Studies on the clamping effect and failure mode of the tunnel-type anchorage are still insufficient

leading to many difficulties in the optimization of design philosophy of the tunnel-type anchorage. In this work

the bearing characteristics

bearing mechanics and the failure mode of the tunnel-type anchorage were analyzed through 2D laboratory model tests. Besides

the influences of wedged angle and burial depth on the bearing capacity and failure mode were studied as well. This work reveals the essence of the clamping effect of the suspension bridge tunnel-type anchorage to some extent. Main conclusions are given as follow: First

additional stress is generated when the anchorage moves with a crescent accelerated velocity and squeezes the surrounding rock. The clamping effect results in resistance and the surrounding rock and soil start to bear the main cable load jointly. Second

the bearing capacity of the tunnel-type anchorage is contributed by gravity and the clamping effect. The clamping effect will play a role only when the gravity effect fails to balance the main cable load. From the view of economy and security

it is necessary to rationally design the size of the anchorage to ensure the role of the clamping effect. Third

the bearing capacity of the tunnel-type anchorage is also influenced by the wedged angle and it is necessary to optimize the wedged angle to obtain the maximum bearing capacity. Fourth

the bearing capacity of the tunnel-type anchorage increases linearly with the burial depth. Thus

in the actual project

the burial depth should be determined according to the bearing capacity

the construction difficulty

as well as economy. Finally

the initiation and propagation of the cracks is associated with the response of the stress and displacement. There is no crack initiation when the anchorage and surrounding rock are relatively static. The formation time of the failure mode corresponds to the nonlinear displacement stage of anchorage acceleration.