Anchor field tests in carboniferous strata

Abstract

The paper discusses the preliminary findings of full scale tests on 57 anchors installed in carboniferous sediments. The site geology is briefly described together with the anchor construction and testing methods adopted. To investigate the influence of anchor geometry on failure mode, anchors ranging in overall depth from 0.75 to 12 metres were tested with grouted fixed anchor lengths of 0.75 to 6 metres. The observed effects of depth of embedment, grout surcharge, tendon configuration, interstrand spacing and tendon density on anchor performance are discussed in relation to current practice. Measurements of interfacial bond and load transmission are presented.