Removeable Ground Anchors Using Pyrotechnics – Innovative, Sustainable and Safe

This paper presents the design and technical evaluation of removable ground anchors utilizing pyrotechnic mechanisms to enable the disassembling of the complete steel tendon of the anchor. This system is mainly used for the temporary anchoring of excavations. The proposed system leverages controlled pyrotechnic reactions to achieve secure demolition of the anchorage length, ensuring both sustainability and safety: the steel tendon can either be reused or recycled and the whole process has low to zero risk for the environment and surrounding structures. Key technical aspects, including the anchor's deployment, holding capacity, and removal process, are thoroughly examined. The anchor design incorporates eco-friendly materials and pyrotechnic charges engineered to minimize environmental impact and enhance operational safety. Laboratory and field tests demonstrate the anchors' ability to provide robust and reliable support during excavation activities, followed by seamless removal without compromising ground integrity. Comparative performance assessments against conventional anchoring methods highlight the pyrotechnic anchors' advantages in terms of ease of deployment, precision in placement, and environmental sustainability. The paper concludes with an analysis of potential applications in various excavation projects, discussing scalability, cost-effectiveness, and future research directions aimed at optimizing the technology for broader implementation in civil engineering and construction.