Field tests of grouted ground anchors in the sandy soil of Najaf, Iraq

Abstract

Abstract This article presents test results documentation for four grouted ground anchors embedded in sandy soil. Three anchors were trial, while one was a working anchor. One trial anchor is instrumented with eight resistance-type strain gauges glued on the corrugated pipe and embedded within the grouted body. An acceptance test was made for all anchors to determine the working load. Acceptance criteria suggested by the Post-Tensioning Institute were applied, and the working anchor did not pass the creep criterion, so it was taken out of service. The strain measurements indicated that the compression stresses were generated along the free length, while the tension stresses were generated along the bonded length. The transition point, which is the point with zero axial stress within the grouted body, was located at a distance of 10–12% of the bonded length, measured from the proximal end of the bonded length. The skin friction distribution along the grouted body was nonuniform, and it had a peak at the transition point. The maximum measured value of the skin friction is almost compatible with the estimated one by Fujita’s formula. The skin friction developed along the free length indicates a significant contribution of the free length to the pullout capacity.