An anchor for soil only, not for use in rock or hardpan is called which type?

Study for the BICSI OSP Design Test. Prepare using multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Succeed in your exam journey!

Anchors are chosen by the material they’re meant to grab onto. An expansion anchor is designed to grip by expanding a sleeve or wedge once tightened, which presses against the surrounding material and creates a resisting force through friction. In soil, this expansion mechanism works well because the surrounding soil can be compacted and pressed against, giving a stable hold for the anchor.

In rock or hardpan, expansion doesn’t develop the same reliable grip—the material is rigid and doesn’t yield to create the necessary friction, and the expansion can even cause cracking or ineffective anchorage. That’s why this type is specified for soil use only. The other anchors rely on different mechanisms (such as cutting into the material, wedging, or spreading a plate) and are not described as soil-only options, which is why expansion anchors are the best fit for a soil-only application.