Influence of geometric factors on pull-out resistance of gravity-type anchorage for suspension bridge

The geometry of the gravity-type anchorage changes depends on various factors such as the installation location, ground type, and relationship with the upper structure. In particular, the anchorage geometry embedded in the ground is an important design factor because it affects the pull-out resistance of the anchorage. This study examined the effect of four parameters, related to anchorage geometry and embedded ground conditions, on the pull-out resistance in the gravity-type anchorage through two-dimensional finite element analysis, and presented a guide for major design variables. The four parameters include the 1) flight length of the stepped anchorage (m), 2) flight height of the stepped anchorage (n), 3) the anchorage heel height (b), and 4) the thickness of the soil (e). It was found that as the values of m increased and the values of n decreased, the pull-out resistance of the gravity-type anchorage increased. This trend is related to the size of the contact surface between the anchorage and the rock, and it was confirmed that the value of n, which has the largest change rate of the contact surface between the anchorage and the rock, has the greatest effect on the pull-out resistance of the anchorage. Additionally, the most effective design was achieved when the ratio of the step to the bottom of the anchorage (m) was greater than 0.7, and m was found to be an important factor in the pull-out resistance behavior of the anchorage.