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Rock Anchoring & Foundation System

Introduction:
The Rock Anchoring & Foundation System is a Patented efficient and economical solution for
the installation of Anchors and Foundations in Rock and/or any Solid Media. The System is
Ecologically sound as it requires no excavation or removal of spoils and has no vibration,
hammering or explosive requirements in its installation. No bonding agent required in the
installation process as the System Components, upon their placement, directly transfers the
applied design forces directly into the surrounding media. The System can be designed and
installed to handle any intensity and type of loading placed upon it and is only limited by the
strength of the surrounding media itself. It is easily installed with a minimum amount of time,
labor and equipment. Once installed, the System can be easily tested to its design/ultimate load
bearing capacity and is ready for immediate use with known installed structural integrity.
No drying and/or curing time required.
Anchor Design, Installation & Testing Procedures:
As with other rock anchors, the design of the System normally requires core sampling
that identifies the consistency, type and strength of the load bearing media. The
position/depth of the System is determined. The required design loading will determine
the bar size required. Standard sizes available range from diameters of 1 to 2 1/2 inches
with minimum ultimate strengths of 127.5 to 778 kips. The hole size required for the
installation will normally be 1 inch greater than the bar diameter. Core sampling ideally
would be taken at precise location the System is designed for. Upon withdrawing and
inspecting the core samples, the Anchoring System can be installed immediately in the
precise position as determined by the inspection of the samples. The System, consisting
of the anchor head attached to the bar, which is encased by the spreading column, is
lowered into the hole. The spreading/spinner apparatus is attached and centered in
contact with the surface. The System is rotated, using the core sampling power unit,
opening the anchor head into the load bearing media, in a predetermined controlled
manner. This places the anchor head conically into the rock, which effectively utilizes
the maximum strength of the load bearing rock via the Anchoring System. The casing, if
used and required for coring by soils overburden, and/or the spreading column is
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Anchor Design, Installation & Testing Procedures (contd.):
removed, allowing the System to be immediately tested and placed into the use it was
designed for.
Where the Rock Anchoring System is used in applications with rock at the surface,
without coring requirements, its installation is greatly simplified. The drilled hole size is
determined by the design loading. The hole is drilled to the desired System depth. The
System, consisting of the anchor head attached to the bar, which is encased by the
spreading column, is lowered into the hole. The spreading/spinner apparatus is attached
and centered in contact with the surface. The System is rotated using the hole drilling
power unit, opening the anchor head into the load bearing media, in a predetermined
controlled manner. This places the anchor head conically into the rock, which effectively
utilizes the maximum strength of the load bearing rock via the Anchoring System. The
spreading column is removed allowing the System to be immediately tested and placed
into its designed use. If required, the System may be post-tensioned in order to meet
current seismic loading safety measures. Corrosion protection for the bars can be
accomplished via any desired methods currently used. The force transmitting Anchor
head can be made of stainless steel, which can handle any compressive force that is place
on it. The bar is the only component of the System that experiences the tensile forces
placed upon the System, which can also be made of stainless steel.
Foundation Design, Installation & Testing Procedures:
The Foundation System is installed using the Anchoring System, The Anchoring System
provides a predetermined axial installing load in the precise direction required by the installation
and loading of the Foundation System. Foundation uplift/pull out forces, when present in the
System, are handled by directly attaching the Foundation to the Anchor in their final installed
and tested position. The Foundation System can be designed, installed and tested to handle
virtually and type and intensity of loading, such as overturning and torsional moments, angular
and ground line shear and bearing. Upon reaching its final installed position, the final applied
and held installing load is a direct indication of its ultimate strength, allowing the immediate use
of the System. In rock the System can be pulled into a rock socket. When installed in soils the
installing force is applied and installing movement is controlled in a predetermined manner.
This increases the load handling capacities of the soils, via their compaction/consolidation, and
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Foundation Design, Installation & Testing Procedures (contd.):
Virtually eliminates settlement, as the entire Foundation System, including the load bearing
soils, has been pre-stressed/tested to its design loading. Post-tensioned during the installation
process. In the final installed position of the System any desired portion of the installing load
may be locked in to meet current seismic loading safety measures. Corrosion protection for the
Anchor bars and the Foundation System can be accomplished via any desired methods currently
used. The force transmitting Anchor head can be made of stainless steel, which can handle any
compressive force that is place on it. The bar is the only component of the System that
experiences the tensile forces placed upon the System.
Present Art of Designing and Installing Rock Anchorages:
High capacity rock anchors are generally post-tensioned. There are two distinct types of
pre-stressed anchors in widespread use distinguished by tendon type: bar anchors and
strand anchors. Both require drilling, cleaning and water testing of the borehole prior to
establishing a cured grout bond of the tendon component to the rock bore hole surface.
The bond zone, depth and diameter of drill hole surface required for bonding strength,
will vary due to the types of rock encountered. The grout must be cured between the
tendon component and the borehole wall prior to post-tensioning.
Resin grout bonded rock anchors are currently considered as the most economical
temporary rock anchor. Its installation requires a tight, non-permeable, clean and dry
borehole. The bond length is limited, as its entire length must be pushed into the epoxy
and spun prior to reaching the gel time of the epoxy, requiring fast installations. It cannot
be used in all types of rock.
Mechanical rock anchors are installed via an anchor shell and a cone used to develop a
friction lock between the rock and head assembly. Their use is limited to concrete and
soft rock and have minimal load-handling capabilities.
Present Art of Designing and Installing Combined Post-Tensioned Rock
Anchorage and Foundation Systems:
There is no known practice system for installing foundations in rock, soils or any combinations
thereof using rock anchors where the entire system, including the surrounding load-bearing
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Present Art of Designing and Installing Combined Post-Tensioned Rock
Anchorage and Foundation Systems (contd):
media, can be tested and post-tensioned and/or load tested to a designed loading. Post-tensioning
foundations would require a sound & reliable anchoring system for all rock and soils types with
complete geotechnical site/media investigation prior to the system design. A combination of
rock engineering and soils engineering experience would be required. In most cases foundations
are designed with large safety factors, installed and placed into use without being post-tensioned
and/or load tested.
Advantages of using The Rock Anchoring and Foundation System as compared to
The Present Art of designing and installing rock anchors and foundations:
The proprietary apparatus and method for installing an anchor head conically into a rock socket
is the enabling factor in the creation of the advantages and need for this technology as compared
to existing practices. The Anchor Head directly transmits the applied load outwardly into the
surrounding rock. This allows the full strength of the load bearing rock to be used. The
following is a list of use advantages which is not all inclusive:
Bonding grout or resins are not used.
o No curing or gel time is required.
o Drilling depth in rock is greatly reduced as required bonding length is totally
eliminated.
o In a post-tensioned installation the entire rod, starting at the anchor head, can be
considered as the tendon with the anchor head being the anchor.
o The pre-installation requirements of a tight, non-permeable, clean and dry borehole
are totally eliminated.
o All installed Systems can be immediately placed into use upon completing the
appropriate pre-designed installation process.
The structural strength of the installed system is known upon installation, including post-
tensioned systems.
The design process and its associated time requirements are greatly simplified along with the
reduction of its associated liabilities:
o Provides a single system and method that can be used in the design & installation of
standard or post-tensioned foundation and/or rock anchoring systems.
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Advantages of using The Rock Anchoring and Foundation System as compared to
The Present Art of designing and installing rock anchors and foundations (contd.):
o When the strength of the rock and, if present, the overlaying soils is known it is
relatively simple to select the anchorage and design the foundation.
o There are no novel design procedures or formulae, required in the design process, that
are not being used in the present art.
o Rock coring can be accomplished at the precise location of the installed system and
the system can be immediately installed using the coring system. This would allow
geotechnical testing firms to have an added revenue producing function.
Provides a large overall reduction in project costs in the following areas;
o Design time and costs.
o Elimination of required material and their associated installation and curing time.
o Rock drilling depths and borehole size are reduced significantly.
o Equipment costs are reduced.
Allows an advance in seismic engineering by providing an easily designed and installed post-
tensioned system for foundations and/or anchoring systems with known structural integrity
upon their installation.
Allows an improvement in permafrost engineering by providing an easily designed and
installed post-tensioned system for foundations and/or anchoring systems with known
structural integrity upon their installation.
Allows development of a complete sound, safe and reliable system for mobile home
foundations and anchors.
Barriers to Market Entry and their Possible Solutions:
Acceptance of the technology The only change is the rock anchor head which clearly
apparent in its use and benefits.
Lack of testing use/results The only part of the System that is different is the anchor head
and its installation. Testing can be easily & economically accomplished in surface rock
along with being certified by a reputable geotechnical testing lab locally.
Contractor acceptance, when different to materials and procedures they are currently using
Due to its time and cost benefits along with its known structural integrity, upon installation,
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Barriers to Market Entry and their Possible Solutions (contd.):
designers and users will quickly change their requirements/specifications. Contractors will
be able to perform the installations using the same equipment they have. The only added
equipment needed would be the spinner/expanding apparatus, which could be purchased at
a minimal cost.
Lack of funding for development, testing and marketing The simplicity and soundness of
this proposal will attract investors, Another consideration would be to develop a strategic
alliance with a rod and/or an anchor head manufacturer. The development of a hand tool
system powered by a standard drill/driver for smaller anchors would open possible strategic
alliances for marketing by major retailers and/or tool distributors for the home owner and
small contractor markets, would also be a potential source of funding.
Use Areas/Industries:
Anywhere foundations and/or rock anchors are used is a potential use area. A marketing plan
must be developed to target customers and/or alliances that would create sales in a manner that
will satisfy our ongoing financial needs, which includes funding for the plan.
The Rock Anchoring & Foundation System
Post-Tensioned Systems
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Compacted
Consolidated
Soils
Rock
Rock
Compacted
Consolidated
Soils
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Fi ns
Ri bs
Perimeter of
Load Bearing
Zones of Influence
Perimeter of
Load Bearing
Zones of Influence
Perimeter of
Load Bearing
Zones of Influence
Rock Anchoring & Foundation Systems
0 Systems are easily designed,
prestressed/tested and post-tensioned
during their controlled installation.
0 Systems have virtually unlimited loading
capacities;
o Axial/Angular Loading
o Horizontal Loading/Groundline Shear
o Torsional Moment Loading
o Overturning Moment Loading
o Any combinations of the above
0 Systems with foundations in soils;
(Figures 1 & 3)
o The foundations are pulled into the
ground in a controlled manner to allow the
formation of a load bearing zone of
influence. This is formed by the
compaction &/or consolidation of the soils
therei n.
o The surface area, depth and fin size of the
foundations are designed to handle the
respective component/s of loading placed
on them.
0 Systems with foundations in rock;
(Figure 2)
o The foundations column are pulled into a
rock socket in a controlled manner.
o Ribs are installed on the foundation column
to handle torsional moments.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Illustration 3
The Rock Anchoring & Foundation System
Post-Tensioned Systems
Illustration 4
Free Stress Length
(typical)
Systems can be installed,
post- tensioned and/or
prestressed/tested in any direction.
Plan View - Various System Shapes
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 4 Figure 3
Various System Shapes Data
0 Figure 1 - Large moment platforms for
Wind Power Systems, Elevated Tram
Systems, etc.
0 Figure 2 - Spread Footer for Buildings,
Sub Station Equipment, etc.
0 Figure 3 - Moment Platform for Cellular
and Power Transmission Towers, etc.
0 Figure 4 - Piers for Buildings, Elevated
Tanks Control Towers, etc.
0 Note: Systems with multiple Anchors
can be Post-Tensioned &/or
Prestressed/Tested at one time.

The Rock Anchor & Foundation System
Hand Tool Application
Rock Auger Anchor Foundation System Patent # 5,460,231
Illustration 5
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Figure 1
Figure 2
Exclusive Use Advantages
0 Can be installed with a hand
drill/driver.
0 Directly utilizes compressive
strength of rock, concrete or
other solid encompassing media,
unlike mechanical friction devices
or epoxy or grout anchors.
0 Epoxies or grout not required.
0 Immediate use upon Installation.
0 Can easily be post-tensioned &/or
t est ed.
0 Sizes can range from a 1 rod with
a 2 drilled hole to a 1/4 rod
Figure 1 - Shows System in
installation position. Spin rod and
lower section with drill/driver while
turning upper portion of Spinner
Expander Assembly slowly in a
counter clockwise direction until the
anchor is fully set. Remove Spinner
Expander Assembly and Setting
Tube.
Figure 2 - Insert Shell Casing Insert,
encompassing Anchor, and secure
with nut. The Shell Casing Insert will
accommodate angular, lateral,
moment and bearing loading on the
System Post-tensioning &/or Testing
can be accomplished at this time.

Front
Vi ew
The Rock Anchoring & Foundation System
Rock Auger Anchor Foundation System Patent # 5,460,231
Front
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Rock
Anchor
Leading edge of Anchor
Cutting Surfaces are
coated with Carbide Chips
or industrial diamonds
Fvp
Fha
R
Fva
Fvp
Fva
Fha
R
Foundation Bearing Plate
Gauge Reading of Applied
Hydraulic Installing Force = The
Total Fvp (Vertical Force exerted by
the Bearing Plate) = The Total F
va (Vertical Force exerted by
Anchor Plates = Ultimate Anchor
Strength

Anchor Installation Process
1 . Lower Conical Auger/Anchor
into rock hole.
2 . Place Hydraulics Apparatus
with attached thrust bearings
in place.
3 . Attach Auger Driver to Stop
Coupl er.
4 . Attach Hydraulic Hand Pump
to Cylinders.
5 . Rotate Rod and Conical
Auger/ Anchor.
6 . Slowly expand the cylinders,
spreading the anchor cutting
surfaces into the rock, until
the Conical Auger/Anchor is
in its installed position.
7 . Remove the Hydraulics
Apparatus.
8 . Attach appropriate test
assembly and pull test
Anchor to 100 % of its
required strength.
Foundation Installation
1 . Lower Foundation over
extended Rod, centering over
rock hole.
Attach Hydraulics Assembly.
3 . Hydraulically Install
Foundation until in its
installed position, noting the
gauge read force applied at
that point. Continue
increasing hydraulic force
until desired foundation
strength is achieved. Secure
Lock Nut at desired Post
Tensioned load.
Remove hydraulics and
attach structure system was
designed for.


Lock
Nut
Illustration 1
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Mechanical Rock Anchor
Used for moderate loading (Less
than 180 kips). Should only be
used in competent rock. The
conical mass pullout capacity is
generally angled out from 15 to 60
degrees.
Bonded Rock Anchor
Grout Bond - Must wait for
adequate strength of grout to be
reached prior to pre-stressing.
Deeper drilling is required. Clean,
dry and nonporous drill holes are
required. Known rock strength is
required to determine bond face
area,hole diameter and anchor
lengths.
Resin Bond - depth of over 20 ft
are difficult to install because
resin gel times require speedy
installations. Require tight drill
holes for proper mixing of
cartridges. Deeper drilling is
required. Clean, dry and
nonporous drill holes are required.
Rock Anchoring System
Required Rock depth and diameter
is reduced substantially as
strength is not obtained by
bonding or frictional contact. The
anchor being set into the rock
directly utilizes its full strength.
Required hole diameter is only
from 1 to 3 inches greater than the
diameter of the tendon.
Installation not complicated and is
accomplished with a minimal
amount of equipment and time.
The Rock Anchoring & Foundation System
Comparisons to Present Art
Illustration 2
Rock
Rock
Rock
Soi l s
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