Composite Ground Anchors
Ground anchors are what stabilise steep slopes or slopes that are made up of loose soils as well as preventing erosion and landsides. Ground anchors are made up of a bearing plate with connecting cables or rods.
There are many advantages of using ground anchors which consist of reinforced composite materials such as improved durability and therefore less need for maintenance. These ground anchors are much more light weight than conventional steel versions meaning that it is much easier to transport them to the site as well as enabling contractors to place them more accurately. They are much safer to install due to increased tensile strength coupled with them being lightweight.
Composite ground anchors are made up of three parts:
• The composite cable runs through an anchor nut or plate on a steel sheath. This is called the anchorage and it fastens the ground anchor to the structure. Cement mortar fills the anchorage in order to prevent slippage.
• The cable either has just a singular rod or several which are separate or braided together.
• A polyethylene or PVC sheath fits round the free anchor length of cables.
Advantages of a Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) System
There are several reasons why the use of a CFA system is beneficial. They can be installed quickly and quietly, with low levels of vibrations and are also an environmentally friendly option. Unlike displacement type piles, CFA piles have a very low risk of ground displacement or loose soil that becomes solid causing damage to any neighbouring foundations or utilities.
Another advantage of using a CFA system is that it is possible to monitor the entire installation process of the piles. A flow meter provides accurate data that is then recorded and can be analysed. Information that is collected includes penetration/uplift per revolution, auger depth and injection of pressure at the head of the auger.
The CFA system also has an excellent rate of installation success so it is definitely an option worth considering.
Sheet Pile Driving Methods
There are three methods of sheet pile driving the use of which depends on the conditions of the ground that is being built upon.
The first method is pitch and drive which is appropriate for when using short piles and on loose soils. Each pile needs to be driven into the ground to its full depth before beginning to pitch the next pile.
Panel driving is a method which ensures that each pile is aligned properly and with good vertical positioning. This technique decreases the possibility of driving difficulties and any issues with de-clutching. The advantages of using this system of sheet pile driving is that piles can be left without being fully driven in and work can continue without any disruptions.
If your site is located on difficult ground conditions such as dense sand, gravel or rock then staggered driving is ideal. This involves driving the piles between guide frames and installation is split into steps. For example, begin by driving piles 1, 3 and 5 followed by 2 and 4. Piles 1, 3 and 5 can be reinforced at the toe.