Site Suitability Testing
Before installing any ground anchor system, it is essential to understand how the anchors will perform under actual site conditions. Ground conditions can vary significantly—even within the same site—and relying on generic data or assumptions can lead to underperformance, safety concerns, or costly rework.
At Anchor Systems, our Site Suitability Testing service is designed to remove that uncertainty. We provide a range of on-site tests that deliver accurate, real-world data on soil behaviour, anchor load capacity, and system performance. Whether you’re designing for temporary or permanent works, these tests ensure the final anchor specification is safe, fit for purpose, and fully aligned with your project’s geotechnical profile.
Testing is carried out by our experienced team using calibrated equipment and is backed by full technical reporting. We support consultants, contractors, and engineers in making informed decisions—before any full-scale installation takes place.
Why Conduct a Site Test?
The primary goal of a site test is to confirm the maximum load that can be achieved by the proposed ground anchor system under actual site conditions. This is especially important when soil data is unavailable or when working in complex or unknown terrain.
Our testing procedures:
Identify soil mechanical failure limits.
Provide designers with accurate capacity data.
Inform final designs for both permanent and temporary works.
Design Validation
A local or global stability analysis can be undertaken using data gathered during a site test. By combining this with your design parameters, we help produce a professionally indemnified and optimised anchoring solution. Our team will:
Interpret site investigation data (or conduct investigations if needed).
Analyse soils and structural drawings.
Confirm if the existing design is suitable or recommend updates.
Acceptability Testing
When a design specifies an anchor to support a structure, slope, or retaining wall, a load test is required to confirm that the proposed anchor will meet the necessary working loads.
What We Do:
Test anchors are installed to the required depth and loaded beyond their design value by a typical factor of safety (FoS) of 1.5–2.
For example, a design requiring a 50kN working load and a FoS of 1.5 would be tested at 75kN.
The performance is assessed to determine whether the soil or the anchor governs the failure mode.
This is our most comprehensive test method and ensures that Vulcan anchors can be used safely on your project. Anchors that pass are proven and released for use on site.
Who we work with
1. Load Testing (General)
This is the most common site test method. A predetermined load is agreed upon—either based on the Vulcan Anchor Holding Capacity Chart or engineering requirements.
The process includes:
Driving the test anchor to full depth.
Tensioning and locking off the anchor.
Applying the full test load, including the safety factor.
Measuring the bar extension during loading to determine embedment and system stiffness.
This procedure confirms both the anchor performance and load transfer efficiency under working conditions.
2. Creep Testing (General)
For sites where long-term loading or slope movement is expected, a creep test is essential.
This involves:
Maintaining a constant load on the anchor over time (often up to 60 minutes).
Monitoring displacement at regular intervals (every 5 or 10 minutes).
Ensuring no unacceptable movement occurs, indicating suitability for long-term retention.
Creep is often associated with soft soils or passive load conditions, particularly where the soil may compress around the anchor under load.
If creep exceeds the acceptable range, we may recommend:
Using a different anchor type with increased surface area.
Installing the anchor deeper into more stable ground layers.
Refining the design approach based on test results.
What You Receive: The Site Test Report
After testing, you’ll receive a detailed report covering:
Installation details and test conditions.
System specifications and test anchor setup.
Graphs showing load vs displacement.
Pull-back length and loss under load.
Observations regarding failure mode.
These insights are critical for confirming design assumptions and ensuring your anchor system performs to spec before full-scale installation.
Ready to Validate Your Site?
Whether you're planning a small retaining wall or a major infrastructure stabilisation project, site testing is the most reliable way to verify performance before installation.