Ground Anchors

Resisting the Force of Nature

Ground anchors are the primary engineering solution for transferring structural loads deep into stable soil or rock strata. Whether you are dealing with a retaining wall that is beginning to bow under hydrostatic pressure, a basement slab prone to “uplift” from a high water table or a steep embankment at risk of failure, ground anchors provide the necessary tensile resistance to lock the structure in place. Unlike gravity-based solutions, anchors utilize the immense strength of the earth itself to provide stability.

The Consequence of Insufficient Anchoring

When a retaining wall or slope is under-engineered, it eventually yields to the relentless lateral pressure of the earth behind it. A leaning wall is not just a cosmetic issue; it is a sign that the structure is losing its battle against gravity.

Standard repairs that simply add more weight to the front of a wall often fail because they do not address the root cause of the movement. Without a mechanical connection to the stable ground behind the failure plane, the wall will continue to migrate. For infrastructure owners, a failure of an anchor system can lead to the sudden and catastrophic collapse of embankments, bridge abutments and coastal defences.

Engineered Tensile Solutions for Every Substrate

Structural Repairs designs and installs a wide range of ground anchoring systems tailored to the specific geology and load requirements of your project. We utilize high-capacity mechanical, grouted and platipus-style anchors to provide immediate and long-term security.

Hollow Bar and Self-Drilling Anchors: Ideal for collapsing soils where a pre-drilled hole will not stay open. These anchors act as the drill bit, the injection pipe and the final reinforcement all in one. We grout the bar into place as it is driven, creating a high-strength bond with the surrounding ground.
Mechanical and Expansion Anchors: For rock or very dense concrete, we utilize mechanical anchors that expand and grip the substrate to provide instant load-carrying capacity. These are perfect for securing bridge parapets or heavy industrial machinery.
Platipus Earth Anchoring Systems: These are high-performance, percussion-driven mechanical anchors that require no grout and cause minimal ground disturbance. Once driven to depth, the anchor is “locked” into position by rotating it, providing immediate verified load capacity.
Retaining Wall Tie-Backs: We specialize in retrofitting anchors to existing, failing retaining walls. By drilling through the wall and anchoring into the stable soil behind, we can pull the wall back into alignment and permanently resist the pressure of the earth.

Ground Anchor Technical FAQ

What is the difference between a ground nail and a ground anchor?

While they look similar, their function is different. A soil nail is a “passive” reinforcement that only works when the ground starts to move. A ground anchor is often “active,” meaning it is pre-tensioned during installation to actively pull the structure against the ground. Anchors are generally used for much higher loads and for securing retaining walls.

How do you know if the anchor will hold?

We never leave it to chance. Every ground anchor we install undergoes rigorous load testing. We use hydraulic jacks and calibrated load cells to pull the anchor to its proof load, verifying that it can safely handle the forces dictated by the structural design before it is put into service.

Can ground anchors be used to stop a house from floating?

In areas with a very high water table, empty basements or swimming pools can actually “float” out of the ground due to buoyancy (uplift) pressure. We install vertical ground anchors through the floor slab to “pin” the structure to the ground, counteracting the upward force of the water.

How long do ground anchors last?

We engineer anchors for both temporary and permanent applications. For permanent works, we utilize double-corrosion protection (DCP) systems, including galvanized steel, plastic sheathing and specialized grouts. These systems are designed to protect the steel from rust and soil chemicals for a design life of over 50 years.