EARTH ANCHORING SYSTEMS FOR COMMUNICATION & ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION

INTRODUCTION ®

Platipus have over 30 years of experience in the design, manufacture and supply of Percussion Driven Earth Anchoring solutions (PDEA’s®) for a wide variety of market sectors. The proof of our work, engineering skills and diligence speaks for itself in the comprehensive portfolio of projects and applications shown on our website.

Key Benefits of the Platipus System Our anchoring system out performs conventional methods of stay anchoring and utilizes low cost, lightweight, portable installation equipment, most of which is readily available within the industry. No excavation is necessary saving time, labour and money. No danger of working in deep unshuttered holes or with expensive earth moving equipment to establish an anchoring point. The anchor drives directly into undisturbed earth and is ready for use in a few minutes. With the use of lightweight portable tools, multiple anchor installations can be achieved by a crew of two over a very short period of time. Every anchor can be proof tested to check the actual load. A combination of cost effective anchor systems and compact installation equipment means that compared to existing methods the system will prove to be extremely advantageous.

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‘SIMPLY’ HOW A MECHANICAL ANCHOR WORKS There are three steps to the installation of an anchor system: DRIVING THE ANCHOR

REMOVING THE RODS

LOADLOCKING / SETTING

STRESS DISTRIBUTION & BEARING CAPACITY The stress distribution in front of a loaded anchor can be modelled using foundation theory. The ultimate performance of an anchor within the soil is defined by the load at which the stress concentration immediately in front of the anchor exceeds the bearing capacity of the soil. Factors that will affect the ultimate performance of the anchor include:Shear angle of the soil Size of the anchor

Granular / Non-Cohesive Soil (Based on Terzaghi’s calculation)

Depth of installation Pore water pressure

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Platipus anchors perform exceptionally well in a granular / non-cohesive soil, displaying short loadlock and extension characteristics, a broad frustum of soil immediately in front of the anchor and extremely high loads.

Soft Cohesive Soil (Based on Skempton’s calculation)

Stiff cohesive soils, such as boulder clays, can also give outstanding results. However, weaker cohesive soils, like soft alluvial clays, can result in long loadlock and extension distances and a small frustum of soil in front of the anchor. Consequently these conditions require a larger size of anchor and if possible a deeper driven depth to achieve design loads.

TYPICAL ANCHOR BEHAVIOUR LOADLOCK

COMPACTION AND LOAD

MAXIMUM LOAD RANGE

The first stage is where a load is applied to rotate the anchor into its loadlocked position. Elements of both load and extension are present.

The second stage is where the anchor system is generating a frustum of soil immediately in front of the anchor. At this point load normally increases with minimum extension. The soil type will affect the overall extension.

The third stage is where the anchor produces its ultimate load. As the anchor load approaches the bearing capacity of the soil, the rate of increase in load will reduce until bearing capacity failure of the soil takes place.

BEARING CAPACITY FAILURE

Caution: If the mechanical shear strength of the soil is exceeded, the residual load will decrease with continued extension as the anchor shears through the ground.

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THE ANCHOR SYSTEMS The Stealth Range The ‘Stealth’ anchor covers a wide range of lightweight anchoring requirements. A number of anchor systems are available for a wide range of utility applications. They are easy to install using simple hand or powered tools and are available in either aluminium alloy or galvanised spheroidal graphite cast iron. The Bat Range The ‘Bat’ anchor has been specifically designed to achieve higher loads and also enhance anchoring in soft cohesive soils. Designed to accept the T-Loc lower termination. The main advantage to this design is the flexibility it gives to on-site anchor system assembly. The range consists of three sizes available in galvanised spheroidal graphite cast iron and generally requires more powerful equipment for installation.

Anchor Type

Stealth Range

Projected Dimensions Surface Area L x W x H (mm) Square mm L x W x H (inches) (Square inch)

Materials

Typical Load Range

Minimum Driven Depth

263 x 90 x 76 (10.35 x 3.54 x 2.99)

19,555 (30.31)

Aluminium Alloy SG Cast Iron

10 - 40 kN (2200 - 8800lbs)

1.1-1.5m (3.5'-5')

B4

310 x 110 x 93 (12.2 x 4.3 x 3.6)

28,600 (44.33)

SG Cast Iron

20 - 60+ kN (4400 - 13200lbs)

1.5-2.5m (5'-8')

B6

336 x 206 x 91 (13.22 x 8.11 x 3.58)

45,500 (70.52)

SG Cast Iron

30 - 100+ kN (6600 - 22000lbs)

2-3m (6'-10')

B8

423 x 259 x 105 (16.65 x 10.19 x 4.13)

71,500 (110.82)

SG Cast Iron

50 - 150+ kN (11000 - 33000lbs)

3-4m (10'-13')

S8 BAT Range

WIRE TENDON Plastic Impregnated Wire Tendon A composite solid section of a “herringbone construction”, 7 x 7 galvanised steel wire tendon and black ultraviolet inhibited polyethylene. The herringbone construction creates larger voids between the strands which enables deep impregnation of plastic, locking the cover and preventing stripping. It also reduces capillary action of water entering the wire tendon if damage to the covering penetrates through to the steel wires. The wire effectively withstands abrasion and abusive treatment. It is also highly resistant to extreme soil conditions and does not require external greasing or painting resulting in considerable savings on maintenance costs.

SOIL/AIR INTERFACE The Soil Air Interface is the area above and below the natural ground level where wire tendon corrosion is most likely to occur. It is an area greatly affected by moisture levels, certain bacteria, temperatures, oxygen levels and PH levels. An increase in corrosion can also occur if this area is exposed to agricultural fertilizers, animal excrement and any chemicals with excessive PH levels. Non aggressive soils with PH levels between 6.5 and 7.5 have little effect on the wire tendon. Further down in the ground the wire tendon is surrounded by compacted soil which reduces its vulnerability to all of these elements and the chance of corrosion. 4

COMMUNICATIONS The need to communicate 24/7 is now an essential part of everyday life. Whether it is by telephone, data or radio transmission we use all types of equipment to stay in touch wherever we are in the world. Platipus offers a range of standard anchor systems that can be used to secure a variety of communication equipment including telecom poles, mobile satellites, antennas and masts. Their simplicity and speed of installation make them ideal solution in a temporary or permanent capacity.

Telecom Poles / Stays

Mobile Satellites

Antennas & Masts

ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION Industrial growth, an ever increasing population and the need to utilise renewable energy have put huge stresses on electricity distribution worldwide. As a result, distribution networks are in constant need of upgrade or refurbishment to handle the demand. Platipus have specifically engineered a range of anchor systems for distribution applications including electricity poles/stays, power line crossings, tower refurbishment / replacement and conductor restringing. All anchor systems can be quickly deployed and immediately proof tested to an exact holding capacity using simple portable equipment.

Electricity Poles / Stays

Power Line Crossings

Refurbishment / Replacement of Towers

Conductor Restringing 5

INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT Most anchor systems can be installed using simple hand or powered tools in a matter of minutes. The systems are versatile and extremely useful when anchoring in situations with difficult access (i.e. hedgerows, steep banks, alongside walls) with minimum disturbance to the surroundings and no requirement for shuttering.

LOADLOCKING/PROOF TESTING Using either manual or powered equipment all anchor systems can be loadlocked and proof tested in a few minutes. Due to the shape of the anchor and the offset position of the wire tendon, when a load is applied, the anchor will rotate in the ground by up to 90° and loadlock. The distance an anchor travels through the ground will vary depending on soil type and condition. The Platipus system gives positive and accurate loadings, effectively removing the guesswork normally associated with traditional methods.

TOOLS We offer a full range of equipment to install and loadlock all anchor systems. We have an extensive range of one piece or multi-piece drive rod sets to suit all applications and most breakers. All hand and powered loadlocking equipment are of our own design and have been tried and tested in the industry for many years.

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Case Study EMERGENCY RESTORATION PYLON SYSTEM PROJECT SPECIFICATION The installation of a sophisticated, mobile and fully prefabricated emergency restoration pylon system. The temporary pylons enabled a replacement tower to be constructed without interrupting electrical supply along the 380kV 4-conductor line. An ultimate load of 40kN was required for each anchor point. The total number of guys per tower ranged between 8 - 12 depending on the tower type and height.

SOLUTION Cast iron Bat anchors with galvanized double leg wire ropes each terminated at the top with a galvanized hard eye. Double leg systems allow the wires to be removed once the pylon has been dismantled. Anchor Components Cast Iron Bat Anchor

Galvanised Steel Hard Eyes

Galvanised Steel Wire Tendon

Main Advantages Cost effective alternative to traditional anchoring methods Fast simple installation using lightweight portable equipment Instant proof tested anchor points in a matter of minutes Compact and easily transportable system

INSTALL THE ANCHOR

REMOVE THE RODS

LOADLOCK THE ANCHOR

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Case Study POWER LINE CROSSING, GLASGOW Client: Scottish Power Main Contractor: Interserve Anchor Installer: Complete Access Ltd

PROJECT SPECIFICATION To protect the vehicles travelling along this section of the busy M73 motorway while essential maintenance and replacement works were carried out to the overhead power lines a scaffolding structure carrying a safety net was erected.

SOLUTION The scaffolding towers were erected in the field area beyond the hard shoulder of both carriageways. To provide support and prevent overturning anchors were installed and secured to the structures.

Anchor System: S85 aluminium alloy anchor c/w 1.5m of 8mm Ø galvanised steel wire tendon, large soft eye, single leg system. Quantity: 32

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Anchor Design Life: 5yrs

Soil Type: Greenfield

TELECOM POLE ANCHOR INSTALLATION ALL SAFE DIGGING PRACTICES MUST BE FOLLOWED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF AN ANCHOR. ALL UNDERGROUND SERVICES MUST BE LOCATED PRIOR TO INSTALLING AN ANCHOR. ALWAYS USE TWO PEOPLE TO LIFT THE BREAKER. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY EQUIPMENT, ESPECIALLY GLOVES AND EAR DEFENDERS WHEN USING THE BREAKER.

1. Connect the shank and drive end using the 2. Insert the tip of the drive end into the 3. Insert the shank into the breaker and lock coupler. Drive rods, couplers and shank anchor and position the anchor at the point of in place. entry into the ground. are left hand thread.

4. Caution! Two man lift. Raise the breaker to the intended angle of the stay and begin driving the anchor into the ground until the top of the coupler just reaches ground level. .

5. Caution! Two man lift. Lift the breaker from the shank. Do not pull the drive rod up out of the anchor as relocation may be impossible.

6. Attach a second drive rod and coupler between the original drive end and shank. Caution! Rods and couplers may be very hot. Wear gloves.

The anchor must now be ‘loadlocked’ into its working position.

7. Caution! Two man lift. Lift the breaker onto the shank and continue driving the anchor until the protective sleeving just reaches ground level. This will leave the top eye approximately 150mm above ground level. Driving the anchor past this point can make loadlocking difficult.

8. Caution! Two man lift. Remove the breaker 9. Ensure the loadlock jack is set to the same from the shank and using the rod removers, angle as the stay (Usually 60°). withdraw the drive rods from the ground. Caution! Rods and couplers may be very hot. Wear gloves. In reasonable ground the installation process should not take more than 3-4 minutes. In very hard ground up to 10 minutes may be needed.

10. Connect the jack to the top eye of the anchor using the shackle and with the jack's direction lever in the 'up' position, operate the jack to apply a load to the anchor.

11. The anchor will rotate through the ground into its loadlocked or working position. This will normally take an anchor bodies length (approximately 250mm). Once the anchor has reached its working position the load will be felt on the jack.

12. Move the jack's direction lever to the 'down' position and operate the jack to lower it. Caution! Once the load has been released, the jack will drop to its lowest position. Disconnect the jack from the anchor. The anchor can now be put into service. 260413

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ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION! All underground services must be located prior to installation of an a n c h o r. U s e t w o people to lift the hydraulic hammer. SAFETY! We a r s a f e t y clothing, especially ear defenders when using the hydraulic hammer.

Pole

Shank Anchor

Coupler Drive End

Connect the shank and drive end using the coupler. NOTE: Drive rods, couplers and shank are left hand thread.

Insert the round tip of the drive end into the ground anchor and position the anchor at the point of entry into the ground facing away from the pole.

Chuck

Shank

Hydraulic Hammer

Insert the shank into the hammer chuck and lock in place.

STOP

Raise the hammer to the intended angle of the stay and begin driving the anchor into the ground at this angle until the top of the coupler just reaches ground level. Replace the hammer on the shank and continue driving the ground anchor until the protective sleeving just reaches ground level. CAUTION! DRIVING THE GROUND ANCHOR PAST THIS POINT CAN MAKE LOADLOCKING DIFFICULT.

NOTE: In reasonable ground the above process should not take more than 6-8 minutes. In very hard ground up to 20 minutes may be needed. In hard soil conditions a MINIMUM depth of 1.5 drive rod lengths must be reached.

Pull the drive rods out of the ground. CAUTION! RODS AND COUPLERS MAY BE VERY HOT.

Remove the hammer from the shank.

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Lift the hammer from the shank. DO NOT PULL THE DRIVE ROD UP OUT OF THE ANCHOR. RELOCATION MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE. Attach another drive rod and coupler between the original drive end and shank.

When the rods have been removed the ground anchor must be ‘ loadlocked’ into its working position.

Once driving has been completed the drive rods are removed by an upward pull of the hammer. If the rods do not break free immediately then pulling up on the hammer while pressing the trigger will creep the rods up and out of the ground anchor.

The PLATIPUS ground anchor must be LOADLOCKED and proof loaded before attaching the backstay. LOADLOCKING INSTRUCTIONS ARE OVERLEAF.

ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION LOADLOCKING INSTRUCTIONS THE LOADLOCKING PROCEDURE IS TO BE PERFORMED BY ONE OPERATOR ONLY. Joystick

Safety Pin

Load gauge

Hydraulic Power Connectors

Base

Basepin & Safety pin

Loadpin & Safety pin

Turret

The SJ2 hydraulic powered loadlocking unit in the ‘stowed’ position. CAUTION!! LOADING THE UNIT IN THIS POSITION WILL SEVERELY DAMAGE IT.

Remove the basepin from the loadlocking unit base and lift the turret to the intended angle of the backstay. Replace the basepin through the base and the wheel to lock the turret in position. ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY PIN IS SECURELY ON THE BASEPIN.

Guidewheel

Place the loadlocking unit over the anchor eye with the turret pointing to the pole and the tendon in front of the guide wheel.

Ensure that flow from the power pack is OFF before connecting the hydraulic hoses to the loadlocking unit. With the flow ON the turret can be inched up to align the lowest available hole with the anchor eye by pushing the joystick to the right and then forward a small amount.

Turnbuckle

CAUTION! Where a turnbuckle is fitted it must hang below the turret pin otherwise damage may result.

Push the turret pin through the lowest available hole and engage the anchor eye. Fit the safety pin. Ensure that the anchor tendon sits in the ‘V’ of the guide wheel.

With the flow from the power pack ON gently push the joystick to the right and then forward to extend the turret. Ensure that the tendon remains within the ‘V’ of the guide wheel. The ground anchor will pull up into its LOADLOCKED position. Extend the turret until the required proof load is shown on the gauge.

ST OP

If the proof load is not reached in one full travel of the turret pull the joystick back to release the pressure. Remove the turret pin. Pull joystick back again and return the turret to its start position. Pin the anchor eye through a higher hole, replace the safety pin and push the joystick forward to continue loadlocking the ground anchor.

Do not pull the anchor eye more than two full extensions of the loadlocking unit (i.e. 600mm max.) The unit will not exceed 35kN. This is the maximum proof load permitted.

On completion of loadlocking, release the pressure, remove the turret pin and return the turret to its starting position. Switch off the flow from the power pack and uncouple the hoses. Lift the loadlocking unit over the tendon and return the unit to its stowed position. Secure both pins.

260413 CRF281

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We are pleased to operate the necessary standards to maintain ISO 9001 for both our QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN SYSTEMS

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PDEA , ARGS and ARVS are Registered Trademarks of Platipus Anchors. 210716

T: Toll Free (USA): (866) 752-8478 T: (919) 662-0991 E: [email protected]