GROUND ANCHORS

5.1. Tendon cross-section (At)

This is based on the maximum measured tension (P) remaining in the anchor to provide structural stability under a
serviceability limit state.

STANDARD RULES (TA 95) *

Under 18 months At 1.33 P / Pt0.1k
TEMPORARY ANCHOR
Over 18 months At 1.67 P / Pt0.1k
PERMANENT ANCHOR At 1.67 P / Pt0.1k

Ptk: Characteristic tendon tension - Pt0.1k : yield point at 0.1% of tendon strain.

Under seismic action, application of AFPS 90 : Cross-section 1.11 P / Pt0.1k

* These figures may be amended by application documents and by European standards specific to certain
categories of structures.

5.2. Bond Length

Bond length is determined by:

- reference to past experience,
- full scale tests,
- a theoretical assessment.

Theoretical Assessment
The most commonly used method in France is the
Bustamante method (Bull.liaison lab P. and Ch 140 -
Nov-Dec 1995), given in appendix 3 of the TA.95.
In this method, ground anchorage capacity is presumed
to be proportional to:
- to the anchorage length in the ground ( Ls ),
- the equivalent drill-hole diameter ( Ds = Dd ),
- the ultimate unit lateral friction of the ground ( qs ).
The estimated ultimate tensile capacity (Tu) of an anchor
is calculated using the formula
Tu = Dd Ls qs
qs is read off existing graphs according to the type of
soil, its compacity and the grouting method to be
employed
is an enhancement coefficient, the value of which
depends on the type of soil and which is also highly
dependent on the grouting method proposed.
When this assessment method is used, a safety factor of
2 is applied to the ultimate capacity.
It should be borne in mind that the value given is an
estimate only, and the final capacity should be determi-
ned by the results of the trial anchors.
As a general guide, typical figures are:
- loose sand and gravel: 20 - 40KN/m,
- dense sand and gravel: 60 - 120KN/m,
- stiff clay and silt: 20 - 60KN/m,
- hard clay and silt: 40 - 100KN/m,
- weathered chalk: 50 - 80KN/m,
- sound chalk: 100 - 150KN/m,
- rock: 150 - > 250KN/m.
These values are representative for bond lengths of
between 5 and 15m.

5.3. Free length

Assessment of the free length is based on 3 main criteria: - the overall stability of the ground mass taking the
load (Kranz method*)
- position of the anchorage stratum,
- the minimum length of the tendon to allow the pre- * See paragraph 5.4 of the chapter on the diaphragm
load, (including allowance allowing for mechanical walls.
losses) to be locked in,
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