A shaking table model test on a rock slope anchored with adaptive anchor cables

To determine the load transfer mechanism and dynamic response characteristics of an adaptive anchor cable (AAC) equipped with a mechanical energy dissipation device, a shaking table model test was conducted on rock slope test models anchored with a system consisting of several AACs that were fabricated based on a landslide mass in Xiangjiapo. During the test, the strain of the AAC structure and the dynamic response of the slope model were monitored to determine the anchoring mechanism of the AAC system and the dynamic characteristics of the AAC system-anchored slope model. The sliding-sleeve energy dissipation device of the AAC automatically adjusted its tension or deformation to allow its deformation to be consistent with that of the rock and earth mass, thereby buffering the impact at the instant of the start of seismic loading. The constant sliding resistance of the AAC determined its working conditions under a certain seismic loading condition. When the constant sliding resistance was set excessively high, the energy dissipation device was ineffective under the seismic loading. When the constant sliding resistance was set too small, the AAC slid at the instant of the start of seismic loading. However, when the constant sliding resistance and the sliding distance were set to proper values, the AAC slid gradually in a stepwise motion, and its peak strain was significantly lower. The test results can be used as a reference for designing cut slopes in regions of high seismicity and in selecting anti-seismic engineering measures for these slopes.