at each depth of the
, the shear stress at each depth of the
ground anchor shows the following change
ground anchor shows the following change trend: it trend: it gradually
gradually increases
increases in
in Stratum-1
Stratum-1 (up-
(up-
per layer), and the increase at the top of the ground anchor is more obvious;
per layer), and the increase at the top of the ground anchor is more obvious; it decreasesit decreases
Minerals 2023, 13, 59 gradually in in Stratum-1
Stratum-1 (lower
(lower layer),
layer), and
and is
is slightly
slightly obvious
obvious at
at the
the tail
tail of
of anchor rod;12and
anchor rod; of 16
and
gradually
it is
it is also
also gradually
gradually decreasing
decreasing in
in Stratum-2.
Stratum-2.

4 200 800
4 200 800
α = 0.50 α = 0.50 α = 0.50
αα = αα =
= 0.50 αα =
= 0.50
= 0.50
0.75 αα =
0.75 0.75
αα =
= 0.75
1.00 = 0.75
1.00 αα =
= 0.75
1.00
3 αα = 150 αα = 1.00 600 αα = 1.00
= 1.00
1.25 150 = 1.25 600 = 1.25
(mm)

(kPa)
3 αα = 1.25 αα = 1.25

(kN)
αα = 1.25
Displacement(mm)

stress(kPa)
= 1.50 = 1.50 = 1.50

force(kN)
α = 1.50 α = 1.50 α = 1.50
Displacement

Shearstress
Axialforce
2 100 400
2 100 400

Axial

Shear
1 50 200
1 50 200

0 0 0
00 2 4 6 8 10 00 2 4 6 8 10 00 2 4 6 8 10
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c)
Figure 10. Effect
Effect of
of shear modulus change
modulus change
changeofof Stratum-1
ofStratum-1 on
Stratum-1on mechanical
onmechanical behavior
mechanicalbehavior
behavior of ground anchor.
Figure
Figure 10.
10. shear modulus ofof ground
ground anchor.
anchor.
(Case 2: condition 1) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear
(Case 2:
(Case 2: condition 1) (a) displacement
displacementdistribution
distributioncurve;
curve;(b)
(b)axial
axialforce
forcedistribution
distributioncurve;
curve;(c)(c)shear
shear
stress distribution curve.
stress distribution curve.
stress distribution curve.
Figure 11 shows the influence of of the change
change of hh onon the mechanical
mechanical behavior of of the
Figure 11 shows the influence
influence of the the changeof of h onthethe mechanicalbehavior behavior ofthe the
ground anchor
ground anchor under condition 2. It can be seen from Figure 11a that with the increase of
ground anchor under
undercondition
condition2.2.It Itcan
canbebe
seen from
seen fromFigure
Figure 11a11a
thatthat
with the the
with increase of
increase
h, the
h, the displacement
displacement at at each
each depth
depth of
of the
the ground
ground anchor
anchor isis slightly
slightly reduced,
reduced, whichwhich isis more
more
of h, the displacement at each depth of the ground anchor is slightly reduced, which is
obvious
obvious in the middle
in the middle and lower
and lower part of the ground anchor. It can be seen from Figure 11b
more obvious in the middle andpart
lowerof the ground
part of theanchor.
ground It can be seen
anchor. frombeFigure
It can 11b
seen from
that with
that with the increase of h, the axial force at the upper part of the ground anchor is slightly
Figure 11bthe increase
that of increase
with the h, the axial force
of h, the at the force
axial upperatpart
the of the ground
upper part of anchor
the groundis slightly
anchor
increased,
increased, whereas the axial
whereas thewhereas force
axial force at the lower part of the ground anchor is slightly de-
is slightly increased, the at the force
axial loweratpart
theoflower
the ground
part ofanchor
the groundis slightly
anchorde- is
creased, but
creased, but both
both are
are not
not very
very obvious.
obvious. It It can
can be
be seen
seen from
from Figure
Figure 11c
11c that
that with
with the
the increase
increase
slightly decreased, but both are not very obvious. It can be seen from Figure 11c that
of h,
of h, the
the shear
shear stress
stress at
at each
each depth
depth ofof ground
ground anchor
anchor in Stratum-1 and and Stratum-2
Stratum-2 is is grad-
grad-
with increase of h, the shear stress at each depthinofStratum-1
ground anchor in Stratum-1 and
ually decreasing.
ually decreasing.
Stratum-2 is gradually decreasing.

4 200 500
4 200 500
h=1m h=1m h=1m
hh = hh =
= 12 m hh =
= 12 m
= 12 m
m hh =
m m
hh =
= 23 m
m = 23 m
m 400 hh =
= 23 m
m
3 hh = 3 m 150 hh = 3 m 400 hh = 3 m
=4m 150 =4m =4m
(mm)

(kPa)

3 hh = 4 m hh = 4 m
(kN)

hh = 4 m
Displacement(mm)

stress(kPa)

=5m =5m =5m

force(kN)

h=5m h=5m 300 h=5m

300
Displacement

Shearstress
Axialforce

2 100
2 100
200
200
Axial

Shear

1 50
1 50 100
100

0 0 0
00 2 4 6 8 10 00 2 4 6 8 10 00 2 4 6 8 10
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c)
Figure 11. Effect of interlayer thickness change on mechanical behavior of ground anchor. (Case 2:
Figure 11.
11. Effect
Effect of
of interlayer
interlayer thickness
thickness change
changeon mechanical behavior ofofground anchor. (Case 2: 2:
Figure
condition 2) (a) displacement distribution curve;on
(b)mechanical
axial forcebehavior
distributionground anchor.
curve; (c) shear (Case
stress
condition 2) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
condition 2) curve.
distribution (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
distribution curve.
distribution curve.
Figure 12
Figure 12 shows
shows the
the influence
influence ofof the
the change
change of
of xxj1j1 on
on the
the mechanical
mechanical behavior
behavior ofof the
the
ground Figure 12 shows
anchor under the influence
condition 3. Itofcan
thebechange
seen of xj1
from on the
Figure mechanical
12a that with behavior
the of of
increase the
ground anchor under condition 3. It can be seen from Figure 12a that with the increase of
ground anchor under condition 3. It can be seen from Figure 12a that with the increase
xxj1j1,, the
the displacement
displacement atat each
each depth
depth inin the
the middle
middle and
and upper
upper part
part of
of the
the ground
ground anchor
anchor isis
of xj1 , theincreased,
slightly displacement at each
whereas depth
there is in the no
almost middle
changeandatupperthe part of
lower theof
part ground
the anchor
ground
slightly increased, whereas there is almost no change at the lower part of the ground
is slightly increased, whereas there is almost no change at the lower part of the ground
anchor. It can be seen from Figure 12b that with the increase of xj1 , the axial force of the
ground anchor in Stratum-2 is gradually reduced, whereas there is almost no change in
Stratum-1. It can be seen from Figure 12c that with the increase of xj1 , the shear stress at
each depth of the ground anchor increases slightly in Stratum-1 (upper layer), decreases
gradually in Stratum-2, and has almost no change in Stratum-1 (lower layer).
 anchor. It can be seen from Figure 12b that with the increase of xj1, the axial force of the
anchor. It can be seen from Figure 12b that with the increase of xj1, the axial force of the
ground anchor in Stratum-2 is gradually reduced, whereas there is almost no change in
ground anchor in Stratum-2 is gradually reduced, whereas there is almost no change in
Stratum-1. It can be seen from Figure 12c that with the increase of xj1, the shear stress at
Stratum-1. It can be seen from Figure 12c that with the increase of xj1, the shear stress at
Minerals 2023, 13, 59
each depth of the ground anchor increases slightly in Stratum-1 (upper layer), decreases
13 of 16
each depth of the ground anchor increases slightly in Stratum-1 (upper layer), decreases
gradually in Stratum-2, and has almost no change in Stratum-1 (lower layer).
gradually in Stratum-2, and has almost no change in Stratum-1 (lower layer).
4 200 500
4 200 β = 0.3 500 β = 0.3
β = 0.3
ββ == 0.3
0.4 ββ == 0.3
0.4 ββ == 0.3
0.4
ββ == 0.4
0.5 ββ == 0.4
0.5 400 ββ == 0.4
0.5
3 150 ββ == 0.5
0.6 400 ββ == 0.5
0.6
ββ == 0.5
0.6
(mm)

(kPa)
150

(kN)
3 ββ == 0.6
0.7 ββ == 0.6
0.7 ββ == 0.6
0.7
(mm)

(kPa)
(kN)
β = 0.7 β = 0.7 300 β = 0.7
Displacement

stress
force
300
2 100
Displacement

stress
force
2 100
200

Axial

Shear
200

Axial

Shear
1 50
1 50 100
100

0 0 0
00 2 4 6 8 10 00 2 4 6 8 10 00 2 4 6 8 10
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
(a) (b) (c)
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 12. Effect of the depth of stratum interface on mechanical behavior of ground anchor. (Case
Figure 12. Effect
Effect
2: condition
Figure 12. ofdisplacement
3) (a)of the depth
the depth of
of distribution
stratum interface
stratum interface on
curve;on mechanical
(b)mechanical behavior
axial force behavior of ground
distribution
of ground anchor.
curve; (c) (Case
shear(Case
anchor. stress2:
2: condition
distribution 3) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
condition 3) curve.
(a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
distribution curve.
distribution curve.
Figure 13 shows the influence of the change of Gr2 on the mechanical behavior of the
Figure 13 shows the influence of the change of Gr2 on the mechanical behavior of the
ground anchor
Figure underthe
13 shows condition
influence4. Itofcan
thebe seen from
change of Gr2Figure
on the 13a that with the
mechanical increase
behavior of of
the
ground anchor under condition 4. It can be seen from Figure 13a that with the increase of
Gr2, the displacement
ground anchor under at each depth
condition 4. Itofcan
thebeground anchor
seen from decreases
Figure slightly.
13a that It can
with the be seenof
increase
Gr2, the displacement at each depth of the ground anchor decreases slightly. It can be seen
Gfrom Figure
r2 , the 13b that with
displacement the increase
at each depth ofof Gr2ground
the , the axial forcedecreases
anchor at the upper part ofItthe
slightly. canground
be seen
from Figure 13b that with the increase of Gr2, the axial force at the upper part of the ground
anchor
from is slightly
Figure increased,
13b that with thewhereas
increase theof Gaxial force
r2 , the axialatforce
the lower
at the part
upper is part
slightly
of thereduced.
ground
anchor is slightly increased, whereas the axial force at the lower part is slightly reduced.
It can be
anchor is seen from
slightly Figure 13c
increased, that with
whereas the the
axialincrease
force atofthe
Gr2lower
, the shear
part isstress at each
slightly depthIt
reduced.
It can be seen from Figure 13c that with the increase of Gr2, the shear stress at each depth
of the
can be ground
seen from anchor
Figuredecreases
13c thatslightly
with the inincrease
Stratum-1,of G but
r2 , increases
the shear gradually in Stratum-
stress at each depth of
of the ground anchor decreases slightly in Stratum-1, but increases gradually in Stratum-
2. ground anchor decreases slightly in Stratum-1, but increases gradually in Stratum-2.
the
2.
3 200
3 α = 0.50 200 α = 0.50 600 α = 0.50
αα == 0.50
0.75 αα == 0.50
0.75 600 αα == 0.50
0.75
αα == 0.75
1.00 αα == 0.75
1.00 αα == 0.75
1.00
150 αα == 1.00
1.25 αα == 1.00
1.25
(kPa)

αα == 1.00
1.25
(mm)

150 450 αα == 1.25

1.50
(kN)

2 αα == 1.25
1.50 αα == 1.25
1.50
(kPa)
(mm)

450 α = 1.50
(kN)

2 α = 1.50 α = 1.50
stress
Displacement

force

100
stress
Displacement

300
force

100 300
Shear
Axial

Shear

1
Axial

1 50 150
50 150

0 0 0
00 2 4 6 8 10 00 2 4 6 8 10 00 2 4 6 8 10
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
(a) (b) (c)
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 13.
13. Effect
Effect of
of shear
shear modulus
modulus change
changeof of Stratum-2
ofStratum-2
Stratum-2onon
onmechanical behavior
mechanicalbehavior
behavior of ground anchor.
Figure
Figure
(Case 2:13. Effect of
condition 4)shear modulus change
(a) displacement distribution curve; (b)mechanical ofof
axial force distribution
ground
ground anchor.
anchor.
curve; (c) shear
(Case
(Case 2:
2: condition
condition 4) (a)
4) (a) displacement
displacementdistribution
distributioncurve;
curve;(b)
(b)axial
axialforce
forcedistribution
distributioncurve;
curve;(c)(c)shear
shear
stress distribution curve.
stress
stress distribution
distribution curve.
Figure 14 shows the influence of the change of h on the mechanical behavior of the
Figure
Figure 1414 shows the influence
shows the influence of of the
the change
changeof ofhhononthe
themechanical
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorofofthe the
ground anchor under condition 5. It can be seen from Figure 14a that with the increase of
ground
ground anchor under condition
anchor under condition 5.5. ItItcan
canbebeseen
seenfrom
fromFigure
Figure14a14athat
thatwith
withthe
theincrease
increaseofof
h, the displacement at each depth of the ground anchor increases slightly. It can be seen
h,
h, the
the displacement
displacement at at each
each depth
depth of of the
theground
groundanchor
anchorincreases
increasesslightly.
slightly.ItItcan
canbebeseen
seen
from Figure 14b that with the increase of h, the axial force at the upper part of the ground
from
from Figure
Figure 14b that with
14b that with the
the increase
increase of h,the
ofh, theaxial
axialforce
forceatatthe
theupper
upperpartpartofofthe
theground
ground
anchor is slightly reduced, whereas the axial force at the lower part of the ground anchor
anchor
anchor is is slightly reduced, whereas
slightly reduced, whereas the theaxial
axialforce
forceatatthe
thelower
lowerpart
partofofthe
theground
groundanchor
anchor
is slightly increased, but both are not very obvious. It can be seen from Figure 14c that
is slightly increased, but both are not very obvious. It can be seen from
is slightly increased, but both are not very obvious. It can be seen from Figure 14c that Figure 14c that
with the increase of h, the shear stress at each depth of the ground anchor in Stratum-1 and
Stratum-2 increases slightly.
Minerals 2023, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 16

Minerals 2023, 13, 59 14 of 16

with the increase of h, the shear stress at each depth of the ground anchor in Stratum-1
and Stratum-2 increases slightly.

33 200
200
hh == 11 m 600
600 hh == 11 m
m
hh == 11 m
m m
hh == 22 m hh == 22 m
m
hh == 22 m
m m
hh == 33 m hh == 33 m
m
hh == 33 m
m 150 m
150 hh == 44 m hh == 44 m
m

(kPa)
hh == 44 m m 450
(mm)

stress(kPa)
m 450
Displacement(mm)

hh == 55 m

(kN)
m

force(kN)
22 hh == 55 m
m hh == 55 m
m

Shearstress
Displacement

Axialforce
100
100 300
300

Shear
Axial
11
50
50 150
150

00 00 00
00 22 44 66 88 10
10 00 22 44 66 88 10 00 22 44 66 88 10
10
10
Distance
Distance from
from top
top of
of ground
ground anchor
anchor (m)
(m) Distance from top of ground anchor (m) Distance
Distance from
from top
top of
of ground
ground anchor
anchor (m)
(m)
Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
(a) (b) (c)
Figure
Figure 14.
14. Effect
Effect of
of interlayer
interlayer thickness
thickness change
changeon
on mechanical
mechanicalbehavior
behaviorofofground
groundanchor.
anchor. (Case
(Case2:2:
condition 5) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
condition 5) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
distribution curve.
distribution curve.

Figure
Figure 15
15 shows
shows the
the influence
influence ofof the
the change
change of xj1j1 on
of x the mechanical behavior of the
j1 on the mechanical behavior of the
ground anchor under condition 6. It can be seen from
ground anchor under condition 6. It can be seen from Figure 15a,b Figure 15a,bthat
thatwith
with the
the increase
increase of
of x j1 , the displacement and axial force at each depth of the ground anchor
xj1 , the displacement and axial force at each depth of the ground anchor change little, and
j1 change little,
and
almost almost no change
no change can can be seen.
be seen. It can
It can be seen
be seen fromfrom
FigureFigure
15c 15c
thatthat
withwith
the the increase
increase of xof
j1 ,
xthe
j1, the
j1 shear stress at each depth of the ground anchor has almost no change
shear stress at each depth of the ground anchor has almost no change in Stratum-1, but in Stratum-
1, but gradually
gradually decreases
decreases in Stratum-2.
in Stratum-2.

33 200
200
ββ == 0.3 600
600 ββ == 0.3
0.3
ββ == 0.3
0.3 0.3
ββ == 0.4 ββ == 0.4 ββ == 0.4
0.4
0.4 0.4
ββ == 0.5 ββ == 0.5 ββ == 0.5
0.5
0.5 150 0.5
150 ββ == 0.6 ββ == 0.6
0.6
(kPa)

ββ == 0.6
(mm)

0.6 450
stress(kPa)

0.6
Displacement(mm)

450 ββ == 0.7
(kN)

0.7
force(kN)

22 ββ == 0.7
0.7 ββ == 0.7
0.7
Shearstress
Displacement

Axialforce

100
100 300
300
Shear
Axial

11
50
50 150
150

00 00 00
00 22 44 66 88 10
10 00 22 44 66 88 10 00 22 44 66 88 10
10
10
Distance
Distance from
from top
top of
of ground
ground anchor
anchor (m) Distance Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
Distance from top of ground anchor (m)
(m) Distance from
from top
top of
of ground
ground anchor
anchor (m)
(m)

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 15. Effect of the depth of stratum interface on mechanical behavior of ground anchor. (Case
Figure 15. Effect of the depth of stratum interface on mechanical behavior of ground anchor. (Case 2:
2: condition 6) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
condition 6) (a) displacement distribution curve; (b) axial force distribution curve; (c) shear stress
distribution curve.
distribution curve.
It can be seen from the comprehensive comparison of Figures 10–15 that the change
It can be seen from the comprehensive comparison of Figures 10–15 that the change of
of shear modulus of Stratum-1 has a great impact on the mechanical behavior of the
shear modulus of Stratum-1 has a great impact on the mechanical behavior of the ground
ground anchor. To be exact, it is the change of the shear modulus of the shallow part of
anchor. To be exact, it is the change of the shear modulus of the shallow part of the ground
the ground anchor that has a great impact on the mechanical behavior of the ground an-
anchor that has a great impact on the mechanical behavior of the ground anchor. The
chor.
change Theofchange of shear modulus
shear modulus of Stratum-2
of Stratum-2 has impact
has a certain a certainonimpact on the mechanical
the mechanical behavior
behavior
of the ground anchor in Stratum-2, but the impact is not particularly great andgreat
of the ground anchor in Stratum-2, but the impact is not particularly and
has little
has little impact on the mechanical behavior of the ground anchor in
impact on the mechanical behavior of the ground anchor in Stratum-1. Whether it is Stratum-1. Whether
ita is a soft
soft interlayer
interlayer or or hard
hard interlayer,
interlayer, thethe changeofofinterlayer
change interlayerthickness
thicknessandand depth
depth has
has aa
certain
certain impact on the mechanical behavior of the ground anchor, but the influence on the
impact on the mechanical behavior of the ground anchor, but the influence on the
displacement
displacement and and axial
axial force
force distribution
distribution ofof the
the ground
ground anchor
anchor is relatively weak.
is relatively weak.
Minerals 2023, 13, 59 15 of 16

5. Conclusions
In this paper, it is assumed that the ground anchor and the rock–soil are connected
by tangential linear springs, and the analytical solution of the mechanical behavior of the
ground anchor buried in the upper and lower parallel strata foundation and the sandwich
foundation is derived by using the spring element method, respectively. Corresponding
to the above two kinds of alternating strata, the mechanical behavior of the vertical fully
grouted ground anchor in the soft–hard alternating stratum was analyzed by using the
four conditions in Case 1 and the six conditions in Case 2, respectively.
Through the case analysis, the following conclusions are drawn: the change of the
shear modulus of the shallow stratum has a great impact on the mechanical behavior of the
whole ground anchor; the change of the shear modulus of the deep stratum has little effect
on the whole anchor; the changes of the depth of the stratum interface and the thickness of
the interlayer have a certain influence on the anchor, but have relatively weak effects on
the displacement and axial force distribution of the ground anchor.

6. Discussion and Prospect

In fact, the analysis results of the spring element method are identical to those of the
traditional load transfer method, but different models are shown in the derivation process.
Compared with the traditional load transfer method, the spring element method is intuitive,
simple, and easy to understand. In addition, another obvious advantage of this method is
that it can combine the stiffness of the anchor and the stiffness of the sidewall for analysis,
so as to extract the key parameters λ. Parameter λ is the square root of the ratio of the
stiffness of the sidewall to the stiffness of the anchor. Through analysis λ, it can reflect the
influence of stratum shear modulus on the bearing characteristics of anchors. In addition,
it should be noted that in this paper, we have not used the proposed model to simulate the
ultimate pullout force of the ground anchor, nor compared the analysis results of our model
with other analysis models or test data, because the purpose of this paper is to analyze the
influence of the difference between the shear models of the soft–hard alternating stratum
on the mechanical behavior of ground anchor from the perspective of theoretical analysis.
It is also limited to the elastic deformation stage, that is, the ground anchor is not debonded.
If the ground anchor does not debond, the ultimate pullout force cannot be analyzed. In the
subsequent research work, we will further carry out the research on the ultimate pullout
force of fully grouted ground anchors in the soft and hard alternating strata on the basis of
this study.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, X.L.; methodology, X.L.; software, X.L.; validation, X.L.
and Z.M.; formal analysis, X.L. and Z.M.; investigation, X.L. and Z.M.; resources, X.L. and Z.M.; data
curation, X.L. and Z.M.; writing—original draft preparation, X.L.; writing—review and editing, X.L.;
visualization, X.L.; supervision, Z.M.; project administration, Z.M. All authors have read and agreed
to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Data Availability Statement: The manuscript data used to support the findings of this study are
available from the corresponding author upon request.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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