Laboratory block model tests simulating rock anchoring in rock mass

Abstract Rock anchors are used to stabilise large scale infrastructures. Failure of rock could threaten the stability and lead severe economic social consequences. The design is based on four principal failure modes, which breakage steel tendon, tendon-grout interface failure, grout-rock mass around anchor. current dimensioning methods uncertain due limited knowledge bond strength failure. method against upon weight overlying in an inverted cone shear along cone, results conservative anchors. A small laboratory model was developed evaluate a anchor at maximum pullout load. contained concrete blocks set staggered pattern representing mass. loading showed that load transferred sides by rotation lifting blocks, created bearing arch each layer during loading. This resulted being able carry much higher loads than what calculated with methods. Back calculation from physical tests UDEC same arching effect testing has improved concept how transfer