<p>Based on the axisymmetric stress and strain formula of elasticity, the elastic solution of stress and strain distribution of recoverable anchor cable is derived by combining elastic contact problem, physics equation and Coulomb criterion. The elastic stress distribution formula is modified based on the plastic solution of the cylindrical hole expansion problem, and compared with the existing results, three conclusions are drawn. First, the elastic solution of stress and strain and the plastic solution of stress of recoverable anchor cable derived in this paper are reasonable and feasible. Second, the plastic solution of stress is suitable for the condition that the radial stress of cohesive soil is not less than the limit confining pressure of the soil, and the elastic solution of stress is suitable for the condition that the radial stress of soil is less than the limit confining pressure of soil. Third, the elastic solution is proportional to the prestress value. When the radial stress is greater than the ultimate confining pressure, the interface shear stress of the plastic solution is a certain value, which does not change with the prestress. This study provides theoretical support for the improvement, optimization and practical application of recyclable anchor cable.</p>