Permanent strand anchors: investigation on existing works

Permanent strand anchors are versatile and efficient geotechnical systems for transferring tensile loads to the ground. For this reason, they have been widely used in infrastructural works, such as bulkheads, quays, dry docks, dams, etc. The use of strands as tendons for geotechnical applications has revealed over time some critical issues related to the care in the execution of some construction details which can greatly shorten the service life of the system or drastically reduce its ultimate capacity. Since ground anchors are often essential elements for the stability of geotechnical works, it is important to define control methods that allow revealing degradation problems that could reduce the development of the full resistance of the system. Based on recent investigation experiences on strand anchors of existing port quays, the paper intends to examine the relevant aspects for the control of these structural systems and describe a new investigation procedure, partially destructive and innovative, which has been tested in a real case study.