Ground anchors
VSL Ground Anchors provide reliable, high-performance solutions for geotechnical challenges such as slope stabilization, excavation support, dam reinforcement, and uplift resistance. Designed in strand, bar, nail, or micropile configurations, and available for both temporary and permanent use, VSL anchors meet the most demanding international standards for durability, corrosion protection, and safety.
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Presentation
VSL strand anchors consist of high-strength steel strands, each individually greased and sheathed for corrosion protection, and housed within a corrugated steel sheath for permanent applications.
These active tendons transfer loads from the anchor head to the bearing plate, then to the structure. The bonded length transmits forces to the ground through grout injection, while the free length allows controlled elongation and efficient load transfer to the anchor head.
Benefits
- Active tensioning systems to minimize or even eliminates the predicted deformations of a structural system
- High load-carrying capacity, adaptable to long anchor lengths
- Available for required comprehensive protection level
- Monitoring and re-tensioning options
Applications
- Suitable for slope stabilization or sidehill cuts
- Deep excavation support (buildings, urban underpasses, metro stations)
- Uplift resistance foundation slabs and other structures submitted to underwater pressure
- Stability against overturning in tower and turbine foundations
- Dam and embankment constructions reinforcement and canal structures
- Anchoring of retaining structures (diaphragm walls, pile walls)
Key features
- Single corrosion Protection (SCP) or Double corrosion Protection (DCP)
- From 1 strand up to 12 strands per anchor (more strands on request)
- Installation length: up to 100 m
- Customizable anchor heads for static or retensionable permanent anchors and corrosion protection levels
- Compliant with EN 1537, PTI, and local standards
Presentation
Bar anchors use solid threaded steel bars, typically fully protected with corrugated sheath and corrosion-inhibiting grout in permanent applications. They are simple to install, grouted in place, and tensioned against a bearing plate from bonded length, allowing to extend through the free length.
Benefits
- Active tensioning systems to control the predicted deformations of a structural system.
- Various high quality steel grades with a wide range of diameters
- Robust and easy-to-install for moderate to high loads
- Permanent versions pre-grouted at the factory for enhanced durability
- Modular assembly with couplers for extended lengths
- Flexible for both temporary and permanent anchoring
Applications
- Excavations
- Slope protection and soil-structure stabilization
- Anchoring tensile loads in Bridge abutments and retaining wallsSupport for sound barriers and industrial structures
- Uplift control
- Temporary shoring and tieback systems
Key features
- Single corrosion Protection (SCP) or Double corrosion Protection (DCP)
- Threaded bars up to 75 mm diameter
- Unlimited lengths with couplers
- Limited anchor head angle adjustment kit
Presentation
Soil nails are passive reinforcements made of steel bars inserted into boreholes and grouted into place. Unlike anchors, they are not tensioned but develop resistance through interaction with the surrounding soil.
Benefits
- Fast and cost-effective solution for slope and face stabilization
- Minimal excavation or disturbance to existing terrain
- Simple design, installation, and inspection
- Often used with mesh and shotcrete facing systems
Applications
- Stabilization of natural or cut slopes when the control of deformations is not structurally relevant.Road and rail slope embankments
- Urban excavation slope facings
- Landslide mitigation
Key features
- Passive full-length bonded systems
- Typically installed in a grid pattern
- Compatible with geotechnical facing systems
- Efficient for moderate-length stabilization
Presentation
Micropiles are passive anchors with small-diameter drilled piles designed to transfer loads from structures to deeper, competent ground. They can resist compression, tension, or cyclic loads and are suitable for difficult ground conditions.
Benefits
- Ideal for sites with restricted access or low headroom
- High axial load capacity in tension and compression
- Can be installed with minimal vibration and noise
- Effective in various soil and rock profiles
Applications
- Uplift control in wind turbines and tanks
- Foundation underpinning and retrofitting
- Seismic reinforcement of existing structures
- Support for towers, masts, and industrial equipment
Key features
- Full-length bonded with steel core (bar or tube)
- Threaded bars up to 75 mm diameter and load capacity up to 3,500 kN
- Rotary or percussion drilling techniques
- Standard use of Double Corrosion Protection (DCP)
From product-only to full support: what do you need?
Buy high-quality ground anchors directly from VSL
Best for: straightforward supply-only needs
Get fully tailor-made ground anchors, configured with the options that match your project’s needs
Best for: complex projects or special requirements
Opt for the complete package: from design to installation, injection and tensioning
Best for: turnkey projects with full technical and execution support
Optional features
| Feature | Description | Applicable anchor types |
| Double Corrosion Protection (DCP) | One or two corrugated ducts with internal & external grouting for permanent use. Watertight PE encapsulation. | All anchor types |
| Factory pre-grouting of DCP systems | Enhances corrosion protection and controls crack width. | Bar, Soil nails, Micropiles (Strand bars on demand) |
| Post-grouting system | Increases load capacity via targeted or repeated bond length grouting, using various methods. | All anchor types |
| Removable anchors | Temporary strand anchors made removable for urban use or future dismantling. | Temporary strand anchors |
| Retensionable / detensionable features | With screwable nuts or threaded wedge plates. Allows load regulation. | Strand & Bar anchors |
| Anchor load monitoring | • Control anchors: occasional checks with removable load cells • Surveillance anchors: permanent monitoring with integrated load cells | Strand & Bar anchors |
| Electrically isolated anchors | Protection in stray current environments. | Strand & Bar anchors |
Frequently Asked Questions about VSL Ground Anchors
A ground anchor is a system installed in soil or rock to transfer loads and ensure structural stability. It is commonly used for slope stabilization, excavation support, uplift resistance, and dam reinforcement.
VSL provides four main solutions: strand anchors for deep excavations and high loads, bar anchors for retaining walls and bridges, soil nails for slope stabilization, and micropiles for foundations and uplift control.
Permanent anchors are designed with Double Corrosion Protection (DCP), combining cement grout and a watertight duct, ensuring long-term performance even in aggressive environments.
Yes. All VSL anchors comply with EN 1537, PTI, and other international and local standards, ensuring quality, safety, and durability.