BBR VT CONA CMG

Strand ground anchors for geotechnical & underground engineering applications

Certified, strong & durable

The BBR Network is recognized as the leading group of specialized engineering
contractors in the field of post-tensioning, stay cable and related construction
engineering.  The innovation and technical excellence, brought together in
1944 by its three Swiss founders – Antonio Brandestini, Max Birkenmaier and
Mirko Robin Ros – continues, more than 75 years later, in that same ethos and
enterprising style. From technical headquarters in Switzerland, the BBR
Network reaches out around the globe and has at its disposal some of the most
talented engineers and technicians, as well as the very latest internationally
approved technology.

THE GLOBAL BBR NETWORK

Within the Global BBR Network, established traditions and strong local roots
are combined with the latest thinking and leading edge technology.  BBR grants
each local BBR Network Member access to the latest technical knowledge and
resources – and facilitates the exchange of information on a broad scale and
within international partnering alliances.  Such global alliances and co-operations
create local competitive advantages in dealing with, for example, efficient
tendering, availability of specialists and specialized equipment or transfer of
technical know-how.

ACTIVITIES OF THE NETWORK

All BBR Network Members are well-respected within their local business
communities and have built strong connections in their respective regions.
They are all structured differently to suit the local market and offer a variety
of construction services, in addition to the traditional core business of
post-tensioning.

BBR TECHNOLOGIES
BBR Technologies have been applied to a vast array of different structures –
such as bridges, buildings, cryogenic LNG tanks, dams, marine structures,
nuclear power stations, retaining walls, tanks, silos, towers, tunnels, wastewater
treatment plants, water reservoirs and wind farms.  The BBR brands and
trademarks – BBR®, CONA®, BBRV®, HiAm®, DINA®, BBR E-Trace® and CONNAECT®
– are recognized worldwide. The BBR Network has a track record of excellence
and innovative approaches – with thousands of structures built using BBR
Technologies.  While BBR’s history goes back over 75 years, the BBR Network is
focused on constructing the future – with professionalism, innovation and the
very latest technology.

BBR VT International Ltd is the Technical Headquarters and Business Development Centre of the BBR Network
located in Switzerland. The shareholders of BBR VT International Ltd are: BBR Holding Ltd (Switzerland),
a subsidiary of the Tectus Group (Switzerland); Spennteknikk International AS (Norway), a member of the KB
Group (Norway).

Every effort is made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate but the publisher BBR VT
International Ltd accepts no responsibility for effects arising there from.
© BBR VT International Ltd 2019
Certified,
strong
& durable
The BBR VT CONA CMG system is the very
latest European assessed and CE-certified
construction engineering technology which
has been introduced with impeccable
Swiss credentials – and proven high levels
of corrosion protection.

BBR has built an international reputation for the highest

quality construction engineering and service, earned over
many decades as a specialist company in the fields of
post-tensioning, stay cable technologies, geotechnical and
related solutions. It will, therefore, be no surprise to learn
that we apply the same strict approach towards quality and
performance of our geotechnical systems as we do to our
post-tensioning technologies. In this context, we went the
extra mile and conducted extensive performance and
corrosion protection tests in order to obtain European 2 System features & components
Assessment * – thus CE marking – for our BBR VT CONA
CMG geotechnical strand ground anchor systems.
4 Applications
As you will see, the engineers in our R&D department have
not only optimized the CONA CMG system – so that only the
amount of materials actually needed are used – but they have 6 System product range & description
also created a new benchmark in corrosion protection for
ground anchors. Along the way, our engineers have reached 7 Quality assurance & traceability
out even further and devised a way of testing grout cracking
of a confined and stressed anchor – this was previously 8 New benchmark for corrosion protection
thought to be very difficult and thus not pursued by others.
So, we know for sure that BBR VT CONA CMG strand ground
anchors, supplied and installed exclusively by BBR Network
10 Testing & certification
Members using BBR grouting products and procedures, will
provide the most durable solution on the market. 12 Innovative & proven solutions
By now, you may have realized that we are very excited
about the BBR VT CONA CMG system – and when you read
on, we are sure you will be too!

* European Technical Assessment (ETA) in progress.

1
 System features & components
The BBR VT CONA CMG strand ground anchor system offers state-of-the-art performance, including the widest size
range across three different corrosion protection levels to allow customers to select the optimum force range and
design life characteristics for specific projects.

The BBR VT CONA CMG anchor is an Temporary ground anchor The fully tested and approved set-up of a
optimized system which ensures both BBR VT CONA CMG PL1+ is a temporary BBR VT CONA CMG system ensures
effective performance and economy. strand ground anchor for applications up to effective double corrosion protection through
The main components are: seven years. It offers at least one continuous the corrugated duct and grout. Any potential
• the anchor head, including corrosion corrosion protection layer around the cracking under service load is limited to a
protection elements and a solution to periphery of the anchor. Strand ground maximum of 0.1mm and thus the grout is
lock-in the load bearing tendon elements anchors with PL1+ protection level are used accepted as a corrosion protection layer.
• tendon in the free length, where the strands to temporarily secure excavations as BBR VT CONA CMG PL2 strand ground
are de-bonded from the surrounding grout tie-backs on construction projects of longer anchors are used for permanent applications
confinement allowing free elongation duration. and have a design life expectancy of up to
• tendon in the bond length, where the 100 years as tie-back anchors, uplift control,
strands are bonded to the surrounding Highest durability permanent slope stabilization or rockfall protection.
ground by means of cementitious grout. ground anchor
For strand ground anchors to fulfill their The BBR VT CONA CMG PL2 system exhibits
purpose and become activated, an external the highest corrosion protection level for a
force is applied thus active support for the ground anchor of this type. This has been
structure is achieved. Active force applied successfully proven according to the
to the structure prevents it from any stringent requirements of European
movement and ensures the durability of Technical Assessment and thus bears the CE
zer
the entire structure. ani
marking. The PL2 designation indicates that Org
there are two complete corrosion protection
r
Economical short-term ground layers, which are continuous around the in ace
and Sp
e str gth
anchor solution outside of the anchor. r
Ba nd le n
bo
BBR VT CONA CMG PL1 is a temporary
strand ground anchor for applications of up end
tthe
to two years and represents an economical ga
ealin ath
S she
solution. The limitation on the duration of of
application up to two years guarantees
effective anchor performance even though
some of the corrosion protection layers
nd
may become compromised. tra
nos
d mo
h e th p
eat ng tra
Sh ree le el s
i n f Ste

te
pla kit
ng ipe
ari p e
Be ion pip
nsi
t ng
uti
Tra Gro

The BBR VT CONA CMG PL1 system

– economical short-term ground anchor solution.

2
Key benefits of the BBR VT CONA CMG system
• Latest technology – engineered in response to recent market feedback mitigates drawbacks of existing solutions
• Unique-in-the-market corrosion protection features – enhanced corrosion protection in transfer zone behind the bearing plate and
leak-tightness of the PE-sheathed strand, which meets the criteria of latest European Assessment Documents (EADs)
• Fully ETA-approved and CE-certified system – including all components, system set-up and performance
• Effective corrosion protection solution – due to proven limitation of grout cracking
• Widest range of anchorage sizes – allows use of right size for each project, without needing to use oversized solutions

zer
ani
Org

r
nd
in ace
tra th Sp
re s g
Ba nd len
bo

end
tt he
ga
ealin ath
S she
of

nd
tra
nos
d mo
he th p
eat ng str
a
Sh ree le el
in f Ste
The BBR VT CONA CMG PL1+ system
ap
nc ip e – temporary ground anchor.
tio sp
tec ces
Pro hea
d
Re e
chor n pip
An tio ng
nsi uti
Tra e kit Gro eve
sle
pip alin
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and
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tec und eat leng En
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it
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Tra ipe
sp
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Re g e
ap alin pip
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ti ut
tec Gro
Pro hea
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ch or e
An t th
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a h
Se d of s
en

n
tio te
rotec und pla
np po ng
sio com ari The BBR VT CONA CMG PL2 system
rro Be
Co – highest durability permanent ground anchor.

3
 Applications for BBR VT CONA CMG system
Geotechnical strand ground anchors are a proven construction method for securing retaining structures. They promote
productivity and safety on site – often alongside enhanced aesthetics and reduced project costs.

By using ground anchors, internal stiffening

in the excavation can be avoided thus
increasing space for operations during
ground engineering works. Ground anchors
can be used as additional supports for
retaining walls which improves the aesthetics
of the final outcome or limits the dimensions
of the structures by providing additional
points of support.
Nowadays strand ground anchors are used
for multiple applications such as uplift control
in areas of high water level, hold-down
solutions for foundations and towers and
masts, tie-backs for retaining structures such
as abutments, highway flyovers, rockfall and
ground slide protection walls and in many
other situations.

Retaining structures
Ground anchors are frequently used within
city center excavations as a tie-back for
retaining structures, instead of using
compression struts. Thus, work with
equipment such as cranes or other
construction plant can proceed unhindered
– also saving time and costs. Ground anchors
actively secure the retaining structures as
they are post-tensioned and therefore any
possible deformation of the secured structure
is avoided.

Ground anchor applications

• Retaining structures
• Slope stabilization
• Hold-down solutions
• Horizontal tie-rods
• Uplift control
• Dam retrofitting

4
Slope stabilization
A further use of ground anchors is for
stabilization of slopes. This is most often
required alongside roads or railway cuttings
where embankments are under threat of slip
or erosion.

Hold-down solutions
Any large structure that may be at risk of
overturning can be secured by using ground
anchors. Typically, this application might
include masts, towers and wind power
generators.

Horizontal tie-rods
Within a structure, horizontal tie-rods are
used to stabilize two or more points in
relation to one another. Tie backs provide
stabilization at the head of earth filled dams
which have been laterally sheet piled. It is
possible to achieve a high tensile force
capacity with stabilizing cross-ties. Also, in
foundations, the shifting horizontal forces
can be transferred using tie rods.

Uplift control
This application relates to foundation slabs
and structures which require securing during
construction against uplift forces generated
by ground water pressure. An added benefit
of using strand ground anchors in such a
situation is that the slab thickness can be
reduced, saving on both project material
costs and time.

Dam retrofitting
The relatively recent introduction of stringent
regulations in certain regions for massive
structures such as dams or hydro-electric
power stations means that existing structures
must be retrofitted to conform with the latest
codes and standards. This may require
substantial force to be applied to enhance
load bearing capacity and resistance against
seismic loads or other phenomena. These
forces can be brought into control by using
BBR’s strand ground anchors, which can be
assembled and supplied up to 91 strands.
Larger sizes upon request.

5
 System product range & description
The BBR VT CONA CMG* system is designed for geotechnical applications, as soil or rock anchors. The system covers
a maximum force range from 177kN to 6,138kN, aiming to satisfy the major market demands.
Size 0.62”strand: d = 15.7mm Ap=150mm2, M=1.17kg/m
Anchor head type Number of strands Y 1860S7-15.7 Y 1770S7-15.7
n Fpk Fp0.1k Fpk Fp0.1k
[-] [-] [kN] [kN] [kN] [kN]
0106 1 279 246 266 234
0206 2 558 492 532 468
0306 3 837 738 798 702
0406 4 1,116 984 1,064 936
0506 5 1,395 1,230 1,330 1,170
0606 6 1,674 1,476 1,596 1,404
0706 7 1,953 1,722 1,862 1,638
0806 8 2,232 1,968 2,128 1,872
0906 9 2,511 2,214 2,394 2,106
1206 12 3,348 2,952 3,192 2,808
1306 13 3,627 3,198 3,458 3,042
1506 15 4,185 3,690 3,990 3,510
1606 16 4,464 3,936 4,256 3,744
1906 19 5,301 4,674 5,054 4,446
2206 22 6,138 5,412 5,852 5,148

Size 0.60”strand: d = 15.3mm Ap=140mm2, M=1.09kg/m

Anchor head type Number of strands Y 1860S7-15.3 Y 1770S7-15.3
n Fpk Fp0.1k Fpk Fp0.1k
[-] [-] [kN] [kN] [kN] [kN]
0106 1 260 229 248 218
0206 2 520 458 496 436
0306 3 780 687 744 654
0406 4 1,040 916 992 872
0506 5 1,300 1,145 1,240 1,090
0606 6 1,560 1,374 1,488 1,308
0706 7 1,820 1,603 1,736 1,526
0806 8 2,080 1,832 1,984 1,744
0906 9 2,340 2,061 2,232 1,962
1206 12 3,120 2,748 2,976 2,616
1306 13 3,380 2,977 3,224 2,834
1506 15 3,900 3,435 3,720 3,270
1606 16 4,160 3,664 3,968 3,488
1906 19 4,940 4,351 4,712 4,142
2206 22 5,720 5,038 5,456 4,796

Size 0.50”strand: d = 12.9mm Ap=100mm2, M=0.78kg/m

Anchor head type Number of strands Y 1860S7-12.9 Y 1770S7-12.9
n Fpk Fp0.1k Fpk Fp0.1k
[-] [-] [kN] [kN] [kN] [kN]
0105 1 186 164 177 156
0205 2 372 328 354 312
0305 3 558 492 531 468
0405 4 744 656 708 624
0705 7 1,302 1,148 1,239 1,092
1205 12 2,232 1,968 2,124 1,872
1905 19 3,534 3,116 3,363 2,964
Fpk = characteristic value of maximum force Fp0.1k = characteristic value of 0.1% proof force Ap = area cross section d = nominal strand diameter
*Bearing CE marking. Larger sizes also available.

6
Quality assurance & traceability
The BBR VT CONA CMG system is European assessed * and thus bears Guarantee of quality
BBR’s Quality Assurance procedures are
the CE marking. Although strand ground anchors are highly customized,
applied to the standard components of the
with project-specific bond length and free length values, as well as BBR VT CONA CMG system. The BBR Factory
various options for corrosion protection, the highest standard of Production Control (FPC) system includes
continuous surveillance and full traceability,
Quality Assurance is implemented by the BBR Network for the BBR VT followed by Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
CONA CMG system. before goods are dispatched.
The highest attention is given to the
assembly of the final product according to
European assessed technology Factory Production Control project specifications. The standard
The key parameters of a CE marked BBR VT The European Assessment Document components are verified once again during
CONA CMG system are summarized in the (EAD) for strand ground anchor kits with assembly. Both standard and customized
particular ETA which becomes the technical monostrand specifies the minimum features of each individual anchor are
reference document defining the conditions production control plan and frequencies examined to ensure the conformity to
of use of the system. The full ETA document is that have to be achieved. general and project-specific requirements.
made available to designers, engineers, Compliance with these and the complete The high standard of quality control applied
contractors and clients. factory production process are fully audited in the selection of raw materials, the
by the Approval/Notified Body and any production process, the mechanical and
Quality assured installation non-conformity must be rectified prior to geometrical features of the end product
European assessed and CE-marked strand any CE marking. guarantee that the BBR VT CONA CMG
ground anchor kits must be installed by During the validity period of the ETA, the system offers the highest level of quality
certified GT Specialist Companies – BBR Approval/Notified Body continues to and desired performance.
Network Members. The BBR GT Specialist exert full control of the production and, in
Company is responsible, under supervision addition to the audits and testing by the BBR E-Trace platform
of the ETA holder (BBR VT International Ltd), Kit Manufacturer: BBR’s unique E-Trace online trading and
for compliance with all regulations set out in • the ETA Holder, the Kit Manufacturer quality assurance platform, to which BBR
the relevant technical approvals for the and each Component Manufacturer are Network Members have access, eliminates
strand ground anchor kit and with the audited every year human errors during project execution, thus
respective standards and regulations in • kit components are collected from site limiting the workload and costs. BBR E-Trace
force at the place of use, and must ensure a annually for independent testing and ensures easy access to up-to-date prices,
professional execution of the installation and checking of the mechanical performance. quality documents and project references –
post-tensioning works. Key personnel of the These provisions guarantee proper quality all in one place. Most importantly, the BBR
BBR GT Specialist Company are continuously and compliance of the kit components. E-Trace platform facilitates the full traceability
trained in the usage of the particular strand of products during their long journey from
anchor kits and are certified for the raw material up to their installation on site.
installation and post-tensioning works by the
ETA Holder – BBR VT International Ltd. * European Technical Assessment (ETA) in progress.

7
 New benchmark for corrosion protection
The BBR VT CONA CMG system takes corrosion protection to a whole new level and – alongside common, robust
corrosion protection methods – it introduces a set of performance-enhancing measures which are totally new to the
market. With these new corrosion protection features, the CONA CMG system has set a new global benchmark in the
development of construction technology.

For many years, strict provisions have density, porosity, water level and BBR VT CONA CMG solution kits for
been in place on the corrosion protection environmental aggressivity and can thus different corrosion protection levels
performance of post-tensioning systems, represent a significant threat to the The BBR VT CONA CMG system provides
though post-tensioning tendons are mainly ground anchors and indeed the structures three solution kits with different corrosion
installed in concrete, which itself provides they are designed to support. This is true, Protection Levels (PL), designed for
a level of corrosion protection. not only because of the long service life and applications with different service lives –
Corrosion protection of a ground anchor is aggressive geological conditions, but also up to 2 years, 2 to 7 years and over 7 years
therefore even more crucial to achieving because of the great difficulty and cost of – as described in the adjacent table.
the desired performance since the strand direct monitoring of the ground anchor after
ground anchors are typically installed in it has been installed into the ground and
ground conditions which vary in terms of become invisible.

Protection 1st continuous Additional 1st continuous 2nd continuous

PL1 layer PL1+ protection layer protection layer PL2 protection layer protection layer

Corrosion protection Corrosion protection

compound in compound in
Protection cap protection cap Protection cap protection cap
Corrosion protection Corrosion protection
compound in compound in
transition pipe transition pipe
Transition pipe kit Transition pipe kit Transition pipe kit

Recess pipe

PE sheathing and PE sheathing and PE sheathing and

filling material filling material filling material

Corrugated duct

Cement grout Cement grout Inner cement grout

(crack width <0.1mm (crack width <0.1mm (crack width ≤0.1mm
at service load) at service load) at service load)

End cap

BBR VT CONA CMG – corrosion protection layers for the three different solution kits.

8
 uct
kit dd
ipe ate
np rrug
nsitio Co
Tra
ipe
sp
ead ces
rh ion Re
cho tec
t
An pro
n
sio in
rro nd e
Co pou n pip
cap m
c nsitio
o d
Transition zone sealing ion the
tec
t tra s hea trand
Pro PE nos
The most recent research results revealed mo
that the transition zone beneath the
anchorage zone bears the highest risk of ing
gr
alin
corrosion. The PE sheath of the free length of Se

monostrand ends in this zone and thus the

bare surface of the strands can be exposed.
Unlike many unsecured filling solutions
available on the market, the BBR VT CONA
dge lat
e
CMG system provides a fully sealed transition ort We gp
p n
ion ari
pipe kit for each individual monostrand. The ct n Be
inje tio the
r tec in
transition pipe is sealed against water ingress p fo pro ound ap g in
Ca sio
n p nc g rin cap
rro comectio alin on
up to 3.5 bars at the two ends, i.e. the upper Co rot Se tecti
p pro
joint connecting to the anchor head and the
lower joint between the transition pipe and the Bare strand in the transition zone is fully encapsulated by a transition pipe and flexible anti-corrosion compound.
PE sheath of the monostrand. The space
within the transition pipe is filled with Monostrand in free length testing according to internationally
corrosion-inhibiting compound (optional for For a ground anchor, the free length of the recognized recommendations.
PL1). This solution minimizes the risk of full tensile element transfers tensile force from
tendon failure as the bare strand protruding bond length to the anchorage. Lack of proper Proven bond length protection
beyond the PE sheath is fully encapsulated by protection of the tensile element in the free The BBR VT CONA CMG system is the very
the transition pipe and flexible anti-corrosion length from alkaline cementitious grout first strand ground anchor system in which
compound. Should one strand somehow exposes it to possible corrosion, such is very cementitious grout in the corrugated duct
become exposed to corrosion, all the other often the case in existing solutions. BBR has been proven as a valid protection barrier
strands are still fully protected and isolated considers monostrand for geotechnical against corrosion according to EN1537. This
from the corrosion source. While maximizing applications (GT monostrand) to be an proof presents an outstanding advantage to
corrosion protection, this unique solution can essential part of durable ground anchor the BBR VT CONA CMG PL2 system where
also minimize workload as the transition pipe solutions and thus undertook special care the bare strand in the bond length is totally
kit is pre-assembled in the factory. The seal during testing of this element. The GT encapsulated by a double-layer barrier
between the recess pipe and corrugated duct monostrand is a bare strand of which the free comprising the surrounding cementitious
(for the BBR VT CONA CMG PL2 system) is a length area is covered by a flexible and grout and a single layer of corrugated duct.
unique feature of BBR’s solutions set. As well durable PE sheath and the cavity between This certified double-layer solution delivers
as the proven water-resistance performance, the strands and PE sheath is filled with a significant economic advantage when
the solution is specifically designed using a anti-corrosion compound. The joint position compared with other solutions on the
highly flexible sealing device to compensate between the free length and bond length is market which typically feature two layers of
for angular and/or axial displacement which sealed to avoid water or cementitious grout corrugated ducting – requiring larger
could eventually occur on site. Currently, this ingress. The sealing solution at the joint is boreholes, bigger drilling equipment, more
is the only solution on the international tested and approved up to 3.5 bars. All the materials and other resources – to achieve
market offering such an advantage. desired performances of the monostrand the same international standard
have been comprehensively proven by requirements for corrosion protection.

Application Temporary Temporary with extended use Permanent

Solution kit PL1 PL1+ PL2
Protection 1st layer 1st continuous layer Additional layer 1st continuous layer 2nd continuous layer
Corrosion protection Corrosion protection
Anchor head Protection cap compound filling in Protection cap compound filling in
protection cap protection cap
Corrosion protection Sealed transition pipe
Transition zone Sealed transition pipe Sealed transition pipe compound filling in Recess pipe with corrosion
Zone transition pipe protection compound
Free length Monostrand Monostrand Corrugated duct Monostrand
Cement grout crack Cement grout crack Cement grout crack
Bond length width <0.1mm at width <0.1mm at Corrugated duct width <0.1mm at
service load service load service load

9
 Testing & certification
Throughout BBR’s long history, our focus has always been on the provision of the highest standards of construction
technology. This is why we conduct independently verified laboratory testing to ensure performance and provide
assurance to customers that each product has been engineered to the highest applicable standards. The BBR VT
CONA CMG system has been tested for mechanical behavior and also for corrosion protection performance.

Testing provisions for mechanical transfer tests. Furthermore, the corrosion Major requirements according to
and corrosion protection performance protection performance of the CONA CMG EN 1537
of the system system has also been assessed and verified Following EN1537 specifications, two types
The mechanical performance of the BBR VT by carrying out small and large scale tests of corrosion protection test – “A” for
CONA CMG system has been assessed *, in independent and accredited European unconfined conditions and “B” for confined
tested and proven as a member of the BBR VT laboratories. The adjacent diagram conditions – have been carried out on
CONA CMX system family range according summarizes the key performance issues different sizes to examine the corrosion
to the latest European Assessment Document and corresponding tests performed to protection performance of the BBR VT CONA
EAD 160004-00-0301 following all the prove the high corrosion protection features CMG system under service load:
testing provisions: Static, fatigue and load of the CONA CMG system. • Corrosion protection Test A – an
assembled anchor is installed on a testing
rig and the inner space of the duct is
grouted. When the grout achieves the
desired strength, the anchor is stressed in
equal stages up to 80% of the ultimate
characteristic force, then the corrugated
duct and inner cement grout is examined
at 65% of the ultimate characteristic force.
No damage should be observed on the
corrugated duct and any cracking of the
cementitious grout is assessed.
• Corrosion protection Test B – an
assembled anchor is installed into a sealed
steel frame, cementitious grout is injected
in the inner space and outer space. When
the grout achieves the desired strength,
the anchor is stressed in equal stages up
to 80% of the ultimate characteristic force.
After unloading, the steel frame is opened
to expose the corrugated duct and the
inner cementitious grout for assessment.
No damage should be observed on the
corrugated duct and any cracking of the
cementitious grout is assessed.

Advanced corrosion protection test B – with crack width assessment method. * European Technical Assessment (ETA) in progress.

10
BBR innovation The test results proved that the BBR VT Sealing test for joints & ducts
The BBR R&D team went beyond the CONA CMG system fully complies with the To ensure the continuity of the protection
standard corrosion protection A & B tests requirements of a maximum of 0.1mm layers composed of different components,
by inventing a new ‘advanced corrosion crack width of the inner cementitious grout sealing tests were applied to the corrugated
protection test B’ which is able to identify all and no damage being observed on the duct and the sealing joint component at each
the cracks of the cementitious grout and corrugated duct. connection position:
measure their width under working load. Thanks to this advanced crack assessment • protection cap & anchor head
As specified in EN1537, in order to consider method, together with the final testing • anchor head & transition pipe
the inner grout as a corrosion protection results, the BBR VT CONA CMG system is • transition pipe & PE sheath for monostrand
layer, the crack width of the cementitious supplied to the market as the first strand • recess pipe & corrugated duct
grout under working load in corrosion anchor system for which the cementitious • corrugated duct & end cap.
protection test B must not exceed 0.1mm. grout has been proven and certified to be a All the sealing components for these joints
However, accurate assessment of the crack corrosion protection barrier. have been proven to be capable of
width under service load due to tensile force withstanding an inner and/or an external
has – until now – been an impossible task Corrosion protection tests pressure pressure of at least 1.5 bar, and for
because, with this test, cracking could be GT monostrand was subjected to a group some key joints at least 3.5 bar, without
only checked after unloading and dismantling of delicate tests targeted on evaluating leakage or damage.
of the testing setup which means the real each key property in regard to corrosion Furthermore, in order to assess the impact of
crack width at service load cannot be protection and mechanical performance of extreme climate or handling which may arise
measured directly. the monostrand, including: during storage and transportation, some
To address this challenge, the BBR R&D team • leak tightness test to verify the effect of components were subjected to a precondi-
developed an advanced corrosion protection the filling of corrosion protection tioning process to simulate severe conditions
test B to identify all the cracks and measure compound against water ingress before the sealing performance testing.
their width under a service load of 65% of • sealing test in confined conditions at the Through this extensive and sophisticated
the ultimate characteristic force. BBR’s new joint between the sheathed section of free testing campaign, the performance of each
test method was carried out on different length and bare section of the bond length of the corrosion protection components and
sizes of CONA CMG strand ground anchors. • pull-out test to ensure that the behavior joints was carefully verified. The exceptional
of the strand during stressing is not performance of the BBR VT CONA CMG
replaced by the friction of the flexible system proves that it is truly the most
filler compound within the PE sheath. durable and robust strand ground anchor
system available on the international market.

Anchorage zone and transition: Free length (Monostrand): Bond length:

Sealing tests: Resistance to water Leak tightness Crack width of the inner cement grout
• Protection cap & bearing ingression test and sealing test Corrosion test A & B
plate Mechanical performance of the
Resistance to • Anchor head & transition Free elongation Pull out test corrugated duct
water ingression pipe
• Transition pipe & PE sheath PE sheath quality Impact test Sealing tests under various
• Recess pipe & corrugated Resistance to water ingression of the conditions:
duct corrugated duct • Corrugated duct
• Corrugated duct & end cap

Key performance issues and corresponding tests proving the BBR VT CONA CMG strand ground anchor system meets the required standards.

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 Innovative & proven solutions With over 75 years of experience, BBR
continues to apply its own special brand of
innovation and quality to producing the finest
solutions for its customers worldwide. The
The BBR VT CONA CMG system represents state-of-the-art
focus of our R&D team is always on delivering
geotechnical engineering, backed by European Assessment * and technology which as well as being technically
BBR’s comprehensive quality control systems. Once again, BBR has advanced, also offers additional benefits in
terms of on-site productivity, cost savings and
pushed the boundaries of technology to introduce innovative and
promotes environmentally-friendly practices.
proven construction systems to the international market place. Around the globe, BBR Network Members
advise and deliver construction services to
their local markets. Today, the BBR Network
has many regular customers who have come
to rely on us for:
• Robust and flexible solutions based on
experience.
• Independently tested and certified
technology.
• Stringent European Factory Production
Control.
• Full traceability through BBR’s unique
E-Trace platform.
• Quality control inspections by BBR
engineers.
• Installation by a well-trained, talented
network of construction professionals.
We are always happy to discuss your specific
project and advise on the most suitable
approach. Do get in touch with your local
BBR Network Member about your next
project — and harness the latest construction
engineering innovations for your customer.

* European Technical Assessment (ETA) in progress.

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The BBR Network –
international expertise &
technology delivered locally

13
BBR VT International Ltd
Ringstrasse 2
8603 Schwerzenbach (ZH)
Switzerland

Tel +41 44 806 80 60

Fax +41 44 806 80 50

www.bbrnetwork.com
[email protected]

BBR VT International Ltd

Copyright BBR VT International 06.2020

Technical Headquarters and Business Development Centre

Switzerland