Method and device for performing ground anchorage

• US 5,992,103 A
• Filed: 03/06/1997
• Issued: 11/30/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Steve Johansson, Torbjorn Norman
• Original Assignee: Steve Johansson, Torbjorn Norman
• Inventors: Johansson, Steve, Norman, Torbjorn
• Primary Examiner(s): Friedman, Carl D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Yip, Winnie S.
• Application Number:
  US08/811,765
• Time in Patent Office: 999 Days
• Field of Search: 52/155, 52/158, 52/166, 52/741.14, 52/745.21, 52/156, 405/244, 405/249, 405/259.1, 175/286
• US Class Current: 52/155
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 5/805 with deformable anchoring members

Abstract

Method and arrangement for anchorage in the soil by means of a ground anchor (1) in the form of a tube (2) in which at least two axial slots (3a, 3b) are arranged along at least one region of a tube wall in a part of the tube which is to be driven into the soil. This tube (2) is driven into the soil by cooperating with a pike (4) which is arranged in the tube (2) and which, after the tube has been driven in, is removed therefrom. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the tube (2) in at least one region with axial slots (3a, 3b) is subjected to a radial load by means of a tool (5) which is sunk into the tube and which is actuated so as to exert a controllable expansion of the tube is brought about in this region. The tool is removed from the tube when a predetermined degree of expansion has been attained.

Claims

1. A method of anchoring in ground using a tubular ground anchor having at least two axial slots disposed along at least one region of a wall thereof that is to be driven into the ground, the method comprising:

arranging a pike within the tubular ground anchor and driving the tubular ground anchor into the ground with the pike within the tubular ground anchor;

removing the pike from the tubular ground anchor after the tubular ground anchor has been driven into the ground;

placing a tool within the tubular ground anchor, the tool being actuatable so as to apply a controllable radial load on the wall of the tubular ground anchor;

applying a radial load to the wall of the tubular ground anchor in the region of the two axial slots using the tool, the radial load being sufficient to bring about a controlled expansion of the tubular ground anchor in the region of the two axial slots; and

removing the tool from the tubular ground anchor when a predetermined degree of expansion has been attained.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tube comprises at least two of said regions, each said region having at least two of said axial slots, and further comprising applying the radial load in each said region.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising measuring data concerning the expansion, and using the measured data to provide a preliminary geotechnical evaluation of the properties of the ground.

4. A ground anchor system, comprising:

a tube having upper and lower ends and at least two axial slots formed in a wall that defines the tube along at least one region of the tube that is to be driven into the ground, the tube being open over its entire length between the upper and lower ends;

a pike sized for removable disposition within the tube to aid in driving the tube into the ground, the pike including an upper end and a lower, pointed end, the upper end of the pike adapted to be operatively fixed to the upper end of the tube and the lower, pointed end projects out of the lower end of the tube when the upper ends of the pike and the tube are fixed together; and

a tool sized for removable disposition within the tube, the tool including means for applying a controllable radial load to at least two opposite points on the interior of the tube adjacent the axial slots to thereby bring about a controlled expansion of the tube in the at least one region.

5. The ground anchor system according to claim 4, wherein the tube comprises at least two of said regions, each said region having at least two of said axial slots.