Ground Anchors - Roads and Railways

Ground Anchors in Infrastructure Projects

Ground anchors are essential in stabilizing retaining structures, supporting slopes, and controlling ground movements in transport infrastructure. Used extensively in the construction and rehabilitation of roads, railways, and tunnels, VSL’s ground anchor systems deliver reliable load transfer and long-term performance in demanding geotechnical conditions. VSL offers fully engineered solutions, including design, supply, testing, and installation of post-tensioned and passive ground anchors.

The Role of Ground Anchors in Infrastructure Projects

Ground anchors provide essential tensile resistance in infrastructure works, ensuring stability and safety where soils or structures require additional support.

Ground anchors prevent overturning or sliding of retaining walls, especially in cuttings or steep embankments.

Used for both short-term construction phases and long-term stabilization of slopes or structures.

Anchors can resist tensile forces exceeding hundreds of kilonewtons, depending on soil conditions and anchor design.

Anchoring systems require limited excavation and allow construction in constrained or sensitive areas.

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VSL’s Ground Anchor Services

VSL delivers engineered ground anchor solutions that combine high performance, durability, and rigorous quality control to ensure reliable support in demanding infrastructure projects.

Anchor Types and Applications

VSL offers a range of ground anchor systems tailored to geotechnical conditions and performance requirements:
• Post-tensioned anchors (active): Tensioned after installation to provide immediate load support. Suitable for retaining walls, bridge abutments, and slope stabilization.
• Passive anchors: Activated by ground movement or structural displacement; used in situations where preloading is not feasible.
• Bar anchors: Used in shorter lengths or lower capacity applications.
• Temporary and permanent anchors: Designed with corrosion protection levels based on service life and site exposure.

Design and Load Testing

VSL provides full design services in accordance with international standards (e.g., EN, BS, FHWA), including:
• Anchor length, free length, and bonded length optimization
• Corrosion protection and durability requirements
• Load transfer efficiency and tendon selection
• Acceptance and proof testing (e.g., creep, failure, or cyclic tests)

Installation and Quality Control

Ground anchor execution includes: • Borehole drilling and grouting • Anchor tendon placement and tensioning • On-site performance testing and monitoring • Permanent sealing and head protection for long-term anchors All activities follow strict quality assurance protocols to ensure safety, load performance, and service life.

Why Choose VSL for Ground Anchors?

  • Integrated geotechnical expertise

    VSL combines engineering design, tendon technology, and site execution for seamless delivery.

  • Certified systems

    VSL’s ground anchor solutions comply with major international specifications and national approvals.

  • Advanced equipment

    VSL uses specialized rigs and jacking systems to ensure accuracy and safety in constrained access areas.

  • Extensive references

    Deployed across slope stabilization, retaining structures, and tunnel construction worldwide.

FAQs about Ground Anchors

These are some of the most common questions we receive. Got another one? Reach out to us!

Anchor capacities typically range from [placeholder range], depending on the number and type of strands or bars, ground conditions, and project requirements.

VSL designs permanent anchors with corrosion protection for service lives of [placeholder range] years, based on national design codes and environmental exposure.

Temporary anchors can be designed for full or partial removal depending on site conditions and regulatory requirements.

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Need anchoring solutions for a wall, slope, or tunnel support system?

Contact VSL for a tailored ground anchor design that meets your performance and durability requirements.