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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
ANCHOR ARRANGEMENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2023/021476
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A bolt or anchor 10 typically used in a rock body 14. The anchor 10 comprises an internal gripping formation with which the anchor can be fixed relative to the rock body 14. Moreover, the anchor 10 comprises an elongate body 20 which is configured for, in use, being received at least partially within a hole 12 in the rock body 14. The anchor 10 also comprises an internal fixing arrangement 30 which comprises a substance 32 which is received within a containing arrangement 34. In use, the containing arrangement 34 is arranged within the hole 12. An activating arrangement 36 is provided and configured for, in use, actuating the containing arrangement 34 and causing the internal fixing arrangement 30 to engage with the hole, thereby causing the elongate body 14 to become fixed within the hole 12.

Inventors:
MASITISE MARTIN NARE (ZA)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2022/057795
Publication Date:
February 23, 2023
Filing Date:
August 19, 2022
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
MOHLALEFI PTY LTD (ZA)
International Classes:
E21D20/02; E02D5/00; E21D20/00
Foreign References:
US20090191007A12009-07-30
US20110194902A12011-08-11
US20120034035A12012-02-09
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SPOOR & FISHER et al. (ZA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . An anchor arrangement for a solid body, the anchor arrangement comprising: an elongate body configured for, in use, being received at least partially within a hole in the solid body; an internal fixing arrangement comprising a substance received within a containing arrangement, the containing arrangement in use arranged within the hole; and an activating arrangement configured for, in use, actuating the containing arrangement and causing the internal fixing arrangement to engage with the hole, thereby causing the elongate body to become fixed within the hole.

2. The anchor arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the elongate body is substantially cylindrical, wherein a first end of the anchor arrangement is, operatively advanced into the hole, and wherein a second end of the elongate body operatively protrudes from the hole beyond an outer surface of the solid body.

3. The anchor arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the activating arrangement is configured operatively to exert an axial force, directly or indirectly, on the containing arrangement, thereby to actuate the containing arrangement.

4. The anchor arrangement according to claim 3, wherein a second end portion of the elongate body comprises an outer thread configured in a first directional orientation.

5. The anchor arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the activating arrangement comprises an actuating body, comprising an inner thread configured in the first directional orientation and operatively received on the outer thread of the second end portion of the elongate body, and wherein, an operative torque applied, directly or indirectly, to the actuating body causes same to be displaced along the threaded second portion of the elongate body, thereby, directly or indirectly, to actuate the containing arrangement.

6. The anchor arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the actuating body comprises an actuating nut.

7. The anchor arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the actuating body comprises a tubular barrel, including a transfer arrangement for driving the tubular barrel. 8. The anchor arrangement according to claim 7, wherein tubular barrel has an outer diameter which is smaller than the hole, and wherein the tubular barrel is configured to extend, at least partially, into the hole, in use.

9. The anchor arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the transfer arrangement comprises a hexagonal or square driving head.

10. The anchor arrangement according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the tubular barrel and the transfer arrangement are separate components and wherein a torque limiting arrangement is provided between the tubular barrel and the transfer arrangement to allow a torque below a predetermined magnitude to be transferred from the transfer arrangement to the tubular barrel.

11. The anchor arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the torque limiting arrangement comprises one or more shear pins provided between the tubular barrel and the transfer arrangement.

12. The anchor arrangement according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein tubular barrel comprises an outer thread configured in the first directional orientation, wherein the transfer arrangement comprises an inner thread configured in the first directional orientation and received on the outer thread of the tubular barrel, and wherein a torque applied in the first directional orientation exceeding the predetermined magnitude allows the transfer arrangement to overcome the torque limiting arrangement, following which interaction with the outer thread of the tubular barrel, causes the transfer arrangement to be displaced relative to the tubular barrel until an axial load is transferred between the anchor and the solid body, to create tension in the anchor arrangement.

13. The anchor arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the activating arrangement further comprises a contact body received between the actuating body and the containing arrangement, which contact body comprises a contact surface shaped to engage the containing arrangement, in use.

14. The anchor arrangement according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein a second end of the elongate body is associated with a counter-moment arrangement. 15. The anchor arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the counter-moment arrangement comprises a locknut arrangement received on a reduced-diameter portion towards the second end of the elongate body.

16. The anchor arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the locknut arrangement comprises a nut and lockring assembly, fixed by a torque-limiting arrangement.

17. The anchor arrangement according to claim 16, wherein relative rotation between the lockring and the elongate body is inhibited by interference between cooperating surfaces on the lockring and the elongate body, and wherein relative rotation between the lockring and nut is inhibited when the torque-limiting arrangement is intact.

18. The anchor arrangement according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the reduced-diameter portion comprises an outer thread which is configured in a second directional orientation, and wherein the nut comprises an inner thread which is configured in the second directional orientation.

19. The anchor arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the containing arrangement is dimensioned operatively to be received completely within the hole without any portion thereof protruding beyond an outer surface of the solid body.

20. The anchor arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the containing arrangement is arranged at least partially between an internal sidewall of the hole and the elongate body.

21 . The anchor arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the substance comprises a setting compound in the form of one of a cementitious material, a powder, a dry grout, a resin, or an epoxy resin, and wherein actuating the containing arrangement causes the setting compound to become set, thereby engaging with the hole and causing the elongate body to become fixed within the hole.

22. The anchor arrangement according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the containing arrangement takes the form of a grout pack, receptacle, enclosure, sleeve, sock, or bag within which the substance is received in use. 21 The anchor arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the containing arrangement is manufactured from a water-permeable fabric or textile material. The anchor arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the material from which the containing arrangement is manufactured, is configured operatively to allow water to penetrate therethrough and into the containing arrangement to contact the substance, when the internal fixing arrangement is operatively submerged in water. The anchor arrangement according to claim 23 or 24, wherein a permeability, size and shape of the material from which the containing arrangement is manufactured, is selected to allow a suitable amount of water to penetrate the containing arrangement to allow for a predetermined water to substance ratio. The anchor arrangement according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the elongate body is operatively received within, surrounded by, or wrapped by the internal fixing arrangement along at least a portion of a length of the elongate body. The anchor arrangement according to claim 26, wherein an outer dimension of the anchor, once the elongate body is received within, surrounded by, or wrapped by the internal fixing arrangement, is smaller than a diameter of the hole, to allow the anchor arrangement to be, at least partially, advanced into the hole. The anchor arrangement according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein a first end of the elongate body is associated with a locking body, selected from a list comprising a nut, washer, plate, collar, collet, and shoulder, which locking body is provided operatively for limiting or inhibiting axial displacement of the internal fixing arrangement relative to the elongate body and/or for providing back-pressure in the internal fixing arrangement when same is engaged by the activating arrangement. The anchor arrangement according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the activating arrangement is configured operatively to engage the internal fixing arrangement by directly or indirectly exerting a pressure on a portion of the internal fixing arrangement, thereby to cause the substance to become pressurised within the hole and causing the elongate body to become fixed within the hole and relative to the solid body. 22 The anchor arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the internal fixing arrangement comprises a thin-walled vessel, having a first end operatively arranged within the hole, and a second end attached to the elongate body by way of one of welding or other mechanical attachment. The anchor arrangement according to claim 30, wherein the thin-walled vessel takes the form of an expandable, plastically deformable, thin-walled pressure vessel. The anchor arrangement according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein the first end of the thin-walled vessel comprises an opening through which the vessel may be prefilled with the substance before installation and wherein the opening is provided with a closure. The anchor arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate body takes the form of one of a rock bolt and a cable. The anchor arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a breather passage extends axially and/or centrally along a portion of the elongate body. The anchor arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a bearing plate which is operatively received over the elongate body and in contact with solid body. A method of installing an anchor arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, in a hole of a solid body, the method comprising the steps of:

A) arranging, within the hole, an internal fixing arrangement and at least part of an elongate body of the anchor arrangement;

B) utilising an activating arrangement to actuate a containing arrangement of the internal fixing arrangement, causing the internal fixing arrangement to engage with the hole, thereby fixing the anchor arrangement within the hole. The method of according to claim 36, wherein step A) is preceded by the step of creating a blind hole in the solid body. The method of claim 36 or 37, wherein step A) comprises at least some of the sub-steps of: arranging the internal fixing arrangement between an internal surface of the hole and at least a portion of the elongate body; 23 immersing the internal fixing arrangement in water; arranging the internal fixing arrangement at least partially around the elongate body; and advancing a first end of the elongate body into the hole.

39. The method of claim 36 or 37, wherein: step A) comprises at least some of the sub-steps of: providing a substance through an opening into a thin-walled vessel associated with the anchor arrangement; closing the opening with a closure; and step B) furthermore comprises the step of: exerting a force on the thin-walled vessel thereby to increase a pressure within the thin-walled vessel and/or causing an expansion of the thin-walled vessel.

40. The method of any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein step B) comprises at least some of the sub-steps of: providing a bearing plate over a second end of the elongate body; providing a contact body over the second end of the elongate body and advancing same along the elongate body until an engagement surface thereof contacts the internal fixing arrangement; threading an actuating body with a transfer arrangement forming part of the activating arrangement onto the second end portion of the elongate body; providing a torque to the transfer arrangement, thereby causing the actuating body directly or indirectly to engage the internal fixing arrangement; causing the torque applied via the transfer arrangement to the actuating body to become limited; supplying a tightening moment or torque to the transfer arrangement; and causing the tightening moment or torque to become limited.

Description:
ANCHOR ARRANGEMENT

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a bolt or anchor typically used in a rock body. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an anchor with an internal gripping formation with which the anchor can be fixed relative to the rock body.

Bolts are ubiquitously used to stabilise rock bodies, especially exposed rock bodies created after excavation, such as in underground mining areas, tunnels, or generally on general rock faces where rock fall may pose threats to persons or infrastructure.

One known form of rock bolt comprises a hydraulically expansible rock bolt. These bolts comprise thin-walled steel vessels which are folded and allowed to expand under internally applied hydraulic pressure. Once expanded, friction is created between the bolt and an internal surface of a hole in the rock body. The diameter of the vessel therefore increases when a pressure is applied internally. The outer surface of the vessel may also become shaped commensurate with an internal profile of the inner surface of the hole, improving the ability to grip.

Bolts of this kind, however, are associated with certain drawbacks including, among others:

- the need to pump grout into the vessel after installation, which adds a further step and requires further equipment during installation;

- the need to provide an end anchor; a lack of uniform pretension on the bolt;

- corrosion associated with the water used to pressurise the vessel; high pressure pumping of water requires equipment in remote locations; positive seals or high-pressure non-return valves are required to retain integrity.

A need exists for an improved anchor or bolt arrangement with which at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks may be alleviated. It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an anchor arrangement and a method of installing an anchor arrangement that will, at least partially, address the above disadvantages. It is also an object of the invention to provide an anchor arrangement and a method of installing an anchor arrangement which will provide useful alternatives to existing anchor arrangements and methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided an anchor arrangement for a solid body, the anchor arrangement comprising: an elongate body configured for, in use, being received at least partially within a hole in the solid body; an internal fixing arrangement comprising a substance received within a containing arrangement, the containing arrangement in use arranged within the hole; and an activating arrangement configured for, in use, actuating the containing arrangement and causing the internal fixing arrangement to engage with the hole, thereby causing the elongate body to become fixed within the hole.

The elongate body may be substantially cylindrical. A first end of the anchor arrangement may operatively be advanced into the hole. The first end of the anchor arrangement may be a first end of the elongate body. A second end of the elongate body may operatively protrude from the hole beyond an outer surface of the solid body.

The activating arrangement may be configured, operatively, to exert an axial force, directly or indirectly, on the containing arrangement, thereby to actuate the containing arrangement.

A second end portion of the elongate body comprises an outer thread configured in a first directional orientation.

The activating arrangement may comprise an actuating body, which may have an inner thread configured in the first directional orientation which may, operatively, be received on the outer thread of the second end portion of the elongate body. In use, when a torque is applied, directly or indirectly, to the actuating body, the torque may cause same to be displaced along the threaded second portion of the elongate body, thereby, directly or indirectly, to actuate the containing arrangement.

The actuating body may comprise an actuating nut.

Alternatively, the actuating body may comprise a tubular barrel, which may be provided with, or which may otherwise include a transfer arrangement for driving the tubular barrel. The tubular barrel may have an outer diameter which may be smaller than the hole. The tubular barrel may be configured to extend, at least partially, into the hole, in use.

The transfer arrangement may comprise a hexagonal or square driving head.

The tubular barrel and the transfer arrangement may comprise separate components. A torque limiting arrangement may be provided between the tubular barrel and the transfer arrangement to allow a torque below a predetermined magnitude to be transferred from the transfer arrangement to the tubular barrel.

The torque limiting arrangement may comprise one or more shear pins provided between the tubular barrel and the transfer arrangement. A torque larger than the predetermined magnitude may cause the one or more shear pins to shear, thereby preventing the torque to be transferred from the transfer arrangement to the tubular barrel.

The tubular barrel may comprise an outer thread configured in the first directional orientation. The transfer arrangement may comprise an inner thread configured in the first directional orientation and may be received on the outer thread of the tubular barrel. A torque applied in the first directional orientation exceeding the predetermined magnitude may allow the transfer arrangement to overcome the torque limiting arrangement, following which interaction with the outer thread of the tubular barrel, may cause the transfer arrangement to be displaced relative to the tubular barrel until an axial load is transferred between the anchor and the solid body, to create tension in the anchor arrangement.

The activating arrangement may further comprise a contact body received between the actuating body and the containing arrangement. The contact body may comprise a contact surface shaped to engage the containing arrangement, in use.

A second end of the elongate body may be associated with a counter-moment arrangement. The counter-moment arrangement may comprise a locknut arrangement received on a reduced- diameter portion towards the second end of the elongate body. The locknut arrangement may comprise a nut and lockring assembly, fixed by a torque-limiting arrangement. Relative rotation between the lockring and the elongate body may be inhibited by interference between cooperating surfaces on the lockring and the elongate body. Relative rotation between the lockring and nut may be inhibited when the torque-limiting arrangement is intact. The reduced-diameter portion may comprise an outer thread which may be configured in a second directional orientation. The nut may comprise an inner thread which may be configured in the second directional orientation.

The containing arrangement may be dimensioned operatively to be received completely within the hole without any portion thereof protruding beyond an outer surface of the solid body.

The containing arrangement may be arranged at least partially between an internal sidewall of the hole and the elongate body.

The substance may comprise a setting compound in the form of one of a cementitious material, a powder, a dry grout, a resin, or an epoxy resin. Actuating the containing arrangement may cause the setting compound to expand and to become set, thereby engaging with the hole and causing the elongate body to become fixed within the hole.

The containing arrangement may take the form of a grout pack, receptacle, enclosure, sleeve, sock, or bag within which the substance is received in use.

The containing arrangement may be manufactured from a water-permeable fabric or textile material. The material from which the containing arrangement is manufactured, may be configured operatively to allow water to penetrate therethrough and into the containing arrangement to contact the substance, when the internal fixing arrangement is operatively submerged in water. A permeability, size and shape of the material from which the containing arrangement is manufactured, may be selected to allow a suitable amount of water to penetrate the containing arrangement to allow for a predetermined water to substance or water to compound ratio.

The elongate body may operatively be received within, surrounded by, or wrapped by the internal fixing arrangement along at least a portion of a length of the elongate body.

An outer dimension of the anchor, once the elongate body is received within, surrounded by, or wrapped by the internal fixing arrangement, may be smaller than a diameter of the hole, to allow the anchor arrangement to be, at least partially, advanced into the hole.

A first end of the elongate body may be associated with a locking body, selected from a list comprising a nut, washer, plate, collar, collet, and shoulder. The locking body may be provided operatively for limiting or inhibiting axial displacement of the internal fixing arrangement relative to the elongate body and/or for providing back-pressure in the internal fixing arrangement when same is engaged by the activating arrangement.

The activating arrangement may be configured operatively to engage the internal fixing arrangement by directly or indirectly exerting a pressure on a portion of the internal fixing arrangement. In this way, the substance may be caused to become pressurised within the hole and the elongate body may become fixed within the hole and relative to the solid body.

The internal fixing arrangement may comprise a thin-walled vessel, having a first end operatively arranged within the hole, and a second end which may be attached to the elongate body by way of welding or other suitable mechanical attachment.

The thin-walled vessel may take the form of an expandable, plastically deformable, thin-walled pressure vessel.

The first end of the thin-walled vessel may comprise an opening through which the vessel may be prefilled with the substance before installation. The opening may be provided with a closure.

The elongate body may take the form of one of a rock bolt and a cable.

A breather passage may extend axially and/or centrally along a portion of the elongate body.

A bearing plate may operatively be received over the elongate body and may be brought in contact with the solid body.

The substance may be setting compound. The hole may be a blind hole. The solid body may be a rock body having a face or outer facing surface.

Alternatively, the contact body may be integrally formed with the tubular sleeve or barrel.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing an anchor arrangement in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in a hole of a solid body, the method comprising the steps of:

A) arranging, within the hole, an internal fixing arrangement and at least part of an elongate body of the anchor arrangement; B) utilising an activating arrangement to actuate a containing arrangement of the internal fixing arrangement, causing the internal fixing arrangement to engage with the hole, thereby fixing the anchor arrangement within the hole.

Step A) may be preceded by the step of creating a blind hole in the solid body.

Step A) may comprise at least some of the sub-steps of: arranging the internal fixing arrangement between an internal surface of the hole and at least a portion of the elongate body; immersing the internal fixing arrangement in water; arranging the internal fixing arrangement at least partially around the elongate body; and advancing a first end of the elongate body into the hole.

Step A) may furthermore comprise at least some of the sub-steps of: providing a substance through an opening into a thin-walled vessel associated with the anchor arrangement; closing the opening with a closure.

Step B) may furthermore comprise the step of: exerting a force on the thin-walled vessel thereby to increase a pressure within the thinwalled vessel and/or causing an expansion of the thin-walled vessel.

Step B) may comprise at least some of the sub-steps of: providing a bearing plate over a second end of the elongate body; providing a contact body over the second end of the elongate body and advancing same along the elongate body until an engagement surface thereof contacts the internal fixing arrangement; threading an actuating body with a transfer arrangement forming part of the activating arrangement onto the second end portion of the elongate body; providing a torque to the transfer arrangement, thereby causing the actuating body directly or indirectly to engage the internal fixing arrangement; causing the torque applied via the transfer arrangement to the actuating body to become limited; supplying a tightening moment or torque to the transfer arrangement; and causing the tightening moment or torque to become limited. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a partial enlarged sectioned side view of a portion of an anchor arrangement in accordance with the invention, a portion of which protruding from a blind hole in a sold body such as a rock body;

Figure 2 shows a detailed sectioned side view of an end portion of the anchor arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a sectioned side view of the anchor arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a sectioned side view of an internal fixing arrangement of the anchor arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a detailed exploded view of a portion of the anchor arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the anchor arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a sectioned side view of an anchor arrangement according to a further example embodiment of the invention, in which internal pressure is indicated by arrows; and

Figure 8 shows a further sectioned side view of the anchor arrangement of Figure 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", "engaged" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "engaged" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

Throughout this specification, including all portions thereof a first directional orientation of a thread will be taken to mean either of a right-hand thread or a left-hand thread, while a second directional orientation of a thread will be taken to mean the other one of the right-hand or left-hand thread. The first and second directional orientations of thread are therefore opposite directional orientations. It will also be understood that an external thread of a first directional orientation is configured to interact with an internal thread of a first directional orientation, whereas an external thread of a second directional orientation is configured to interact with an internal thread of a second directional orientation.

Furthermore, throughout this disclosure, including all parts thereof, a “first direction” will be taken to refer to a specific one of a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, when used in relation to an applied moment or torque. A “second direction” will be taken to refer to the other one of the clockwise or anticlockwise directions, when used in relation to an applied moment or torque. The first and second directions are therefore opposite rotational directions in this context.

In the context of the present disclosure, “threads” or “threaded portions” refer to helical screw threads cut into a body to allow a screwing action between two interacting threads (such as an inner thread and a cooperating or interacting outer thread) on two interacting bodies. The term “threads” therefore does not refer to strands, wires or the like that form a cable or rope, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Referring to figures 1 to 6, in which like numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting first example of an anchor arrangement in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The anchor arrangement 10 is provided for being fixed within a hole 12, which is typically a blind hole, within a solid body 14. The solid body 14, typically takes the form of a rock body, but may also take the form of concrete or the like. The solid body 14 has an outer surface 16, such as a rock face. The hole 12 has an inner surface 18.

The anchor arrangement 10 includes an elongate body 20, as shown in figures 1 to 6 in the form of a cable. The elongate body 20 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface and may take alternative forms such as elongate rods or bolts, with threads or other shoulder formations to improve fixation. An internal breather channel 22 or externally fitted breather pipe may be provided along at least a part of the length of the elongate body 20 to allow air to escape from the hole 12 in use.

Throughout the remainder of this disclosure, “cable 20” will be taken to refer to the elongate body 20 and features of the cable 20 will be taken to be applicable to any alternative form of elongate body that may optionally be used. Such optional and alternative uses and forms are therefore taken to form part of the present disclosure, even though not explicitly described.

The cable 20 has a first end 24 which leads the cable 20 into the hole 12 when the cable 20 is advanced into the hole during installation. The cable 20 also has a second end 26. The second end 26 is associated with a second end portion 28, which comprises an outer thread having a first directional orientation.

As shown in the figures, the configuration of the anchor arrangement 10 is such that not only the second end 26, but also at least a portion of the second end portion 28 of the cable 20 protrudes from, and therefore out of, the hole 12, and therefore beyond the surface 16. The anchor arrangement also comprises an internal fixing arrangement 30.

“Internal” in the sense used with reference to the fixing arrangement 30 refers to the fact that the fixing effected by the fixing arrangement occurs on an inside of the hole 12, and therefore “internal” in this context does not refer to the inside of the anchor arrangement 10 itself, or even the inside of the cable 20.

The internal fixing arrangement 30 comprises a substance, in this example in the form of a setting medium, material, or compound 32 and a containing arrangement 34 within which the setting compound 32 is received. Alternative substances, such as discussed more fully below, may also be provided where applicable.

As will be discussed more fully below, the internal fixing arrangement 30 is, in use, arranged at least partially between the inner surface or sidewall 18 of the hole 12 and the cable 20, and therefore inside of the hole 12.

The anchor arrangement 10 furthermore includes an activating or actuating arrangement 36. As discussed more fully below, in use, the activating arrangement 36 directly or indirectly engages with or actuates the internal fixing arrangement 30, and more particularly, the containing arrangement 34, thereby causing the setting compound 32 to engage with the hole, resulting in the cable 20 becoming fixed within the hole 12. This is typically achieved by the actuating arrangement 36 directly or indirectly exerting a force or pressure on the fixing arrangement. In cases where the substance comprises a setting compound, the actuation of the internal fixing arrangement 30 or the containing arrangement 34 may result in the setting compound becoming set.

The internal fixing arrangement 30 may take various forms, such as, for example, a grout pack. Typically, the setting compound 32 is a fast-setting cementitious material or a grout. That said, other suitable fast setting materials, such as epoxy resin and the like, may also be used and are therefore incorporated herein. Before use, such as during transportation or storage, the setting compound 32 is dry or unmixed. When using a grout, the setting compound may therefore have a powdery or granular consistency. For the remainder of the disclosure of this embodiment, the substance will be taken to be a setting compound in the form of a grout. The containing arrangement 34 may also take various forms, such as, for example, a closed bag, a closed sleeve, a tube, a sock, or the like. Typically, the containing arrangement 34 is manufactured from a permeable or foraminous fabric or textile material, which allows water to penetrate or flow into the containing arrangement 34 and become mixed with the setting compound 32. As more fully discussed below, the internal fixing arrangement 30 is immersed in water before being inserted into the hole 12. The permeability, size, shape, and configuration of the containing arrangement 34 is selected to allow a suitable or sufficient amount of water to enter into the containing arrangement 34 to allow for a suitable or sufficient setting compound to water ratio which will result in proper setting of the setting compound. Immersion of the containing arrangement 34 in water may allow the setting compound 32 to become saturated with water. Alternatively, water may be added to the containing arrangement through an opening. Further alternatively, an empty containing arrangement may be provided and a setting compound (of any form disclosed herein) may be added to the containing arrangement on-site.

In use, after the fixing arrangement 30 has been immersed in the water, and before the anchor arrangement 10 is inserted into the hole 12, the fixing arrangement 30 is arranged relative to the cable 20 such that a portion of the cable 20 (typically, a portion that is received inside the hole 12 in use) is surrounded, covered, wrapped by, or received within the fixing arrangement 30. Naturally, since the anchor 10 needs to be inserted into the hole, an outer dimension of the anchor 10 (in other words, a maximum outer dimension of the cable 20 and fixing arrangement 30) is smaller than the diameter of the hole 12, such that the anchor arrangement 10 can be inserted into the hole 12 without interference. Also as shown in the figures, in use, the fixing arrangement 30 does not protrude out of the hole 12 and therefore, no part of the fixing arrangement 30 extends beyond the surface 16.

The first end 24 of the cable 20 is associated with a locking body 38. The locking body 38 is provided for limiting the extent to which the fixing arrangement 30 can be axially displaced relative to the cable 20. The locking body 38 is fixed relative to the cable 20 and has an outer diameter which is close to the same as the diameter of the hole 12. The locking body 38 is therefore provided to provide back-pressure in use, when a pressure is applied to the internal fixing arrangement 30 by means of the activating or actuating arrangement 36. The locking body 38 may take various forms, such as a lock nut with or without a washer or contact plate, a collar, a collet, or any other shoulder formed towards the first end 24 of the cable 20.

The pressure provided by the activating or actuating arrangement 36 causes the setting compound 32 to become set, or at least, accelerates the setting process. The pressure provided by the activating or actuating arrangement 36 also causes the setting compound to expand and substantially fill the hole 12 (at least in a radial direction), and therefore make contact between the inner surface 18 of the hole 12 and the cable 20. A chemical bond may also be formed between the setting compound 32 and the inner surface 18 of the hole and between the setting compound 32 and the cable 20. Therefore, by way of gripping and/or positive pressure and/or chemical bonding, the internal fixing arrangement causes the cable 20 to become fixed within the hole 12.

The activating or actuating arrangement 36 exerts a pressure on the fixing arrangement 30, by making contact with the fixing arrangement 30 and by being axially displaced relative to the cable 20. It will be appreciated that the contact made here may be direct or indirect contact.

Typically, the activating or actuating arrangement 36 comprises a contact body 40 which has a contact or engagement surface 42 for directly contacting the containing arrangement 34 in use. The contact body 40 is a tubular sleeve, washer, plate or generally ring-shaped body with an internal diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cable 20, such that the contact body 40 can slide over the second portion 28 without interfering with the external thread. An outer diameter of the contact body 40, on the other hand, is small enough to allow the contact body 40 to be received in the hole 12 without interference. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments which are not shown, the contact body 40 may be omitted.

The activating or actuating arrangement 36 further includes an actuating body, which may take various forms. In the figures, the actuating body comprises a barrel 44 which also takes the form of a tubular sleeve. A first or leading end 46 of the barrel 44 contacts the contact body 40, in use, and actuates same by exerting an axial force thereon.

The barrel 44 has an internal thread in the first directional orientation, which is configured to interact with the external thread of the second portion 28 of the cable 20. Therefore, a torque applied to the barrel 44 (assuming a suitable counter-moment (as discussed more fully below) is applied to the cable 20) causes interaction between the internal thread of the barrel 44 and the external thread of the second portion 28, allowing the barrel 44 to be displaced axially relative to the cable 20 thereby to exert the actuating force on the contact body 40. This, in turn, translates into a pressure exerted on the fixing arrangement 30.

The barrel 44 also has an outer diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the hole 12, to allow at least the first end of the barrel 44 to extend into the hole 12. In some cases, however, the contact body 40 may have a length such that a portion thereof will protrude from the hole 12, in which case, the barrel 44 need not or cannot enter the hole 12 in use.

The barrel 44 also has external thread which is also configured in the first directional orientation. An actuating body, here in the form of an actuating nut 48 is received on the outer thread of the barrel 44. However, initially, relative displacement between the actuating nut 48 and the barrel 44 is inhibited, typically, by means of a shear pin 50 extending between the actuating nut 48 and the barrel 44. Other forms of inhibiting means (not shown) may also be used. Before the shear pin 50 has sheared, a torque or moment exerted on the actuating nut 48 is therefore translated or transferred to the barrel 44, and the actuating nut 48 therefore acts as a driving head. Therefore, rotation of the actuating nut 48 causes a rotation of the barrel 44, which, as discussed above, actuates the contact body 40. The anchor 10, in this configuration, is shown in figure 1.

In some cases, the actuating body and transfer arrangement may be integrally formed. Necessary adaptations to the anchor 10 will be required in such cases.

It will be appreciated that, as more and more pressure is applied to the internal fixing arrangement 30, the torque applied to the actuating nut 48 will increase, until a predetermined pressure, which is associated with a predetermined torque, is reached. The shear pin 50 is designed and selected to shear when the predetermined torque is reached.

Once the shear pin 50 has sheared, no more torque (or at least no more than a negligible amount of torque in the circumstances) is transferred from the actuating nut 48 to the barrel 44. Therefore, a torque applied to the actuating nut 48 now causes same to be displaced relative to the barrel 44 (by way of interaction between threads of the actuating nut 48 and the external threads of the barrel 44), while the barrel 44 remains stationary relative to the cable 20 (again, provided a suitable counter-moment (as discussed more fully below) is applied to the cable). The barrel 44 is now in its final position, and locks the contact body 40 in position, thereby ensuring that the pressure within the internal fixing arrangement is maintained.

This predetermined pressure and torque is associated with a situation in which the setting compound 32 has sufficiently become set or has sufficiently cured.

A bearing plate 52 is received over the second portion 28 of the cable 20 and contacts the outer surface 16. An internal hole 54 of the bearing plate has a diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the barrel 44. As the actuating nut 48 advances further along the barrel 44, contact is eventually made with the bearing plate 52 (as shown in figure 2, where the bearing plate 52 includes a load indicator). Now, torque exerted on the actuating nut 48 causes an axial force and therefore pressure to be exerted on the bearing plate 52, in turn causing tension within the cable 20. This tension may be associated with a required and predetermined amount of pretension required during installation of the anchor 10.

The second end 26 of the cable 20 is associated with a counter-moment lock nut 56. It will be appreciated that this counter-moment lock nut 56 can take various forms. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the counter-moment lock nut 56 comprises a first nut 58 with an internal thread configured in the second directional orientation, and which is received on a reduced- diameter portion 60 of the cable 20, which has an external thread which is also configured in the second directional orientation. The counter-moment lock nut 56 also comprises a lock ring 62 which is inhibited from rotating relative to the cable 20, such as by way of interaction between shoulders 64. Shear pins 66 extend between the first nut 58 and the lock ring 62. Again, the shear pins 66 are configured to shear when a predetermined torque is applied to the first nut 58. Again, alternative torque limiting means, other than shearing pins or a separate lock ring may be provided.

It will be appreciated that, in use, the counter-moment lock nut 56 is used to create a countermoment, when a moment is exerted on the actuating nut 48 (and especially, before the internal fixing arrangement is fixed within the hole, which, in itself, will also be able to provide a countermoment). A torquing device (not shown) with a first and second axially spaced socket may be used for this purpose.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the predetermined torque associated with the shearing of the shear pins 66 exceeds the predetermined torque associated with the shearing of the shear pin 50. The shear pin 50 will therefore shear before the shear pins 66.

Typically, the predetermined torque associated with the shearing of the shear pins 66, is associated with a predetermined axial tension created by interaction between the actuating nut 48 and the bearing plate 52. The shearing pins 66 are therefore provided to prevent over tensioning of the cable 20 once installed.

Torque-limiting arrangements taking forms other than that of shear pins may also be used. It will be appreciated that the locking body 38 and the contact body 40 at least partially seals the setting compound in place, in use, in a confined area. Furthermore, the containing arrangement 34 may also inhibit the grout, at least to an extent, from escaping this confined area. Because of this, further external valves or sealing arrangements may not be necessary.

An expansion unit of the known kind may be provided towards the first end 24 of the cable 20 and used to further fix the cable 20 in the hole 20.

An alternative version of the anchor arrangement is shown in figures 7 and 8 and designated by reference numeral 100. In many respects, the anchor arrangement 100 is similar to the anchor arrangement 10. Therefore, only differences between the two variations will be discussed in detail herein. Like numerals will be taken to refer to like features with like character and function as disclosed in respect of the anchor arrangement 10.

The anchor arrangement 100 comprises a thin-walled vessel 102. The thin-walled vessel 102 may take the form of an expandable pressure vessel. The thin-walled vessel 102 has a first end 104 which is arranged towards the blind end of the hole 12, and a second end 106. The first end 104 is provided with an opening which is not shown, and through which the substance, such as a setting compound 32 is provided into the vessel before being inserted into the hole 12. The opening is provided with a cover or closure 108. The elongate body 20 extends from the second end 106 and may be fixed thereto such as by way of welding or other mechanical fixing mechanisms. The elongate body 20 may again take the form of a cable 20.

It will be appreciated in this variation, that the elongate body does not extend the whole length of the hole 12, but rather, that the thin-walled vessel 102 constitutes a large portion of the elongate body that extends within the hole 12. A diameter or other dimension of the thin-walled vessel 102 is capable of expanding when an internal pressure is applied to the thin-walled vessel 102. It will be appreciated that the cable 20 may in some cases extend at least partially within the thin-walled vessel 102.

The activating arrangement 36 also includes a contact body, this time in the form of a pressure washer 110, which therefore replaces the contact body 40. The pressure washer 110 has a contact area or surface 112 which is configured in use to make contact with the thin-walled vessel 102 and to exert a force on an outer surface of the thin-walled vessel 102. As shown in figure 7, the contact surface of the pressure washer 1 10 comprises a tapering surface. Contact surfaces with other shapes are also conceivable. Therefore, axial displacement of the pressure washer 110 relative to the thin-walled vessel 102 in the direction of the blind hole may cause an interaction with the thin-walled vessel 102 which may be likened with a peristaltic or squeezing action. Since the opening at the first end 104 is closed by the closure 108, a volume within the thin-walled vessel 102 is fixed, which means that interaction by the pressure washer 110 causes an increase in pressure within the thin-walled vessel 102.

An increase in pressure within the thin-walled vessel 102 is associated with expansion of the thinwalled vessel 102 and therefore a gripping force being exerted between the thin-walled vessel 102 and the hole 12. An outer surface of the thin-walled vessel may have a rough or textured surface finish, to increase contact friction between same and the hole. Furthermore, the increasing pressure within the thin-walled vessel 102 causes the setting compound, which again may take the form of grout, to become set.

The pressure washer 110 is activated or actuated by the barrel 44 in similar fashion as was described above. This will therefore not be repeated here.

It is believed that the anchor arrangements (10, 100) will provide various advantages over the prior art. For example, with reference to the anchor arrangement 10 there is no need to pump grout into a vessel after installation. Furthermore, it is believed that a more uniform pretension can be achieved on the cable 20.

With reference to anchor arrangement 100, water is not required to cause the grout to solidify which prevents corrosion of the thin-walled vessel 102. Furthermore, no equipment used to pump water at high pressures are required while no non-return valves are required to retain pressure within the vessel 102. Furthermore, sealing only needs to be provided until the grout sets.

It will be appreciated that many of these advantages are realised by the specific use of the activating arrangement which allows a torque to be converted into a linear force, or a pressure, applied to the internal fixing arrangement.

It will be appreciated that the above description only provides an example embodiment of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of the invention. For example, the contact body may, in some cases, be integrally formed with the barrel 44. Furthermore, in another example which is not shown, the contact body may be long enough to extend from the hole 12, and the barrel 44 may be replaced by a nut. Other torque-limiting means may in such cases be provided. Yet further alternatively, the barrel 44 may include an integral gripping or torque transfer arrangement. Again, in such cases, alternative torque-limiting means may be provided.

In one variation of the embodiment shown in figures 7 and 8, which variation is not necessarily a preferred embodiment, the substance with which the vessel 102 is filled, may be water. In such a case, actuation of the thin-walled vessel 102 causes an increase of pressure of the water within the vessel, which in turn causes the vessel to expand and engage with the hole. Therefore, even though water is used in such a variation, the need to provide high pressure water externally to allow the vessel to expand, is obviated, again because of the use of the activating arrangement. The water may, after such expansion, be drained and the vessel may be filled with a setting compound.

It is easily understood from the present application that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.