©Spirafix Limited 2009, All Rights Reserved
Conducted by: Rob Gooch
Witnessed by: Mark Smith
Date: 29/05/02
PEG100 "U" peg
Single Helical Plate Type
Spira-LockTM 600mm long
Description
Initial Rise
Pullout
Spira-LockTM 500mm long
Spira-LockTM 400mm long
Spira-LockTM 300mm long
Comments
65kgs
160kgs
144kgs
124kgs
114kgs
155kgs
65kgs
160kgs
>600kgs
335kgs
>355kgs
>350kgs
Stopped at 600kgs, exceeded rig limit.
Stopped at 355kgs, exceeded 500mm long anchor.
Stopped at 350kgs, exceeded 500mm long anchor.
1) Purpose
This test is to show the direct pullout force capabilities of a new style of ground anchor called Spira-
LockTM, it is installed by hitting with a hammer and it screws itself into the ground and is locked in
place when secured to the product that it is anchoring. Removal is equally as simple, by attaching an
“L” shaped bar and hitting the underside the anchor extracts with minimal disruption to the soil.
Our standard “U” peg (PEG100) along with a single helical plate type anchor were also tested to show
comparisons.
2) Equipment
Block and Tackle mounted onto a frame positioned directly over the anchor, with inline Load cell linked
to transducer calibrated to Kg and finally connected to the anchor.
3) Test Methods
The anchors are positioned in our test field, which we view as a typical playing field soil condition.
Each anchor is tensioned until it starts to rise and the force is recorded at this point the soil is
compacted and the anchor stabilises. Further force is applied and recorded when the anchor starts
pulling out of the ground.
4) Results
The initial reading on the load cell is 10kgs; this has been subtracted from the results.The following
table shows the results.
Reproduced by kind permission from Harrod UK Limited, ©Harrod UK Limited 2002
The brand name of SpirafixTM was formerly Spira-LockTM
Conclusions
To anchor a portagoal and meet BS EN 748 we need 1 anchor capable of holding 112.2 kgs or 2 anchors capable of holding 56.1 kgs
each
The results demonstrate that all the anchors except PEG100 are capable of securing a Portagoal to the BS EN 748. 2 off PEG100 would
be needed to meet this Standard (which is the amount that we supply as standard).
The results also show that the pull out forces required to extract the Spira-LockTM are very high. The Initial Rise for the 300mm long
anchor seems to be a rogue reading and should be more like 105kgs.
The pullout readings for the Spira-LockTM seem to be a bit erratic, for example the 600mm long did not pull out even when we reached
the maximum safe loading for the test rig of 600kgs, yet the 500mm long anchor pulled out at 335kgs. More surprisingly the 400 & 300
long anchors exceeded the pull out force of the 500mm long anchor. This proves that ground conditions are a big factor in anchor
selection and a slightly larger anchor should always be selected for safety.
Our 4m Team Shelter weighs 114kgs therefore if we were to anchor it down with the 400mm anchor we would be using twice as much
anchorage on each side than the weight of the product and there would also be no initial settlement movement.
Products > SpirafixTM Anchors > Harrod UK Test
