Ground Anchor Installation

Ground Anchor Installation:

Ground anchor is one of the most versatile devices used in the construction industry to hold, restrain, and support building, civil engineering, and other structures. 

Ground anchors, otherwise known as earth, percussion driven, or mechanical anchors, can be permanent or temporary devices that are either impact driven into the ground or run in spirally, depending on the design and intended force-resistance characteristics. Ground anchors have a wide range of applications in geotechnical and construction, including supporting structures such as excavation walls, slopes, embankments, and retaining and shoring systems, and can be used to provide both vertical and horizontal support.

Design and installation of ground anchor:

The life expectancy of ground anchors varies according to the corrosivity of the soil and the materials used. The primary component of ground anchors, often referred to as ‘tendons’, can be manufactured from materials such as steel, glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), or aluminium, which all have different lifespans.

The installation method will be dependent on the type of structure being built, however drive rods, spiral sockets, and impact hammers are typically used to screw or push the anchor into the ground, along with the help of hand tools. The ground conditions will generally dictate whether it’s necessary to bore a hole for the installation of anchors first, or whether it’s necessary to use a casing to support the hole prior to anchor installation. In any case, the hole can be pre-grouted or post-grouted after installation. At this point, the anchor is then tensioned and locked off against a head plate. It’s vital that no services in the ground are damaged during installation so proper care must be taken.

Anchors work effectively in both granular and hard soils, although a larger anchor size and deeper depth is required for installation into soft clays. The success of an anchor installation is dependent on several factors, including proper drilling equipment, correct installation methods, performing load/stress tests, and an experienced design. The pull-out capability of anchors can be tested in similar ground conditions prior to installation.