Performance of Helical Disk Ground Anchors for Anchorage of Manufactured Housing

Abstract

The performance of conventional (helical disk) ground anchors is important to the overall quality and safety of manufactured home installations and other applications requiring anchorage to ground. This paper presents findings from an investigation of the performance of conventional ground anchors and soil index test methods in a variety of soil conditions by using a range of ground anchor types, sizes, and assemblies. The results and conclusions address variation in soil classification methods, correlation of soil index test methods to anchor performance, predictability of conventional ground anchor assembly performance, and factors affecting reliability or repeatability of test methodology. Recommendations are given to improve a proposed ground anchor test protocol and to further address significant research needs, such as the effect of seasonal variation in ground moisture on soil index tests and ground anchor performance.