Helical Anchor Spin-Drilling Grouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing helical anchors in soft terrain and subsurface soils face limitations in grout distribution and removal for repair or replacement, with conventional pressure grouting resulting in concentrated grout configurations and inability to reverse drill for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A helical anchor system that allows simultaneous spin drilling and pressure grouting with a continuous grouting configuration, featuring hollow pipe sections interconnected by helical couplers with grout holes only in the couplers, enabling well-distributed grouting and partial or complete removal of the anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pressure grouting is used after helical anchor installation, then grout can be injected into the anchor, but the grout distribution becomes concentrated rather than continuous and well-distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The helical anchor is divided into multiple pipe sections connected by couplers, with grout holes positioned at specific locations in the couplers. This segmentation allows grout to be injected at multiple points along the anchor length, creating continuous grout distribution rather than concentrated injection zones. The segmented structure enables controlled grout flow through each section while maintaining overall continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The couplers are pre-configured with grout holes during manufacturing, positioning the grout injection points before the actual grouting operation. This preliminary preparation ensures that grout will be distributed continuously along the anchor length as it is injected, eliminating the need for complex injection patterns during installation.
2Reliability
If helical anchors are installed in soft terrain and subsurface soils, then soil anchoring capability is achieved, but the anchors cannot be removed for repair or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The helical anchor system transitions from a static, permanent installation to a dynamic, reversible system. The pipe sections with threaded connections and couplers can be rotated and removed from the ground after installation. This dynamic capability allows the anchor to be extracted and replaced if needed, while maintaining reliable soil anchoring during service through the helical discs that engage with the subsurface soils.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is segmented into multiple removable pipe sections connected by couplers. This modular segmentation allows individual sections to be removed or replaced without affecting the entire anchor system. The segmented structure enables selective removal of damaged sections while leaving intact sections in the ground, facilitating repair and replacement operations.
3Quantity of substance
If grout holes are placed in the pipe sections, then grout can be injected, but the tensile strength of the pipe sections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Grout holes are positioned in the couplers rather than the pipe sections themselves. The couplers serve as separate structural elements that contain the grout holes, allowing grout injection without compromising the tensile strength of the pipe sections. This segmentation separates the grout injection function from the load-bearing pipe sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The couplers act as intermediary elements between the pipe sections and the grout injection system. Instead of directly piercing the pipe sections with grout holes, the couplers serve as intermediate structures that channel grout flow while maintaining the structural integrity and tensile strength of the pipe sections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves a continuous, well-distributed grouting configuration around the helical anchor for its entire depth, allowing for efficient soil anchoring and the ability to partially or completely remove the anchor for maintenance, enhancing structural support and flexibility in soil engagement.
Implementation Method 1
friction and mechanical force to penetrate and advance the anchor through soil layers
Implementation Method 2
forcing grout under continuous pressure into the top of the helical anchor such that grout exits grout holes in the helical anchor below ground level
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method of simultaneously spin drilling and pressure grouting a helical anchor into the ground vertically, horizontally or at an inclined angle create a continuous grouting configuration inside and outside the helical anchor for its entire depth in the ground. The helical anchor is configured to be partially or completely removed as desired and can be provided at its upper end with a tensioning element to post tension a cementitious foundation structure. A unique spin drilling and grouting assembly continuously provides grout under pressure to the interior of the helical anchor during its spin drilling into the ground. In one embodiment, the pressure grouted helical anchor is used with an upwardly extending tensioning element to reinforce cementitious foundation caps or other concrete support foundations.