Installation and Verification Monitoring of High Capacity Multi-Strand Tendons for Dam Anchoring

Ground anchors were first introduced to dams in 1934 for the Cheurfas Dam in Algeria. High capacity permanent anchors have been in use from circa 1980 when confidence in their use increased. Anchors with ultimate capacities exceeding 1,000 tons (2,000 kips, 8,896kN or 34 strands x 0.6”) can be considered to constitute high capacity tendons. A major change in anchor construction and their acceptability for use occurred when improved corrosion protection systems to protect the steel tendon were introduced around 1980. This paper will address recent high capacity permanent anchoring of dams using multi-strand tendons, and review monitoring systems and history.