In recent memorial pull force tests carried out on the NAMM-accredited ground anchors, it has come to our notice that when a headstone is tested or pushed from the back of the memorial, the base configuration rotates about the front line, causing the back to lift in an arc.
This has one of two effects:
- If the pin is secure in the base, i.e. the tolerances are within 1 or 2mm. The pin will be lifted with the base, shortening the length in the ground and reducing the resistance to overturning in wet/adverse soil conditions.
- If the pin is sufficiently stable in the ground, the base could lift off the pin if the cement joint breaks, which often does, causing the headstone to topple. Meaning the pin not being attached to the memorial plays no part at all in stabilising the memorial stone.
Stone Safe believe all testing of memorials (lawn) should be carried out from the back of the memorial being pushed forward.
