THE ADVANTAGES

Platipus anchors are leaders in the design and manufacture of earth anchoring systems for a wide range of engineering, utility and tree support applications. These include retaining walls, embankment/slope stabilization, erosion control, guyed structures, pipeline anchoring, root ball and guying systems for mature and semi-mature trees, to mention but a few. As a result of years of experience and a culture of continuous improvement, the current range of anchor systems outperforms conventional anchoring systems and earlier Platipus, and similar, products.

The advantages of the system accrue from some fundamental aspects of the anchor system design. These features include modifications that result in reduced driving times, shorter load lock distances and increased potential holding capacities. Some of the design improvements include: Angled Winglets, Edge Beads, Delta Drive Point and Bell Shape features (see Anchors section).

In comparison to conventional and similar products, the Platipus range has greater holding capacity, as a result of its conical profile, as illustrated.

The illustration on the left shows loading efficiency percentages for identical surface areas, by profile of anchor. As a generalization, the Platipus system can be expected to either hold greater load capacities or require fewer anchors to achieve the same load holding capacity, by comparison to alternative, similar-sized anchoring systems.





The Platipus anchoring systems are very competitive on an initial analysis of prices (particularly when the greater holding capacity inherent to its conical profile, mentioned above, is taken into account). However, there are aspects of the system itself that makes it even more cost-effective. In summary, the significant project cost savings that can be expected (in terms of time and money) could derive from a number of factors including:

• * The anchors do not require any drilling/coring of soil prior to installation. They usually involve comparatively little delay in set-up time, particularly in situations where site access is difficult.
  
  
  
• * The anchors are installed by driving (hammering) them into the soil, using either manual or powered equipment. Therefore, skilled labour is not required to install the anchors (i.e., unit labour cost for installation is low).
  
  
  
• * There are no delays in using the full anchor capacity, e.g., waiting for concrete to cure. As soon as the anchor has been installed, it can be proof loaded and the load immediately "connected".
  
  
  
• * Design enhancements mean that the anchors can be driven more quickly into the ground in a wider variety of materials. Thus, they are quick and easy to install using simple tools and plant;
  
  
  
• * The use of comparatively lightweight, portable tools facilitates travel within and between sites. Consequently, multiple anchor installations can be achieved by a crew of two over a very short period of time;
  
  
  
• * The current range of anchors requires reduced loadlock and compaction to load distances, meaning both quicker drive times and greater ease of placement in areas that have limitations on available space (e.g., boundary constraints);
  
  
  
• * As part of the system every anchor can be tested to check the actual load during the stressing process. This obviates the need to waste time/resources testing anchors to destruction to verify loads. It also reduces the chance of wasteful "overkill" in anchor usage.;
  
  
  
• * Local technical support available;
  
  
  
• * Anchoring systems can be designed and tailor-made to meet your unique applications and projects.
  
  
  

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