GROUND ANCHORS
7. Tests
There are 3 types of tests:
Tests to failure
Tests to failure are carried out either to determine the
ultimate resistance of the ground, or to test a new kind
of anchor. The precise nature of the tests is determined
contractually on a case-by-case basis.
Control tests
These are non-destructive tests, and tested anchors can
therefore be used in the structure. The aims of a control
test are as follows:
- to confirm the behaviour obtained in the tests to
failure,
- to determine the critical creep load when no test to
failure is performed.
8. Tensioning using the cyclic method
Description
A conventional cycle comprises:
- one load increase (in 3 or 4 stages),
- one partial load decrease: ideally with minimal shor-
tening of the strand (to assess the friction in the system)
(1 stage),
- further load decrease with shortening of the strand
(in 2 - 3 stages),
- one reloading without extension of the strand (to
assess the friction in the system) (1 stage),
- one reloading with extension of the strand, up to
lock-off pressure (2 - 3 stages),
- measurement of residual deformation. (See figure)
58
Generally at least 3 control tests must be performed for
each structure.
Acceptance tests
Every prestressed anchor in a structure must undergo an
acceptance test.
The aims are as follows:
- show that a proof load can be borne by the anchor
- make sure that the actual lock-off load (Po), exclu-
ding friction, is in line with the design lock-off load.
Design lock-off load (P):
| Po-P | Max (50KN; 5% P)
The cyclic method used by Soletanche Bachy for tensio-
ning is described in the following paragraph.
Interpretation
Monitoring the pressure in the loading jack allows the
following assessments to be made:
- initial pressure, representing friction in the head at
the outset,
- maximum test pressure; the Pi-Pe segment must fall
within the range corresponding to the design free
length,
- constructed point : represents two times the friction
in the head (jack + head + pressure gauge),
- the mid point of the segment PeX gives the maxi-
mum anchorage test load,
- lowest point of unloading cycle Pm,
- constructed point Y and mid point of PmY,
- pressure at lock-off; segments XPm and YPb must be
essentailly parallel; the segment Y'X represents the true
values of the loads for the measured extensions, i.e.
excluding all friction,
- L1 is set a few millimetres above measured L, to
factor in the extension of the part of the cables between
the lock-off head and the jaws of the jack,
- point R constructed from X'Y' and L1, gives the
actual final anchor load, or residual load; the graph also
allows to determine the load loss and bedding-in of the
bearing plate at lock-off.