Abstract: On the basis of previous research achievements and reasonable assumptions, load transfer mechanism of tension-type anchor cable in loess area is analyzed,and a theoretical calculation formula of the critical anchorage length of tension-type anchor cable in loess stratum is obtained. The influence of various parameters on the critical anchorage length is analyzed either. According to requirements of the current code, the rationality of the theoretical formula of the critical anchorage length of pile-anchor support system for deep foundation pit in loess area has been verified by our experiments. According to requirements of the current code, our tests have verified rationality of the theoretical formula of the critical anchoring section length of the pile-anchor support system of the deep foundation pit in the loess area. Analyses to measured data show that under condition of loess stratum, through the reasonable setting of the anchoring section of the anchor cable, the ultimate bond strength of the anchoring section can be higher than that recommended by the current code. The load-displacement curve of the tested anchor cable verifies different load service conditions and load transfer changes of the tension-type anchor cable in the loess stratum, which reflects the working state of the anchor cable under all levels of tension load. Our achievements of this study can provide guidance for the design and field test of tension-type anchor cable in loess layer.

Key words: loess layer, tension-type anchor cable, critical anchorage length, experiment, elastic-plastic