SIA 269/7:2011 Civil Engineering 505 269/7

Erhaltung von Tragwerken – Geotechnik

Maintenance des structures porteuses – Géotechnique
Mantenimento di strutture portanti – Geotecnica

Existing structures – Geotechnics

Entwurf vom 13. Januar 2016

269/7
Reference number Published by
SN 505269 /7:2011 en Swiss Society of Engineers
and Architects
Valid from: 2011-01-01 P.O. Box, CH-8027 Zurich

Number of pages: 20 Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich Price category: 20

Any corrections to and comments on this publication can be found at www.sia.ch/korrigenda.

The SIA assumes no liability for any damages which might be caused through the application of this publication.

2011-01 1st Edition

2 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

 CONTENTS

Page

Foreword .................................................... 4

Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
0.1 Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
0

0.2 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
0.3 Deviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1 Technical terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1

1.2 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2

2.2 Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1 Updating of ground data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3

3.2 Examination values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Structural analysis and verification . . 9

4.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4

4.2 Test-supported structural analysis

and verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Condition survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5

5.2 Examination methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Condition evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6

Interventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7

Appendix

A Development of piles (normative) . . . . . 14

anchors (normative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
B Development of prestressed permanent

existing anchors (normative) . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

C Special prestressing test for testing

[Ziffern 16.1 und 17.1 streichen --> Korrigenda in dt.

und frz. Versionen]

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 3

FOREWORD

Code SIA 269/7 describes the procedure to be followed in the preservation of existing structures involving earthworks,
foundation engineering and special geotechnical works and is directed at specialists in the preservation of structures as
well as owners of structures and specialists involved in construction management and the execution of construction
work.

Code SIA 269/7 forms part of the SIA’s structural codes relating to the preservation of existing structures and is supple-
mented by the following codes:
– Code SIA 269 Existing structures – Bases for examination and interventions
– Code SIA 269/1 Existing structures – Actions
– Code SIA 269/2 Existing structures – Concrete structures
– Code SIA 269/3 Existing structures – Steel structures
– Code SIA 269/4 Existing structures – Composite steel and concrete structures
– Code SIA 269/5 Existing structures – Timber structures
– Code SIA 269/6 Existing structures – Masonry structures.

Technical Sheet SIA 2018 continues to apply to the examination of existing buildings with respect to earthquakes.
However, it is planned to supplement the codes for existing structures with a Code SIA 269/8 Existing structures –
Seismic aspects.

Code SIA 269/7 governs the aspects of the preservation of construction works that are not covered in Codes SIA 267
and 267/1.

Codes SIA 269 Project Management Team and Working Group SIA 269/7

4 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

0 GELTUNGSBEREICH

0.1 Limitations

0.1.1 Code SIA 269/7 governs:

– the geotechnical aspects of the preservation of structures
– the requirements applicable to the investigation of the ground and structure during the examination
– the basic rules for updating and determining the geotechnical parameters during the examinations
– the preservation of construction works involving earthworks, foundation engineering and special geotech-
nical works.

0.1.2 The present code applies in combination with Codes SIA 269, SIA 269/1 to SIA 269/6 and SIA 269/8. The
principles of Code SIA 269/7 shall be applied analogously for applications outside of the scope of these
codes.

0.1.3 In the case of modification of a construction works involving earthworks, foundation engineering and special
geotechnical works, in general new structural components shall be treated according to Code SIA 267 and
existing structural components according to Codes SIA 269 and SIA 269/7. It is permissible to deviate from
this rule with respect to the definition of the variable actions if different limitations are appropriate on the
basis of specific considerations.

0.1.4 Code SIA 269/7 may not be used for the design and dimensioning of new structures.

0.1.5 Code SIA 269/7 does not apply to underground construction work. The principles applicable to the preser-
vation of underground structures are described in Code SIA 197.

0.2 References

0.2.1 Reference is made to the standards named below. These are also applicable, in full or in part, by way of
reference:
– Code SIA 197 Design of Tunnels – Basic Principles.

0.2.2 Superseded codes and guidelines may not be incorporated in the service criteria agreement or in the basis
of design as code-related requirements, but only by way of reference, and only in order to document former
design criteria.

0.3 Deviations

0.3.1 Deviations from the present code are permissible provided they are sufficiently well-founded, theoretically
or experimentally, or justified by new developments and new knowledge.

0.3.2 Deviations from the code shall be clearly documented in the construction documents together with the rea-
sons for such deviation.

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 5

1 TERMINOLOGY

1.1 Technical terms

The technical terms defined in Codes SIA 260, SIA 267 and SIA 269 are used in the present Code.

1.2 Symbols

1.2.1 Latin upper case letters

Pa initial force for anchor tests and prestressing tests of prestressed anchors

P0 lock-off force of prestressed anchors, prestressing force at the time t = 0

Pp testing force for prestressed anchors during prestressing tests

Ppk characteristic value of the maximum force of the tendon of prestressed anchors

Pvorh lift-off force of anchors with free tendon length

Rmat,d,act examination value of the internal ultimate resistance of the bulk pile material

1.2.2 Latin lower case letters

fpk characteristic value of the tensile strength of prestressing steel

fsk characteristic value of the yield strength of reinforcing steel

kadm,act updated admissible creep value

lfr theoretical free tendon length

lv fixed tendon length

n number of prestressing stages

1.2.3 Greek letters

γM resistance factor
γM,act updated resistance factor

γR partial factor for ultimate resistance

γR,act updated partial factor for ultimate resistance

γm partial factor for a construction material or geotechnical property

γm,act updated partial factor for a construction material or geotechnical property

Δl measured displacement of the anchor head during testing

Δlbl measured residual displacement of the anchor head during testing

Δlel measured elastic displacement of the anchor head during testing

Δlel,theor theoretical elastic displacement of the anchor head

ΔP force increment

η conversion factor

ηact updated conversion factor

6 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

2 PRINCIPLES

2.1 General

2.1.1 The geotechnical risks for the preservation of construction works involving earthworks, foundation enginee-
ring and special geotechnical works are to be given special consideration and be evaluated according to
Code SIA 267.

2.1.2 In the preservation of structures involving earthworks, foundation engineering and special geotechnical
works, special attention shall be paid to the protection of the limited resource soil. This is to be taken into
consideration in the overall evaluation of the planned measures and is, among other things, achieved by:
– continued use of existing structural members that cannot be dismantled
– restrained use of new structural members that cannot be dismantled.

2.1.3 Back-calculations, observations and the evaluation of previous experience may increase the reliability of the
updated values of the actions as well as the geotechnical properties and the associated structural models.

2.2 Examination
2.2.1 The examination of construction works involving earthworks, foundation engineering and special geotech-
nical works are to take into consideration the soil-structure interaction as well as the influence on neighbou-
ring construction works, infrastructure or facilities.

2.2.2 If the structural safety and serviceability of construction works or structural members depend on neighbou-
ring construction works, infrastructures or facilities, this has to be taken into consideration in the exmination
and recorded in the exmination report. Their durability is also to be ensured.

2.2.3 Examination values of the properties of the construction material and ground are to be used for the struc-
tural analysis.

2.2.4 If it is not possible to examine construction works involving earthworks, foundation engineering and special
geotechnical works with sufficient reliability, or if no comparable experience exists, the planned measures
shall be executed with the analogous application of the observational method in accordance with Codes SIA
260 and SIA 267.

2.2.5 The construction works shall satisfy the conditions for application of the observational method in accordance
with Codes SIA 260 and SIA 267. Otherwise, supplementary measures are necessary.

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 7

3 GROUND

3.1 Updating of ground data

3.1.1 Ground data shall be updated. The history of the construction works and changes in the soil as well as expe-
rience gained from the previous use are also to be taken into consideration.

3.1.2 The updating shall be carried out by means of observations, geomorphological mappings, site investiga-
tions, measurements or using back-calculations.

3.2 Examination values

3.2.1 The partial factors in accordance with Code SIA 267 shall be used for the updating of the geotechnical pro-
perties. Accordingly:

γm,act = γm (1)

3.2.2 If the characteristic values are updated by means of a back-calculation in accordance with Code SIA 267,
the reduced partial factors in accordance with Code SIA 267 may be used as well.

8 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

4 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND VERIFICATION

4.1 General

4.1.1 The updated total soil resistance or ultimate resistance shall be used for the structural analysis and verifi-
cations carried out during the course of the examination. The examination values for the actions shall be
determined in accordance with Codes SIA 269 and SIA 269/1.

4.1.2 The examination value for the total soil resistance or ultimate resistance is determined using the partial fac-
tors or resistance factors in accordance with Code SIA 267. Accordingly:

γR,act = γR (2)

γM,act = γM (3)

4.1.3 Moreover, the conversion factors in accordance with Code SIA 267 apply unchanged:

ηact = η (4)

4.1.4 When updating the internal ultimate resistance of piles, the updated construction material properties of the
basic construction materials Rmat,d,act in accordance with Codes SIA 269/2 to SIA 269/6 shall be used.

4.1.5 When examining the internal ultimate resistance of piles, it is to be noted that, in the early days of bored pile
technology, in general steel I (fsk = 235 N/mm2) was used for the spiral reinforcement.
4.1.6 When verifying the external structural safety of a foundation, the action effects including possible redistribu-
tions of forces within the structure have to be taken into consideration.

4.1.7 The updated service limits for tilting, displacements, settlements and differential settlements of foundations
and retaining structures have to be defined taking into consideration compatibility with the superstructure
and neighbouring construction works.

4.1.8 When evaluating the ultimate resistance and the durability of piles and anchors, the influence of the system
and of the manufacturing method is to be taken into consideration.

4.1.9 The interaction effects in the case of pile rafts or pile groups as well as possible redistributions of forces
within the overall structure are taken into consideration both when evaluating the test loads, as well as in
the structural analysis and the verifications.

4.1.10 When evaluating older pile and anchor tests, any deviations of the testing and the evaluation criteria from
the specifications in SIA 267/1 have to be taken into consideration.

4.1.11 The anchor force determined during the structural analysis is to be compared with the existing anchor force
and checked for plausibility.

4.1.12 In general, back-calculations and sensitivity analyses are necessary for slopes, cuts, fills and embankments.

4.2 Test-supported structural analysis and verification

4.2.1 If the analysis of a structure takes place partially or exclusively on the basis of tests carried out on the con-
struction works, in addition to the conditions set forth in Codes SIA 260 and SIA 267 as well as SIA 269, the
following points in particular have to be observed and to be taken into account by choosing the adequate
conversion factors for the structural analysis:
– differences in the nature of the ground in the area of the structure or the tested structural components
– influences of cyclic loads
– influences of the groundwater and fluctuations of the groundwater level
– differences in behaviour in the elastic and plastic state.

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 9

4.2.2 The external ultimate resistance of piles may be determined on the basis of the results of earlier or current
pile loading tests or cautiously estimated on the basis of experience.

4.2.3 The external ultimate resistance of anchors may be determined on the basis of the results of earlier or cur-
rent anchor tests.

10 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

5 CONDITION SURVEY

5.1 General
In addition to the condition of the construction works involving earthworks, foundation engineering and spe-
cial geotechnical works are facilities for the regulation of groundwater and groundwater flow in slopes shall
be recorded and examined.

5.2 Examination methods

5.2.1 The most important minimally-destructive examination methods are as follows:

– visual inspection
– ground [site] investigations, field and laboratory tests
– laying bare structural components or drainage installations
– measurement of groundwater levels and pore water pressures
– load and pressure measurements
– displacement and deformation measurements
– determination of the lift-off force of control anchors
– loading or prestressing tests
– measurement of electrical resistance
– pumping (drawdown) tests, slug tests and infiltration tests
– infrared, georadar, seismic, ultrasound or thermographic scanning
– video inspection
– model tests.

5.2.2 The most important destructive examination methods are as follows:

– soil/rock sampling, laboratory testing
– laying bare structural components or drainage installations
– loading test to failure
– unloading and removal or overdrilling of anchor tendons or parts thereof.

5.2.3 The choice and number of the structural components to be examined shall be representative and propor-
tional. The following considerations have to be adhered to:
– damage potential
– importance of the construction works and its preservation value
– condition of the construction works.

5.2.4 Anchor tests on existing, prestressed anchors shall be carried out in accordance with Appendix C. Corrosion
protection measurements shall be carried out in accordance with Code SIA 267.

5.2.5 Information on the development of piles and prestressed, permanent anchors in Switzerland is found in
Appendices A and B.

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 11

6 CONDITION EVALUATION

[Ziffer 6.1 sollte entfallen, Ziffern 6.1.1 ff. werden zu 6.1 ff.]
6.1 General

6.1.1 If deterioration and defects are identified in the construction works, it shall be established whether the cause
lies in the foundation.

6.1.2 If it is not possible to determine or deduce the internal and/or external ultimate resistance of the piles or
anchors, the foundation or anchorage is to be evaluated on the basis of an empirical analysis in accordance
with Code SIA 269 depending on the results of previous use of the pile or anchor system, the installation
techniques of the piles or anchors, the soil and the soil-structure interaction as well as experience in com-
parable conditions.

6.1.3 If the evaluation of existing deterioration, defects and their development is not sufficiently reliable, the pile
foundation or the anchorage shall be monitored using the observational method.

6.1.4 In general, the condition of wooden piles within the fluctuation zone of the water table is to be considered
defective. A more favourable evaluation is only possible, if it is substantiated by means of testing.

6.1.5 The anchor tests on existing, prestressed anchors shall be analysed and evaluated in accordance with
Appendix D.

6.1.6 Earlier pile and anchor tests shall be analysed and evaluated in accordance with Code SIA 267.

6.1.7 The evaluation of construction works with unstressed anchors is often only indirectly possible based on the
deformation behaviour of the entire construction works.

6.1.8 If a slope, cut, fill or an embankment exhibits displacements, a prediction of the further displacement beha-
viour shall be made.

12 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

7 INTERVENTIONS

[Ziffer 7.1 sollte entfallen, Ziffern 7.1.1 ff. werden zu 7.1 ff.]
7.1 General

7.1.1 If the replacement of a structure is planned, it is to be examined to what extent individual structural compo-
nents can be used again.

7.1.2 In the case of alterations to a structure leading to significant redistributions of loads, monitoring by means
of measurements or a correspondingly conservative dimensioning is necessary.

7.1.3 If an existing pile foundation is reinforced with additional piles, the different load-bearing or settlement beha-
viour of the piles shall be analysed and evaluated taking into consideration the loading history.

7.1.4 If an existing anchorage is strengthened with additional anchors, the different load-bearing or deformation
behaviour of the anchors as well as any displacements of the construction works as a result of prestressing
shall be taken into consideration.

7.1.5 If there is a danger that, in the event of a brittle fracture of prestressed bar anchors, a tendon may shoot
out, measures shall be taken for the protection of persons and the surrounding area.

7.1.6 Facilities for regulating groundwater and groundwater flow in slopes have to be maintained if structural safe-
ty, serviceability or durability cannot be ensured, or inadequately ensured, if these are not in functioning
order. The measures have to be defined in the monitoring and maintenance plan.

7.1.7 Anchored construction works shall be monitored during their remaining service life in accordance with Code
SIA 267 and by means of measurements.

7.1.8 Slopes, cuts, fills and embankments that creep or are close to an unstable state of equilibrium have to be
monitored.

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 13

APPENDIX A (normative)

DEVELOPMENT OF PILES

Table 1: Development of piles in Switzerland

With displacement of the soil Without displacement of the soil

Driven piles Bored piles

Jacked piles

Driven piles
Precast piles Cast-in- Bored Uncased Cased Micro- Regulations
Year situ piles piles piles

1800

1850

1875

1900
7)
Wooden piles (spruce, oak, larch, pine) Ø 20–50 cm

Driven steel piles (closed cross sections) ungrouted

Concrete piles, poss. prestressed, square 19/24/30/37/42 cm (Brun),Ø 35/45 cm (Atlas)

1925
Full displacement cast-in-situ piles 4), Ø 25–62 cm, without enlarged foot

1), 7)

Self-boring piles, Ø 5–15 cm, with cement slurry support (Ischebeck)

Driven and grouted pile MV: square 20–35 (50) cm (Greuter, Züblin-Alpha)

Driven steel piles, open cross sections

1950
3)
Compressed concrete, Fundex Ø 45–53 cm (Marti),

Full displacement piles with bulb-shaped foot

1960
Cased small bored piles, Ø 30–50 cm

, Ø 50–180 cm
HW Ø 52/75/90/150 cm (Losinger)

1970
Without borehole support, from Ø 60 cm

Borehole supported with slurry, Ø 45– >300 cm

Hollow concrete sections Ø 35/45/55 cm

Code SIA V192

Cased micropiles 6), Ø 8– 30 cm
Closed-end steel duct pile

2), 5)

1980 (1975)
Cased bored piles
(Gram, SACAC)

1990
1)
with continuous auger
Ø 40– >100 cm,

Code SIA V192

2000 (1996)
Code SIA 267
(2003)
2010
1)
partial displacement
2)
uncased in stable rock
3)
Zeissl: with pipe flap: Ø 25–60 cm; Franki with concrete cap Ø 41–52 cm; Delta: Ø 45–50 cm
4)
West: Ø 25–60 cm; Atlas: Ø 37/46/54 cm; Vibrex (Marti): Ø 41–62 cm; Delta-Vibro (Eggstein): Ø 37/46/51/61 cm
5)
with gripper (e. g. ”Benoto”: Ø 53/67/88/97 cm), or rotary drilling rigs (with Kelly bars)
6)
cased micropiles with ROR profiles (e.g. IBO (Stump); Tubfix and Ropress (Swissboring), IM (Sif)), reinforcing bars
Ø 5–6 cm (GEWI, Dywidag) or reinforcement cage, from 1990 with sheathing and from 2004 with electrical resis-
tance measurement
7)
from 2003 subject to qualification with regard to Code SIA 267

14 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

APPENDIX B (normative)

DEVELOPMENT OF PRESTRESSED PERMANENT ANCHORS

Table 2: Development of prestressed permanent anchor technology in Switzerland

Parallel-wire anchors Strand anchors Single-bar Multi-

anchors bar-
anchors
Ø [mm] Ø [”] Ø [mm] Ø [mm]

Characterisation
of development
5–8 0,5 bzw. 0,6 26/32/36 12–16

1670 bzw. 1570 1820 (1860 from 2003) 1030 or 1250 1470
fpk fpk fpk fpk

Year
N/mm2 bzw. 1770 N/mm2 N/mm2 N/mm2 Regulations/milestones

1950
1951: first prestressed permanent rock
anchors

(”mono anchors”)

don ducts and corrosion protection measures)

Pressure duct lv

Pioneering era of prestressed anchors (va-

(reduction in the number of systems, improvement rious steel types, anchorage systems, ten-
1955
Bonded lv

Bonded lv
1960 (”duplex”)
fully-bonded

approx. 1962: first prestressed permanent

Rock

soil anchors

1965
fully-
bon-
ded
fully-bonded
Soil

unbonded (PVC duct lfr)

collective plastic duct)

unbonded (single or

1970
unbonded (PVC duct lfr)
(bitumen or grease in collector pipe)

Soil and rock

Soil and rock

Soil and rock

Soil and rock

fully-bonded

from approx. 1973: for the most part still

Monostrands lfr from appr.
1974 often additional duct

1975 only unbonded anchors

Soil and rock

Era of development of prestressed anchors

rare un-
til appr.
unbonded

Soil and rock

1978

1977: Code SIA 191

1980
of structural details)
(”double” corrosion protection)

(pre-grouted), lfr addit. smooth PE duct

Soil and rock: corrugated PE duct lv

1985
corrugated PE duct lv

(”double” corrosion protection)

1985: first electrical Ω-measurement I on

Soil and rock

(still widely used today in Germany and Austria)

unstressed anchor

1990
1992: first electrical Ω-measurement I on
stressed anchor
1993: ASB anchor guidelines
1995 1995: SIA V 191
comprehensive corrosion protection

From end of 1996: Ω-measurement I on

stressed anchor obligatory, first testing of
anchor systems; 1999: FEDRO guideline
2000 for soil and rock anchors
Soil and rock

2003: Code SIA 267

Suitability of anchor shall be proved by
2005 technical approval methods

2007: FEDRO guideline for soil and rock

anchors
2010
Comments:
– without (pseudo-) prestressed steel pipe anchors fpk = 500–600 N/mm2, approx. 1960 to 1972
– times at which the systems changed are not exact, with overlaps of up to 4 years possible, depending on the com-
pany and region
– monostrands = greased individual strands in a PE duct
– fully-bonded means grouting the free tendon length following prestressing, from approx. 1970, duct often made of
plastic
– further strand types are defined in Code SIA 262 (2013).

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 15

APPENDIX C (normative)

SPECIAL PRESTRESSING TEST FOR TESTING EXISTING ANCHORS

C.1 Principles

C.1.1 The procedure for performing the special prestressing test on existing anchors fundamentally corresponds
to the procedure for performing the comprehensive prestressing testing in accordance with Code SIA 267/1.

C.1.2 The requirements set forth in Code SIA 267/1 apply with regard to the accuracy of the measurements.

C.1.3 The lift-off force Pvorh is determined using a mobile load cell or using the prestressing jack.

C.2 Testing force

C.2.1 In general, the load achieved when tensioning the anchor is chosen as the testing force Pp. If this load is
less than 1.25 times the value of the former or the planned new lock-off force P0, the testing force is to be
set correspondingly higher. However, the following condition has to be met:

Pp ≤ 0.75 Ppk (5)

C.2.2 The prestressing test is performed in 2, 3 or 4 stages depending on the absolute value of the difference bet-
ween the lift-off force Pvorh or the initial force Pa on the one hand and the testing force Pp on the other. In
general, the load increment ΔP should amount to around 80 to 150 kN:

ΔP = 1/n (Pp – Pa) (6)

where:

Pa = Pvorh + 10 kN (7)

C.3 Procedure where the testing force is the same as in the original
prestressing test
C.3.1 The flow chart for the special prestressing test where the testing force is the same as in the original pre-
stressing test is shown in Figure 1.

C.3.2 The prestressing test starts with an observation period of 15 minutes. This observation period may be main-
tained provided the increase in displacement between 5 and 15 minutes at each load level is ≤ 0.18 mm.

C.3.3 If this value is exceeded, or if an increase in displacement ≥ 0.15 mm has already been registered between
2 and 5 minutes, then the increases in displacement shall be plotted on a logarithmic timescale. If a curve
results with a tendency of decreasing displacement, or if a well-defined straight line can be drawn with the
last 3 to 4 measurement points, then the observation period may be left unchanged at 15 minutes.
Otherwise it is to be extended until a definite straight line can be traced.

C.3.4 At the load level Pp, the observation period is to be extended to at least 30 minutes, irrespective of the befo-
re mentioned criteria. If the increase in displacement between 15 and 30 minutes is more than 0.14 mm
and/or the semi-logarithmic plot does not show any definite decrease, then the observation period is to be
extended until it can be clearly ascertained whether the creep kadm,act is greater or less than 0.50 mm.

C.3.5 If one of the following criteria is exceeded at any load level, the anchor shall be immediately unloaded to
the initial force Pa and the residual displacement Δlbl be measured:

ΔΔl ( 2’ to 5’) > 0.45 mm (8)

ΔΔl ( 5’ to 15’) > 0.60 mm (9)

ΔΔl (15’ to 30’) > 0.40 mm (10)

16 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

 Testing is then to be discontinued and the anchor locked off at the lift-off force Pvorh. Further procedure is to
be decided upon on an object-specific basis.

C.3.6 If the change in length of the anchor Δl is more than 10% greater than the theoretical value determined befo-
rehand, the anchor shall be immediately unloaded to the initial force Pa, the residual displacement Δlbl mea-
sured and Δlel calculated. If Δlel is also still more than 10% greater than Δlel theor, the test is to be discontinued
and the anchor locked off at the lift-off force Pvorh. Further procedure is to be decided upon on an object-
specific basis.

C.3.7 If, following the special prestressing test, Δlel is more than 10% less than the theoretical value, the prestressing
test is to be repeated three times. The procedure is as follows:
– force stages Pa – P1 – P2 – Pp – Pa
– at force stages P1 and P2, read off the displacement without waiting time
– at force stage Pp, waiting time 5 minutes with readings after 0, 1, 2 and 5 minutes
– at force stage Pa, measure Δlbl.

If, at the force stage Pp, the increase in displacement between 2 and 5 minutes is more than 0.15 mm, the
observation period is to be extended following the procedure described above for the first prestressing test.

C.3.8 The prestressing force P0 to be applied following the prestressing test is to be defined for each anchor befo-
rehand or on the basis of the test results.

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 17

C.4 Procedure where the testing force is higher than in the original
prestressing test
If the special prestressing test is carried out with a testing force that is higher than in the original prestressing
test, the procedure is in principle as described above. However, the creep criteria is to be defined taking into
consideration the ground and, if possible, on the basis of preliminary tests.

Figure 1: Flowchart for the special prestressing test in which the testing force is the same as in the ori-
ginal prestressing test

:DLWLQJWLPH‫މ‬

> 0.45 mm ”PP

semi-logarithmic
creep diagram

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> 0.60 mm 0.60 ÷ 0.18 mm ”PP

semi-logarithmic
creep diagram

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> 0.40 mm 0.40 ÷ 0.14 mm ”PP

semi-logarithmic creep diagram

0.5 mm 0.5 mm

Creep criterion not fulfilled Creep criterion fulfilled

18 SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

Abbreviations for the organisations represented in the commission SIA 267

EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne

ETH Zürich Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich
FEDRO Federal Roads Office

SIA 269/7, Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich 19

Project Management – Codes for Existing Structures Working Group SIA 269/7
Existing structures – Geotechnics

Dr. Paul Lüchinger, dipl. Ing. ETH, Zurich (chairman) Richard Weber, dipl. Ing. ETH, Zurich (chairman)
Prof. Dr. Eugen Brühwiler, dipl. Ing. ETH, Lausanne Walter Fellmann, dipl. Ing. ETH, Lucerne
Thomas P. Lang, dipl. Ing. ETH, Berne Olivier Fontana, dipl. Ing. ETH, Lucerne
Prof. Thomas Vogel, dipl. Ing. ETH, Zurich Anita Lutz, dipl. Ing. ETH, Zurich

Commission SIA 267 “Geotechnical Design”

President Richard Weber, dipl. Ing. ETH, Zurich Consulting Engineer

Christophe Dériaz, dipl. Kulting. ETH, Geneva Consulting Engineer

Olivier Fontana, dipl. Ing. ETH, Lucerne Consulting Engineer/Univ. of Applied Sciences
Members

Andreas Hofer, dipl. Ing. ETH, Berne FEDRO

Dr. Vincent Labiouse, dipl. Ing. UCL MER, Lausanne EPFL
Anita Lutz, dipl. Ing. ETH, Zurich Consulting Engineer
André Métral, dipl. Ing. ETH, Aïre Industry
Alessandro Minotto, dipl. Ing. FH, Berne Industry
Duncan Moore, dipl. Ing. M. Sc., Baden Industry
Giovanni Pedrozzi, dipl. Ing. ETH, Lugano Consulting Engineer
Prof. Dr. Alexander Puzrin, dipl. Ing. MICE, Zurich ETH Zürich
Prof. Dr. Hansruedi Schneider, M. Sc., Rapperswil-Jona University of Applied Sciences
Dr. Walter Steiner, dipl. Ing. ETH, M. Sc., Berne Consulting Engineer

Approval and validity

The SIA’s central committee for codes and regulations approved the present code SIA 269/7 on 23 November 2010.

It is valid as from 1 January 2011.

Copyright © 2011 by SIA Zurich

All rights are reserved, including the right to print extracts, partial or full reproduction (photocopy, microcopy, CD-ROM,
etc.), storage in data processing systems and translation.

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