PC strand anchors are an earth anchoring system by means of active tensioning, which minimises or eliminates the expected deformations of an unstable terrain in a civil works project. These anchors may be temporary structures (maximum 2 year duration) or permanent anchoring systems. Specified here are the 3 main parts which make up our anchors:
- Bulb length: It is the part of the anchor affixed by means of cement grout to the stable terrain. Loads may be transferred through the adhesion and friction via the shaft to the bearing soil layer.
- Free extension length: It is the section between the surface and solid terrain, generally isolated from the drill with a sheath, so that it can stretch freely in its length. Therefore, the tensioning force can be applied directly to the anchoring area.
- Anchor head: It comprises the active and distribution plates, wedges and cylinder head. It is the part which transfers the anchor load to the base structure through tension exertion.
After having sufficiently hardened the cement grout, the tensioning is undertaken and the anchor load capacity is verified.