The foundation of the urbanized world is built on the infrastructure it is built on. Villages are transforming into towns and towns are progressing to become cities. For this renovation of the civilization, the modern techniques which are used for construction work are largely to be credited. The advancements in the civil engineering and material manufacturing have rendered mankind able to construct concrete marvels in each and every terrain. In order to achieve structural stability, construction workers are required to use different kinds of techniques. One of such techniques which is popularly used in ‘Rock Anchoring’ which is largely used by excavation contractors. In this article we will discuss what rock anchoring is, its purpose, types and the method of doing it.

What is Rock anchoring?
In order to grasp the concept of rock anchoring, one needs to understand what rock anchors are. A Rock anchor is a high strength steel tendon which is placed along with a stressing anchorage on one end, whereas a means for transferring force to the grout & rock on the other end. A hole is drilled of a proper length and diameter, after which the rock anchor tendon is inserted & fixed to the rock. In order to to a successful rock anchoring, one must know certain factors such as the service life of an anchor, design load per anchor, type of the soil & rock which will be encountered with respect to depth, undrained shear strength & bulk density at different depths and permeability of rock among other things.

What is the purpose of Rock Anchoring?
The main purpose of rock anchoring is to stabilize the foundation of the construction and avoid its movement. Several factors such as hydrostatic pressure, wind loads, seismic activities among others, can induce an uplifting force on the foundation. It can endanger the constructional integrity of the structure. Apart from the rock anchors are also installed to keep in check the tilting of Piles in situations like shoring systems for resisting active and passive earth pressure.

Types of Rock Anchors:
Rock anchors are of two kinds:
1. Prestressed Rock Anchors
2. Passive Rock Anchors

A.Materials Required:
1. For the process of rock anchoring following materials are required:
2. Bearing Plate
3. Rock anchors of your choice
4. Drill and drilling bits
5. Grouting material
6. Restraining bolt
7. Tendon
8. Anchor Head
9. Bolts

How to do rock anchoring?
The process of rock anchoring is decided based on what kind of structure is required to be anchored. If the structure in question is a rather large such as a bridge or dams, the preferred method of anchoring is passive rock anchoring. Thus it is absolutely important to gauge the size, wight and other factors mentioned above before starting the process of rock anchoring. The general steps to be followed for rock anchoring are listed below:
1. Drilling the Hole
2. Injecting the Grout
3. Inserting threaded sheathed rock anchors
4. Installing Bearing Plate
5. Tensing the anchor

Rock anchoring is a very crucial process which requires expert professionals to be done successfully.