Abstract

The geological unit called Depósitos Eólicos Subactuales located in Reñaca and Concón is composed of poorly graded fine sand with increasing natural compactness in depth (dune sand). The most typical retaining structures used in the zone use post-tensioned anchors or nails, grouted to the ground. In the present article the load capacity and the transfer mechanism of the load to the ground in post-tensioned anchors grouted in sands was studied, with the aim of comparing the obtained results with the traditional design methods and to observe the stress distribution along the anchor bond length. For this purpose, two pull-out capacity tests instrumented with strain gauges along the anchor bond length were performed to measure the strain distribution through loading and unloading cycles until the fault. The results of these tests were complemented with other tests carried out by Ferrara in the area and STP measurements available, in order to correlate the skin friction capacity with the natural compactness of soil.