- Anchor Pile Definition: Anchor Piles are designed to withstand lateral loads, either braced or unbraced depending on circumstances, while standard house piles bear vertical loads. Anchor Piles, used in critical applications, possess significantly higher strength characteristics compared to ordinary piles. Excerpts from NZS 3605:2001 provide insight into the strength values and general requirements of Anchor Piles.
- 2. The lateral load capacity of timber pile foundation systems is outlined in NZS 3604. Anchor Piles and braced piles, subjected to the highest loads, require a capacity of 160 Bracing Units (BUs). Driven cantilever piles must have a capacity of 70 BUs. Considering the seismic response and maximum permitted height, the bending moment demand for anchor, driven cantilever, and braced piles is 6.0, 4.7, and 4.4 kNm, respectively. Anchor piles necessitate special care in selection, with proof testing considered the sole method to ensure strength. Ordinary piles support vertical loads and require minimal bending capacity.
- Strength testing of Anchor Piles requires sustaining a proof test bending moment of 5 ±0.25 kNm according to appendix B or annual proof testing in batches of 100 piles to a bending moment of 6 ±0.3 kNm as described in appendix A.
- Anchor Piles, made of Pinus species, are treated to H5 of NZS 3640. Any processing after treatment necessitates well-dried areas and brush treatment with creosote, zinc napthenate, TBTO, or TBTN. Fixings and other purposes should not cut the surface closer than 150mm to the finished ground level.
- Anchor Piles must be branded according to NZS 3640, with the brand placed one third of the length from the top and facing upwards. The letter "A" must be incorporated into the brand.
◄ Example of an “A” Anchor Pile Identification Mark.
All other identification marks as per ordinary piles and shall meet the requirements of NZS 3640.
Pinepac manufactures Anchor Piles in lengths of 2.4, 3.0, and 3.6 meters, with each packet containing 32 pieces.