Load Testing of Rock and Soil Anchors-Load Testing of Rock and Soil Anchors

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, hosted by the Post-Tensioning Institute, focused on load testing of rock and soil anchors. Moderator Kyle Boyd introduced the monthly free webinar series, continuing education credit details, and sponsor Post Tech Manufacturing. Speaker Michael Signore then explained the purpose of anchor load testing: to verify load transfer to the bond zone, confirm long-term performance, and assess construction means and methods.<br /><br />He reviewed the main anchor components—head, unbonded length, and bonded length—and described common applications in retaining walls, slope stabilization, rock slopes, and dams. The presentation covered the three test types: verification testing for sacrificial anchors to confirm design assumptions, performance testing for select production anchors with load cycling and creep evaluation, and proof testing for all remaining production anchors. Signore also defined key terms such as alignment load, design load, test load, lock-off load, and lift-off load.<br /><br />The talk included setup guidance, testing equipment, acceptance criteria, and troubleshooting of bad data, including issues with creep readings, rotation, and improper reference frames. He closed with practical examples of good and bad test curves, plus brief honorable mentions such as instrumentation and re-stressing anchors.

Keywords

anchor load testing

rock anchors

soil anchors

verification testing

performance testing

proof testing

creep evaluation

retaining walls

slope stabilization