Pre-stressed anchor cable force evolution laws of plane sliding bedding slopes

Abstract This paper aims to understand how anchor cable force evolution laws can improve reinforcement designs. The self-developed weak plane sustained deterioration technology was conducted in the indoor test on the reinforced bedding rock slope containing a linear type weak plane. The force evolution laws of anchor cables with the weak plane sustained deterioration was studied. Furthermore, the theoretical equations were derived on the basis of the rigid assumption of the rockmass and the limit equilibrium method, and the equations have been verified to be reliable through comparison with the test results. The numerical simulations in different rockmass mechanical parameters reveal that the theoretical equations are suitable for hard rockmass. The results indicate that, with the weak plane sustained deterioration, the anchor cable axial forces increase gradually, and the axial force increase is inversely proportional to the length of the free sections. The findings could provide the theoretical guideline for the pre-stress safety reserves during the reinforcement designs of anchor cables in different positions of bedding rock slopes.