Load transfer mechanism and critical length of anchorage zone for anchor bolt

The length of anchorage zone of an anchor bolt affects the distribution of axial force and shear stress therein. Based on a shear–displacement model, the load distribution of anchor bolts in the elastic deformation stage was analysed. Moreover, the mechanical response of threaded steel anchor bolts with different anchorage lengths was explored through pull-out test and numerical simulation. The results showed that axial force and shear stress were negatively exponentially distributed within the anchorage zone of anchor bolts in which there were the maximum axial force and shear stress at the beginning of the anchorage zone. In the elastic deformation stage of the anchorage, the longer the anchorage length, the more uniformly the shear stress was distributed within the anchorage zone and the larger the ultimate shear stress; however, there was a critical anchorage length, which, when exceeded, the ultimate shear stress remained unchanged. The calculation formula for the critical anchorage length was deduced and a reasonable anchorage length determined. The research result provides an important theoretical basis for rapid design of support parameters for anchor bolts.