Design and Performance of Ground Anchoring Systems

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Select appropriate ground anchor systems for soil and rock applications based on project requirements and site conditions.
• Evaluate geotechnical, structural, and loading considerations that influence anchor design and performance.
• Apply design principles for anchored walls, slopes, excavations, foundations, and other anchored systems.
• Assess corrosion risks, protection requirements, and long-term performance considerations for ground anchors.
• Interpret testing, inspection, and monitoring results to support construction quality and long-term asset performance.

Description

Ground anchors play a critical role in stabilizing excavations, retaining walls, slopes, foundations, and other infrastructure systems subject to earth pressures, structural loads, and ground movement. Designing effective anchoring systems requires a clear understanding of soil and rock behaviour, load transfer mechanisms, corrosion protection, constructability, and long-term performance considerations.

This course provides practical guidance on the design, construction, testing, and monitoring of ground anchor systems used in geotechnical and infrastructure projects. You will examine soil and rock anchoring applications, anchor components, failure mechanisms, design methodologies, and construction considerations. The course also addresses corrosion protection, load-testing requirements, contractor delivery approaches, and quality-assurance practices that influence anchor performance throughout a project's lifecycle.

Through practical examples and real-world case studies, you will develop the knowledge needed to evaluate anchor solutions, improve construction outcomes, and make informed decisions when designing or managing anchored systems. The course emphasizes practical application and provides tools you can immediately apply to excavation support, slope stabilization, retaining structures, bridge projects, dams, foundations, and other geotechnical engineering challenges.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Geotechnical engineers and engineering technologists
• Civil and structural engineers involved in infrastructure projects
• Designers responsible for retaining walls, foundations, and excavation support systems
• Construction managers and project managers
• Contractors and site supervisors involved in anchored systems
• Infrastructure owners and asset management professionals
• Technical professionals responsible for slope stabilization, foundation support, and ground improvement projects
• Early-career to senior practitioners seeking to strengthen their applied geotechnical design knowledge

Day I

Anchors in Speciality Geotechnical Engineering
A review of all the specialty geotechnical construction techniques, showing methodology, application soils, costs, etc., and highlighting the position of anchors

Soil Anchors

• Types of soil anchors
• Tendon material
• Anchored walls
• Application of ground anchors
• Failure mechanisms of anchors

Rock Anchors

• Types of rocks
• Rock mass classification systems
• Modes of failure of anchors in rock
• Investigation and evaluation of rocks with regard to anchoring
• Embedment and bond strength

Anchored System Design

• Selection of Soil Shear Strength Parameters for Design
• Evaluation of Earth Pressures for Wall Design
• Ground Anchor Design
• Anchored Slopes and Landslide Stabilization Systems

Day II

Corrosion Considerations in Design

• Corrosion and Effects on Ground Anchors
• Corrosion Protection of Ground Anchors
• Selection of Corrosion Protection Level

Load Testing of Anchor Systems

• Monitoring concepts
• Testing equipment
• Types of test
• Performance tests
• Proof testing
• Creep testing
• Acceptance criteria

Contracting Approaches

• Method Contracting Approach
• Performance Contracting Approach
• Contractor Design/Build Approach

Construction Inspection and Performance Monitoring

Example Studies 
Examples of anchors associated with bridges, dams, micropiles, and slope stability, including soiling