Mega Anchor Technical Data

Page 1

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Index

3
4
5
6
7
8
11
15
16

Introduction
Mega Anchor Selection Guide
Mega Anchor Fixings
Mega Anchor Product Details
Mega Anchor Technical Data
Mega Anchor Installation Instructions
Mega Anchor Bracing
Mega Anchor Retaining Walls
Mega Anchor Removal

Page 2

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Because of the mega anchors installation process, little
if any site preparation is required. Making it ideal for
steep sloping sites.
This prevents against erosion and enables the structure
to be designed to run with the natural contour of the
land. It also allows for natural ventilation underneath
assisting with cooling in warmer climates.

Mega Anchor Introduction

Mega Anchor is a simple and effective foundation
system. As an alternative to traditional foundations the
mega anchor requires no holes or concrete.
The mega anchor is an all steel mini piling system
using both the mega anchor frame configuration and
friction piles to secure the foundation in the ground.

The mega anchor is design to withstand the harshest

environments and weather conditions because of the
mega anchors geometric configuration and flexible
construction it performs brilliantly in earthquakes
cyclones and floods.

There is 3 main processes when using the mega anchor

system: Installation of the mega anchor frame using
32NB galvanised pipe.
Attaching the height adjustable riser anchor
risers are 32NB, 50NB galvanised pipe or SHS
Attaching the fixing bracket To the riser

Pile depths
Correct pile depths are crucial to ensure maximum
effectiveness of the mega anchor footing system. With
Piles depths ranging from 350mm in rock and can be
up to 6.5m if required, the average depth is 900mm to
1500mm in clay soils.

At the final stage of the manufacturing process the

mega anchor and all components are hot dipped
galvanised to provide effective long life protection in
all conditions.
When the initial anchor frame is installed the
galvanised pipe is cut to the desired height and is fully
adjustable in the anchor frame. Being adjustable makes
it easy to get the foundations perfectly level.

The depth of the piles can be indicatively calculated

after a soil test is conducted, this will determine the
site classification and type of ground.
The actual pile depth is determined by driving a test
pile on site prior to installation.
The piles are driven to practical refusal, practical
refusal is calculated by the number of blows with a
given force over a given distance. Using 45 Joules of
force as a minimum requirement to calculate practical
refusal at a rate of 10mm over 10 seconds.

Once the anchor is installed and the riser is at the

required height the riser is then fixed to the anchor
using either a Class 4 rated bolt to AS3566 or a number
of 14-20x22 to AS3566 Class 4 self drilling and tapping
screws in accordance with the design requirement.

Mega Anchor Installation

Installation
Before any Mega Anchor is installed it is required that
a test pile be driven into the ground on site to
determine the depths of the piles.

Because of the mega anchors all steel construction they

are non combustible and will not rot, warp, shrink and
are impervious to termites.

1. Into rock and natural ground

All piles are to be driven to a minimum of 350mm into
rock and 800mm into natural ground all piles need to
be driven to practical refusal.*

Mega anchors are designed to suite any type of

construction. Commercial, domestic, single and multi
story buildings.
The mega anchor is suitable for all types of ground:- CLASS 'A' - Little or no ground movement
- CLASS 'S' - Slightly reactive sites
- CLASS 'M' - Moderately reactive sites
- CLASS 'H' - Highly reactive sites
- CLASS 'E' - Extremely reactive sites
- CLASS 'P' - Problem sites

2. Into fill and unstable ground

In fill and unstable ground the piles will be driven
through the unstable ground and found at least 800mm
into natural ground and driven to practical refusal.

Page 3

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Mega Anchor Selection Guide

To determine what type of anchor you require you

will need to know the total weight of the structure
and elevation these are the two main variables
when selecting your anchors.

There are 3 types of building anchors to choose

from the standard, the heavy duty and the squat
mega anchor.

Mega anchor load capacities. Both the standard

and the heavy duty mega anchor have a load
Capacity of up to 3 tonne for both download and
uplift on a single anchor.
The uplift capacity varies depending on the length
of the piles.
The total load capacity can be increased by
increasing the amount of anchors in a selected
location.
There is a wide range of fixing brackets with the
most common being angle tops and flat tops.
See page 5 for fixing brackets.

The standard anchors is commonly used for:-Decks

-Car ports
-Single story houses
-Solar ground mount systems
-Structures with an elevation less than 1m
The heavy duty anchor is commonly used for:-Multi story buildings
- Elevated Structures
-Commercial buildings
-Long span flooring systems
-Retaining walls
-Suspended concrete floors
The squat anchor is used commonly for:-Multi story buildings
- Elevated Structures
-Commercial buildings
-Long span flooring systems
-Retaining walls
-Suspended concrete floors
-Structures that are close to the ground

Depending on the elevation of the structure

bracing may be required.
Bracing is required when the structure is
<600mm* off the ground additional bracing may
be required in high wind areas earthquake zones
and flood areas
.
There are four main types of bracing:1.
2.
3.
4.

There are 4 main factors that will determine the spacing

and layout for your anchors:1.
2.
3.
4.

Angle Bracing
Cross Bracing
Web bracing
Truss bracing

The type of bracing will vary depending on the

elevation, and anchor spacings.

Page 4

Ground classification
Wind classification
Total weight of structure
Bearer Material

Mega Anchor Technical Data

- MA7# Heavy Duty Brace Bracket
The MA7 slides over the 50NB riser
providing a fixing point for s 32NB
galvanised pipe Brace

Mega Anchor Fixings

-MA27# Heavy Duty Angle Top149

The MA27# slides over the 50NB riser
providing a solid fixing point for larger
bearers between 150mm to 200mm.

1 Fixing Brackets
There are a number of different fixing brackets for
connecting bearers and structural beams to the
anchor.

2 Riser Material

Mega Anchor Brackets:-

There are 3 main types of riser material:- MA4# Standard Angle Top
The MA4# slides over the 32NB riser
providing a solid fixing point for a range
bearers.

-32NB Galvanised Pipe

-50NB Galvanised Pipe
-75x75 Galvanised SHS

- MA5# Standard U Top

The MA5# slides over the 32NB riser
a solid fixing for vertical 90x90 timber
posts and can also be used for supporting
a range of bearers.

The riser material slides into the anchor frame and is

fixed using either Class 4 rated bolts to AS3566 or a
number of 14-20x22 to AS3566 Class 4 self drilling
and tapping screws in accordance with the design
requirement.

- MA14# Construction Bracket

The MA14# slides over the 50NB riser
providing a solid fixing pint for retaining
wall sleepers and bearers.

3 Screws & Bolts

- MA15# Heavy Duty Flat Top

The MA15# slides over the 50NB riser
providing a flat fixing pint for large
bearers and I beams.

4 Bracing

Class 4 rated bolts to AS3566 or a number of 1420x22 to AS3566 Class 4 self drilling and tapping
screws in accordance with the design requirement.

There are 2 types of brace brackets used in the mega

anchor bracing system. Depending on what type of
anchor and bracing requirement.

- MA16# Heavy Duty Angle Top

The MA16# slides over the 50NB riser
providing a solid fixing point for a range
of bearers.

The brace brackets slide over the pipe and is fixed

into position with a number of 14-20x22 to AS3566
Class 4 self drilling and tapping screws in
accordance with the design requirement.

- MA17# SHS Flat Top

The MA17# slides into 75x75 SHS
providing a flat fixing point for bearers
and beams.

The brace itself will need to be fixed at each end

with a 10mm Class 4 rated bolt to AS3566 to
ensure that the tek screws cannot sheer under
pressure.

- MA18# SHS Top Hat

The MA18# slides into the frame of the
standard anchor providing an attachment
for a 75x75 SHS riser

5 Piles
After the anchor is installed using the 32NB
galvanised pipe the pile is the fixed to the frame of
the anchor to ensure the anchor piles cannot move
through the pile guides on the frame of the anchor.

- MA23# Corner Construction Bracket

The MA23# slides over the 50NB riser
Providing a solid fixing point for retaining
wall sleepers and bearers being able to
go around corners.

Using either a Class 4 rated bolt to AS3566 or at

least 2 14-20x22 to AS3566 Class 4 self drilling and
tapping screws in accordance with the design
requirement.

- MA6# Standard Brace Bracket

The MA6# slides over the 32NB riser
providing a fixing point for s 32NB
galvanised pipe Brace
.

Page 5

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Mega Anchor Detail

MA1#
The MA1# Heavy Duty Mega Anchor is designed to support
larger heavier structures and structures that are elevated.
Utilising 50NB CHS as the riser material this material is a
heavier material than what is used in the standard anchor
providing more lateral strength.

MA2#
The MA2# Standard Mega Anchor is designed to support
lighter structures and structures that are closer to the ground
such as decks and transportable buildings. Utilising 32NB
CHS as the riser this can be a more cost effective solution in
situations where the heavy duty mega anchor is not required.

MA24#
The MA24# Squat Mega Anchor is heavy duty mega anchor
designed for structures that are meant to be low to the
ground. Utilising 50NB CHS as the riser material this
material is a heavier material than what is used in the
standard anchor providing more lateral strength.

MA3#
The MA3# Brace Mega Anchor is designed for bracing
structures in situations where is not be possible to run a
brace between 2 mega anchors.

Page 6

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Mega Anchor Technical Data

4 Bracing Capacity
This information has been collected on mega anchors
that have been installed to the design requirement
outlined in section one.

Brace
Configuration
Angle Brace
Cross Brace
Truss Brace
Web Brace

2 Uplift Capacity
Anchor
MA1#
MA2#
MA3#
MA24#

Description
Heavy Duty
Standard
Standard
Heavy Duty

Description

SWL

Heavy Duty
Standard
Standard
Heavy Duty

5KN
10KN
10KN
10KN

SWL
5KN 30KN
5KN 30KN
NA
5KN 30KN

5 Maximum Loads
To achieve maximum loads both down loads and up
loads the mega anchors will have to be installed
correctly.

3 Bearing Capacity
Anchor
MA1#
MA2#
MA3#
MA24#

Description
Heavy Duty
Standard
Standard
Heavy Duty

It is possible to increase uplift capacity by increasing

the length of the piles in different conditions and
increasing the number of anchors.

SWL
5KN 30KN
5KN 30KN
NA
5KN 30KN

It is also possible to increase the down load capacity

by either, using thicker pile and riser material and
increasing the amount of anchors to spread and share
the loads.
When the anchor is installed at its maximum possible
depth the bearing capacity of that anchor is then
reliant on the fixings and physical construction
integrity.

Page 7

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Mega Anchor Installation

1
Tools Required
1. String Line
2. Marking Paint
3. Screw Driver
4. Plumb bob or level

2
Tools Required
1. Mega Anchor Alignment tool
2. Mega Anchor Jack Hammer
Dolly
3. Electric Or Pneumatic Driver
4. Electric Or Pneumatic Drill
5. Hex Bit
6. 10mm Metal Drill Bit
7. Magnetic Sprit level
8. Screw Driver
9. String Line
10. Laser Level

Marking Out
Marking out where the anchors will go is one of the most important steps when installing anchors
because when the anchors are installed they are not easy to remove.
To determine the exact location of the anchors run a string line between 2 points measure out
where the anchors are to be placed marking the ground with marking paint then plumb down from
the line pinpointing the exact location for the anchors. Using a screw driver mark the intersection
point pushing the screw driver into the ground making a prominent hole in the ground.

Mega Anchor Installation

The installation Is divided into 4 main processes
-1 Aligning the anchor
-2 Driving the piles
-3 Fixing the piles and riser
-4 Attaching the top
1 Aligning the mega anchor.
Slide the anchor over the end of the alignment tool then put the spike of the alignment tool into
the hole marked out in step 1 using the knocker drive the point of the alignment tool into the
ground until the 1st sleeve of the alignment sits on the top of the mega anchor this will hold the
anchor and the alignment tool in place. Using a small magnetic level, move the alignment to get
the anchor plumb then use the knocker to stabilise the anchor in position.
Note:
Do not drive the anchor too far in the ground as it can make it difficult to insert the tek screws
later.

Page 8

Mega Anchor Technical Data

2 Driving the piles

Insert the 3 pre cut piles into the mega anchor guides; slide the jack hammer in to one of the piles.
Note:
Be sure to hold the alignment tool because the weight of the jack hammer can pull the anchor out
of alignment.
Drive the first 3 piles 1/3 of the way into the ground and check that the anchor is plumb and
adjust accordingly. When the 3 piles are driven half way into the ground check that the mega
anchor is plumb.
Note:
It is very important to have the anchor plumb by This point because after the piles are half way
into the ground there is little or no movement in the mega anchor.
Then remove the alignment tool and finish driving the piles into the ground until level with the
mega anchor pile guides.
Note:
All mega anchors must be installed to the design requirement

3 Fixing the piles and riser

When the piles have been installed finish the installation by drilling tek screws into the guides.
There are 4 pre drilled holes in each pile guide that mark the location for the tek screws
Note:
In some cases it may not be possible to drill through the pre drilled holes, in this case you can
drill through the pile guide.

Page 9

Mega Anchor Technical Data

When all the anchors have been installed set the height of the 2 end mega anchors. Measuring
from the ground to the required height cut the riser to the required height.
Note:
Cutting the riser material 20 30mm longer than required will make it easier to adjust to the
right height.
Slide the riser into the centre of the mega anchor, slid the top over the riser then adjust to the
required height and attach to the anchor frame using either tek screws or bolts to the design
requirement.
4 Attaching the top,
The riser is then fixed to the riser using either tek screws or bolts to the design requirement.
Note:
The tops have pre drilled holes to make it easier to attach the top.

The mega anchor installation in now finished and ready to support the bearer of your choice.

Page 10

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Mega Anchor Bracing

The mega anchor bracing system is an easy and effective bracing system utilising the mega
anchor brace brackets and brace anchor effectively bracing any structure.
There are two different sized brace brackets MA6# and MA7# the brace bracket size is
determined by the type of anchor. The brace anchor MA3# is a stand alone brace anchor that
provides bracing direct from the ground to the anchor riser.
MA3#

MA6#

MA7#

Bracing Configurations.
The brace brackets can be easily configured for angle, cross, web and truss bracing configurations
depending on your bracing requirements.
Angle Bracing. (2 bracket construction)
The angle brace is constructed by placing 1 brace bracket on each riser at the required location to
achieve an effective brace. Measure between the 2 brackets will give you the correct length for
the brace.
Note:
Tightening the bracket will make it easier to measure.
After cutting the brace make sure there are no bures on the ends of the pipe as this can make it
difficult to insert into the brace bracket sleeve. Slide one end of the brace into the brace bracket
sleeve then slide the other brace bracket up or down so that the brace fits in.
Note:
if there is not enough movement in the brackets to insert the brace you can remove the sleeve by
removing the bolt that attaches the sleeve insert the other end of the brace and the re attach.
Push down on the top brace bracket down to take up any slack in the brace then tighten bolts, The
brace is then fixed to the brace bracket using either tek screws or bolts to the design requirement.

Page 11

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Angle Bracing. (1 Bracket and brace anchor construction)
The angle brace is constructed by placing 1 brace bracket on the riser at the required location then
installing the brace anchor in the correct location to achieve an effective brace.
For the brace to be effective the location of the brace anchor will have to be calculated before it is
installed. This can be calculated by sliding the brace bracket over the riser to its required height
then measuring from the ground to centre of the brace bracket then using this measurement
measure horizontally from the base of the anchor in the required direction for the brace. This will
be the location for the brace anchor.
With the 3 measurements you can calculate the length of the brace (see example )1
After the brace has been cut to length slide the brace into the brace bracket on the riser then into
the brace anchor. Install the brace anchor by driving the 3 piles into the ground. The piles are then
fixed to the brace anchor frame using either tek screws or bolts to the design requirement.
Note:
When installing the brace anchor the middle pile must be installed first.
When the brace anchor has been installed tighten the bolts, then fix the brace to the brace bracket
and the brace bracket to the riser using either tek screws or bolts to the design requirement.
Note:
When installing the brace anchor the riser may be pushed out of plumb so before fixing the brace
bracket check that the riser is plumb.

Page 12

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Cross Brace.
The cross brace is constructed with 6 brace brackets depending on what size riser is used you will
require 6 standard building brace brackets for a 32NB riser or 4 heavy duty brace brackets and 2
standard brace brackets.
The cross brace construction is much the same as the angle brace however before the angle brace
in inserted an additional 2 standard brace bracket are slipped onto the brace.
When the angle brace is constructed there are 2 additional braces that brace off the centre of the
angle brace. Mark the centre of the angle and loosely fix the 2 brace brackets in place.
Measure between each bracket to find out the length of each brace and cut the brace to the
required length.
Slide the braces into the brace brackets completing the cross brace.
When complete tighten all bolts and fix in place with tek screws or bolts to the design
requirement.

Note:
For elevated structures above 2m high double cross bracing may be required.

Page 13

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Truss & Web Bracing

Truss and web bracing can be used in areas where angle and cross bracing may not be an option.
Truss and web bracing enable you to utilise the open spaces below your structure.
The truss brace utilises multiple brace brackets to achieve the truss and web configurations.

Page 14

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Mega Anchor Retaining Walls

The mega anchor retaining wall system is a quick and effective way to construct retaining
walls.
The Mega Anchor retaining wall system utilises the mega anchor construction brackets
MA14#, MA23# & the Mega Anchor Bracing System.
Retaining Wall Construction
1.

The anchor positions are marked out and the anchors are installed at the required
locations (see Mega Anchor Installation page 9)

2.

The risers are then cut to the required length. Then using a laser level or string line
are adjusted to the correct height and fixed to the anchor. (see Mega Anchor
Installation page 9)

3.

After the riser has been fixed simply slide the first set of construction brackets over
the risers to the required height and tec screw in place.

4.

The construction brackets provide a solid fixing point for timber concrete sleepers
or steel beams.

Note:
Depending on the height of the retaining wall bracing may be required. Be sure to calculate
where and what direction the bracing is required (see Mega Anchor Bracing page 12)
because the brace brackets will need to be inserted during the construction of the retaining
wall.

Page 15

Mega Anchor Technical Data

Mega Anchor Removal

There are 3 ways of removing the mega anchor

Removal Method 1: Mega Anchor Removal Tool.
This method of removal utilises the mega anchor removal tool this method is recommended
in cases where the anchor and the piles need to be fully removed from the site.
The Process:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Remove the tek screws that fix the pile to the anchor
Insert the end of the removal tool into the pipe
Tighten the end bit of the tool so the rubber expands griping the side of the pipe
adjust the leaver so that it is pulling on the same angle as the pipe
Press down on the leaver to remove the pile
Repeat this process for each individual pile
When removing the 3rd pile leave the pile attached as this make it easier to remove
the last pile.

Removal Method 2: Cut Off

This method of removal is a quicker easier alternative where you simply cut off the mega
anchor piles below the anchor frame.
The Process:
1. Dig around the anchor to just below the anchor frame
2. Cut each pile below the anchor frame
Removal Method 3: Pull out
This method of removal may be suitable is some situations but not recommended. The pull
out method requires heavy machinery such as an excavator, back hoe or forklift this method
can be destructive to the anchor.
The Process
1. Connect a chain to the anchor frame.
2. Connect the other end of the chain to the machinery.
3. Apply pressure until the anchor pulls out of the ground.

Page 16