What is Rock Anchor?
Definition of Rock Anchor in Construction
A mechanical process where a hole is normally drilled into the substrate and an anchor is grouted into within this drilled hole.
This process could be performed on the side of an excavation, the base of an excavation, or some other type of surface that must be supported from failing, lifting or slipping. In some cases the use of a rock anchor supports the hanging of structural cables or elements requiring a strong point of attachment. In the application of a pressure slab, where hydrostatic pressure may cause an uplift pressure under a slab on grade, rock anchors are used to hold the slab down, to ensure that the lifting pressure of the water is opposed by the ability of the rock anchor or anchors to hold down the slab.
Rock anchors can be used in numerous different engineering situations. Their use is typically used in heavy highway work as well as bridge and tunnel construction. There are specialized contractors that perform this type of work and the installation of a proper rock anchor is closely tested for strength. Engineers will require that special testing labs perform calculations and field tests on the rock anchors to ensure their structural capabilities meet the structural design requirements.