Development and application of an interface constitutive model for fully grouted rock-bolts and cable-bolts

This paper proposes a new interface constitutive model for fully grouted rock-bolts and cable-bolts based on pull-out test results. A database was created combining published experimental data with in-house tests. By means of a comprehensive framework, a Coulomb-type failure criterion accounting for friction mobilization was defined. During the elastic phase, in which the interface joint is not yet created, the proposed model provides zero radial displacement, and once the interface joint is created, interface dilatancy is modeled using a non-associated plastic potential inspired from the behavior of rock joints. The results predicted by the proposed model are in good agreement with experimental results. The model has been implemented in a finite element method (FEM) code and numerical simulations have been performed at the elementary and the structural scales. The results obtained provide confidence in the ability of the new model to assist in the design and optimization of bolting patterns.