Ultimate Capacity and Load Transfer Mechanism of Ground Anchors in Granular Soils: State-of-the-Art

Main Article Content

Nadher H. Al-Baghdadi
Balqees A. Ahmed

Abstract

The grouted ground anchor is the most used geotechnical element to transfer the tension load from the superstructure or the soil mass in front of the potential failure surface (active zone) to a deeper, efficient soil layer for its reliability and feasibility. It was originally constructed by inserting the tendon, usually a steel strand, into an already drilled borehole filled with cement grout. It was successfully used in the Cheurfas dam in Algeria in (1934). According to the load transfer mechanism, there are two types of ground anchors: tension-type and compression-type. The names of these two types of anchors refer to the developed stresses in the grouted body.  The present work presents a literature survey about the load transfer mechanism for both types of anchors: tension and compression embedded in granular soil. Many factors affecting the load transfer mechanism have been reviewed. The main factor affecting the load transfer mechanism is the confining pressure of the borehole. The recently developed methods of estimating the ultimate pullout capacity of the anchor have been reviewed and discussed.

Article Details

Section

Articles

How to Cite

“Ultimate Capacity and Load Transfer Mechanism of Ground Anchors in Granular Soils: State-of-the-Art” (2024) Journal of Engineering, 30(9), pp. 138–164. doi:10.31026/j.eng.2024.09.08.

References

Adams, D. A., and Littlejohn, G. S., 1997. Anchorage Load Transfer Studies using an Instrumented Full-scale Re-usable Laboratory Apparatus. In Ground anchorages and anchored structures: Proceedings of the international conference organized by the Institution of Civil Engineers and held in London, UK, on 20–21 March, pp. 411-421.

Al-Baghdadi, N.H., and Ahmed, B.A., 2022. Field tests of grouted ground anchors in the sandy soil of Najaf, Iraq. Open Engineering, 12(1), pp. 905-917. https://doi.org/10.1515/eng-2022-0359

Al-Baghdadi, N.H., Ahmed, B.A., and Al-Jorany, A.N., 2022. One-dimension finite element modeling of grouted ground anchor. Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, 12(6), pp. 9752-9759. https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.5325.

ASTM Standard C109/C 109M, 2002. Compressive strength of hydraulic cement mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube Specimens). ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959, United States.

Awad-Allah, M.F., 2018. Full-scale tests of ground anchors in alluvium soils of Egypt. Lowland Technology International, 20(1, June), pp. 15-26.

Barkhordari, K., 1998. The Influence of Load Transfer Mechanisms on Ground Anchor Design. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Surrey, England, UK.

Barley, A D, 1978. A study and investigation of underreamed anchors and associated load transfer mechanism. Thesis, Marischal College, Aberdeen.

Barley, A.D., and Windsor, C.R., 2000. Recent advances in ground-anchor and reinforcement technology with reference to the development of the art. International conference on geotechnics and geotechnical engineering, vol. 1, Melbourne, Australia. Basel, Lancaster, pp. 1157-1252.

Barley, A.D., 1988. Ten Thousand Anchorages in Rock (Part I). Ground Engineering, September, 21(6), pp. 20-29.

Barley, A.D., 1995. Anchors in Theory and Practice. International Symposium on Anchors in Theory and Practice, Saltzburg, October.

Barley, A.D., 1996. Development of removable anchor systems and components. Keller Concrete Report - Confidential.

Barley, A.D., 1997. Properties of anchor grouts in a confined state. In Ground anchorages and anchored structures: Proceedings of the international conference organized by the Institution of Civil Engineers and held in

London, UK, on 20–21 March 1997 (pp. 13-22). Thomas Telford Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1680/gaaas.26070.0002b

Bauer, K, 1960. Injection of tie rods into unruly soil. Bau und Bauindustrie 14, pp. 520-522. (In Germany)

Benmokrane, B., Chekired, M., and Xu, H., 1995. Monitoring behavior of grouted anchors using vibrating-wire gauges. Journal of geotechnical engineering, 121(6), pp. 466-475. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1995)121:6(466)

Briaud, J.L., III, W.F.P., and Weatherby, D.E., 1998. Should grouted anchors have short tendon bond length?. Journal of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, 124(2), pp. 110-119. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(1998)124:2(110)

Brown, D.G., 1970. Uplift capacity of grouted rock anchors. Ontario hydro research quarterly, 22(4), pp. 18-24.

Bryson, L.S., and Giraldo, J.R., 2020. Analysis of case study presenting ground anchor load-transfer response in shale stratum. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 57(1), pp. 85-99. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2018-0326

BS 8081, 1989, Code of practice for ground anchorages, British Standards Institution.

Bustamante, M., and Doix, B., 1985. Une methode pour Ie calcul des tirants et des micropieux injectes. Bulletin de liaison des Laboratoires des Ponts et Chaussees, No. 140, (As cited in Juran and Elias, 1991).

Casanovas, 1989. Bond Strength and Bearing Capacity of Injected Anchors: A New Approach. Proceedings of the 12th Conference SMFE, Rio De Janeiro, 1989 Volume 2.

Chalmovský, J., and Miča, L., 2018. The load-displacement behaviour of ground anchors in fine grained soils. Acta Polytechnica CTU Proceedings 16, pp. 18–24.

Chamberlain T. D., 1993. Investigation of expansive cements and their influence on the capacity of socketed piles and grouted anchors in rock. MEngSc (Research) Dissertation, Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University,

Coulter, S., and Martin, C.D., 2006. Effect of jet-grouting on surface settlements above the Aeschertunnel, Switzerland. Tunnelling and underground space technology, 21(5), pp. 542-553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2005.07.005

Coyle, H.M., and Reese, L.C., 1966. Load transfer for axially loaded piles in clay. Journal of the soil mechanics and foundations division, 92(2), pp. 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0000850

Desai, C.S., Muqtadir, A., and Scheele, F., 1986. Interaction analysis of anchor-soil systems. Journal of geotechnical engineering, 112(5), pp. 537-553. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1986)112:5(537)

DIN 4125, 1990, Ground Anchorages. Deutsches Institut für Normung, Berlin, Germany.

Elias, N., 2019. Development of innovative anchorage system for CFRP ground anchors (Doctoral dissertation, Swinburne University of Technology).

Evangelista, A., and Sapio, G., 1978. Behaviour of ground anchors in stiff clays. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Tokyo, Specialty Session 4, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1051/geotech/1978003039

Fabris, C., Schweiger, H.F., Pulko, B., Woschitz, H., and Račanský, V., 2021. Numerical simulation of a ground anchor pullout test monitored with fiber optic sensors. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 147(2), P. 04020163. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002442

FHWA, 1999. Ground Anchors and Anchored Systems. Federal Highway Administration, Washington D.C., USA.

Fujita, K., Ueda, K., and Kusabuka, M., 1977. A method to predict the load-displacement relationship of ground anchors. Specialty Session 4, Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Tokyo, pp. 58-62.

Gilkey, H.J., Chamberlin, S.J., and Beal, R.W., 1940. Bond between Concrete and Steel reproduced in Eng. Report No. 26, Iowa Eng. Exp. Station, Iowa State Coll. pp. 25-147.

Hanna, T.H., 1982. Foundation in tension, ground anchors. Co-published by Trans Tech Publications, Germany, and McGraw-Hill Books Company, USA.

Hobst, L., and Zajíc, J., 1983. Anchoring in Rock and Soil. 2nd ed., Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Inc., Czechoslovakia.

Hyett, A. J., Bawden, W. F., and Reichert, R. D., 1992. The effect of rock mass confinement on the bond strength of fully grouted cable bolts. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr., 29(5), pp. 503-524. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(92)92634-O

Hyett, A. J., Bawden, W. F., Macsporran, G. R., and Moosavi, M., 1995. A constitutive law for bond failure of fully-grouted cable bolts using a modified hoek cell. International Journal Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences, 32(1), pp. 11-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(94)00018-X

Iten, M., and Puzrin, A. M., 2010. Monitoring of stress distribution along a ground anchor using BOTDA. Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems, 7647, pp. 779-793. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.847499

Jacquard, C., 2014. Foundations by prestressing anchors of the Villa Méditerranée n Marseille: from design to monitoring. In Soil-Structure Interaction, Underground Structures and Retaining Walls (pp. 127-131). IOS Press. https://doi:10.3233/978-1-61499-464-0-127

Jarred, D.J., and Haberfield, C.M., 1997. Tendon/grout interface performance in grouted anchors. Ground anchorages and anchored structures: Proceedings of the international conference organized by the Institution of Civil Engineers and held in London, UK, on 20–21 March, pp. 3-12. https://doi.org/10.1680/gaaas.26070.0001

Juran, I., Elias, V., 1991. Ground Anchors and Soil Nails in Retaining Structures. In: Fang, HY. (eds) Foundation Engineering Handbook, Springer, Boston, MA.

Kaiser, P.K., Yazici, S., and Nose, J., 1992. Effect of stress change on the bond strength of fully grouted cables. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, 29(3), pp. 293-306. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(92)93662-4

Kim, N.K., 2001. Load transfer of tension and compression anchors in weathered soil. Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society, 17(3), pp. 59-68.

Kim, N.K., 2003. Performance of tension and compression anchors in weathered soil. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 129(12), pp. 1138-1150. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2003)129:12(1138)

Kim, N.K., Park, J.S., and Kim, S.K., 2006. Numerical simulation of ground anchors. Computers and Geotechnics, 34(6), pp. 498-507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2006.09.002

Klemenc, I., and Logar, J., 2013. In-situ Test of Permanent Prestressed Ground Anchors With Alternative Design Of Anchor Bond Length. Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Paris, France.

Laldji, S., and Young, A.G., 1988. Bond between steel strand and cement grout in ground anchorages. Magazine of Concrete Research, 40(143), pp. 90-98. https://doi.org/10.1680/macr.1988.40.143.90

Littlejohn, G.S., 1970. Soil anchors. ICE conf on Ground Engineering, London

Littlejohn, G.S., and Bruce, D.A., 1975. Rock anchors-state of the art. Part 1: design. Ground Engineering, 8(3), pp. 25 – 32.

Littlejohn, G.S., 1979, October. Ground anchors: state-of-the-art. In Symp on Prestressed Ground Anchors Conc Soc of SA.

Littlejohn, G.S., 1980. Design estimation of the ultimate load-holding capacity of ground anchors. Ground Engineering, 13(8), pp. 25-39.

Littlejohn, G.S., and Bruce, D.A., 1975. Rock Anchors State of Art- Part 1: Design. Ground Engineering, 8(3), pp. 25 – 32.

Littlejohn, G.S., Bruce, D.A., and Deppner, W., 1977. Anchor Field Tests in Carboniferous Strata. 9th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Tokyo, Japan, Speciality Session 4, pp. 82-86.

Littlejohn, S., and Mothersille, D., 2008. Maintenance and monitoring of anchorages: guidelines. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Geotechnical Engineering, 161(2), pp. 93-106. https://doi.org/10.1680/geng.2008.161.2.107

Lo, Yuen-Cheong, 1979. Investigation of the effect of lateral restraint on ground anchor failure at the grout/tendon interface. Thesis, University of Sheffield, Civil Engineering.

Manassero, V., 2017. An Unconventional Application of Jet Grouting to Install 4900 kN Ground Anchors in Loose Alluvial Soil. In Grouting, ASCE, (pp. 31-41). https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784480809.004

Mastrantuono, C., and Tomiolo, A., 1977. First application of a totally protected anchorage. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Specialty Session, Tokyo, pp. 107–112.

Ortigao, J.A.R., 1996, November. FRP applications in geotechnical engineering. In Proc. ASCE 4th Materials Engineering Conference, Washington DC (Vol. 1, pp. 535-544).

Mothersille, D., Duzceer, R., Gokalp, A., and Okumusoglu, B., 2015. Support of 25 m deep excavation using ground anchors in Russia. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Geotechnical Engineering, 168(4), pp. 281-295. https://doi.org/10.1680/geng.14.00043

Ostermayer H., 1975. Construction carrying behavior and creep characteristics of ground anchors. Int. Conf. On Diaphragm Walls and Anchorages. I.C.E. London, 18-20, pp. 141-151.

Ostermayer, H., and Scheele, F., 1977. Research on ground anchors in non-cohesive soils. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Tokyo, Japan, Specialty Session 4, pp. 92-97.

Popa, H., Ene, A., and Marcu, D., 2016. Instrumentation and measurements of a ground anchor for a retaining structure. EUROFUGE 2016 3rd European Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics.

PTI, 2014. Recommendations for Prestressed Rock and Soil Anchors. 5th ed. Post Tensioning Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

Ruggeri, P., Segato, D., and Scarpelli, G., 2013. Sheet pile quay wall safety: investigation of posttensioned anchor failures. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 139(9), pp. 1567-1574. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000886

Ruggeri, P., Fruzzetti, V.M., and Scarpelli, G., 2020. The Behavior of a Thread-Bar Grouted Anchor in Soils from Local Strain Monitoring. Applied Sciences, 10(20), p.7194. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10207194

Seo, H., and Pelecanos, L., 2017, December. Load transfer in soil anchors–Finite Element analysis of pull-out tests. In 8th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management.

Seo, H.J., Marketos, G., and Pelecanos, L., 2019. Soil-structure interaction in field pull-out tests of soil anchors and additional resistance from the reaction plate. In XVII Europian Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Reykjavik, Iceland (pp. 1-8). https://doi:10.32075/17ECSMGE-2019-0390

Shapiro, S., Cennamo, A., and Stanbury, J., 2017. Settlement Control Meets Flood Control—Hybrid Compaction Grouted Ground Anchors for NYU Langone Medical Center’s Kimmel Pavilion. In Grouting, ASCE, (pp. 250-259). https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784480793.024

Shokri, B.J., Entezam, Sh., Nourizadeh, H., Motallebiyan, A., Mirzaghoranali, A., McDougall, K., Aziz, N., and

Karunasena, K., 2023. The Effect of changing confinement diameter on axial load transfer mechanisms of fully grouted rock bolts. Proceedings of the 2023 Resource Operators Conference, pp. 290-295.

Smet, J., Huybrechts, N., Lysebetten, G.V., Verstraelen, J., and François, S., 2019. Optical fiber strain measurements and numerical modeling of load tests on grouted anchors. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 145(12), p.04019103. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002167

Sousa, A.M.D.D., Costa, Y.D.J., Florêncio, L.A.D.S., and Costa, C.M.L., 2021. Load transfer on instrumented prestressed ground anchors in sandy soil. Revista IBRACON de structures materials, 14, e14612. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1983-41952021000600012

Stocker, M.F., and Sozen, M.A., 1969. Investigation of prestressed reinforced concrete for highway bridges, part vi, bond characteristics of prestressing strand. Civil Engineering Studies SRS-344.

Su, W., and Fragaszy, R.J., 1988. Uplift testing of model anchors. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering Division, 114 (9), pp. 961-983. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1988)114:9(961)

Weerasinghe, R.B., and Littlejohn, G.S., 1997. Load transfer and failure of anchorages in weak mudstone. In Ground anchorages and anchored structures: Proceedings of the international conference organized by the Institution of Civil Engineers and held in London, UK, on 20–21 March 1997 (pp. 34-44). Thomas Telford Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1680/gaaas.26070.0004

Wernick, R., 1977. Stresses and strains on the surfaces of anchors. Specialty Session 4, Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Tokyo, pp. 113-119.

Zhang, B., Benmokrane, B., Chennouf, A., Mukhopadhyaya, P., and El-Safty, A., 2001. Tensile behavior of FRP tendons for prestressed ground anchors. Journal of Composites for Construction, 5(2), pp. 85-93. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0268(2001)5:2(85)

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.