• Review anchor or pile design details

• Prepare test element and anchor head

• Install reaction frame or kentledge system

• Position hydraulic jack and load cell

• Install displacement measuring instruments

• Apply tensile load incrementally

• Maintain load at each stage

• Measure upward displacement

• Observe anchor behavior

• Continue loading to proof or failure load

• Unload in stages

• Record elastic recovery

• Plot load-displacement relationship

• Determine ultimate uplift capacity

• Prepare engineering report

Pullout testing measures the uplift capacity of piles, anchors, or tiebacks under tensile loads. This test is essential for structures subject to uplift forces due to wind, hydrostatic pressure, or other environmental factors. In Sri Lanka, pullout testing ensures the safety of piles in high water table areas or coastal zones.

During testing, the anchor or pile is loaded incrementally in tension while displacement is measured. The load is maintained at each stage until either proof load or failure load is reached. Elastic recovery after unloading is also recorded to evaluate structural performance.

The test report provides ultimate uplift capacity, load-displacement relationships, and engineering recommendations. Pullout testing ensures that tension loads are safely resisted, helping to prevent uplift failure and safeguard structural stability.