30 Apr 2025

Evaluation of Anchorage for the Bridge Supplemental Set: Uplift Capacity in Weak Soils and Installation Limits for the ROCK-IT Lead Section

Abstract: Two series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the uplift capacity of Bridge Supplemental Set (BSS) anchors in weak/dense soils. Six anchors were installed in two different sites consisting of very soft soils, and tension was applied until uplift. Experimental uplift capacities were compared to theoretical minimum capacities, which proved to be a conservative way to estimate anchor capacity. Minimum average installation torque of 1,750 ft-lb was recommended. Sixteen anchors were installed in six different sites with dense soils. Soils with N values of 22 and higher prohibited anchor installation, indicating that anchors can only be installed in soils with densities up to medium dense sandy and very still clay soils.