VSL’s ground anchors are in use worldwide – securing many famous structures, monumental dams and retaining walls. They are also used to hold down underpasses and underground structures, stabilize wind turbine towers, and prevent landslides.
Ground anchors can be used to stabilize bridges, cable cars and cable railways, as well as support excavations against ground instability.
The anchors provide a competitive alternative to heavy stabilization of structures, as they drive forces into the ground through their tension members.
The choice of ground anchors depends on factors like if they will be under tension or not, used in rock or soil, or whether being used for temporary or permanent use.
They are often needed where it is undesirable or unacceptable to leave permanent anchors in the ground – particularly in urban areas where they often extend under adjacent properties. These removable anchors have a two-year service life and come with limited or no corrosion protection.
VSL uses specially designed mechanisms to extract free lengths and even bond lengths.
Permanent anchors are functional throughout the entire working life of the structure and require comprehensive corrosion protection. Permanent strand anchors can be electrically isolated; a technology that has been fully mastered by VSL.
Permanent ground anchors may be monitored during their service life. VSL load cells are installed with the anchors, either as a permanent or temporary feature.