The Manta Ray Anchor is a type of driven plate soil anchor used to repair or provide reactionary reinforcement to a range of man-made structures such as utility poles, walls, pipelines, scaffolding, and many other heavy duty constructions.

The versatile and cost-effective design of the Manta Ray Anchor is considered to be a pioneering innovation in the earth anchoring industry, and is widely utilised by a variety of sectors working with outdoor constructions.

Unlike other forms of anchoring technology, the use of the Manta Ray anchor does not cause a displacement of soil. Instead, when used it is designed so that soil compacts around it – eliminating the time, labour, and cost involved in removing and rehoming excess earth.

Its serrated ray-shaped tip pierces the surface soil, from which point the anchor can be machine-driven into the earth to the necessary depth. Once in place, the anchor bar is drawn upwards, rotating the inserted end of the anchor into a 90-degree angle and locking it in place.

Once secure, a gauge on the anchor can be used to measure the holding capacity. The anchor can then be proof loaded as needed.

Manta Ray anchors are crafted from galvanised ductile iron. The upper operative end is similar to the handle of a screwdriver, whilst the lower, inserting end resembles a stout, pointed garden spade, with deeply serrated edges for driving deep into the soil.

There are eight models of Manta Ray anchor, designed to resist varying tensile loads of up to 20 tons. They come in two length ranges - models B8S-03 and B8S-04 are suitable for lengths up to 20 feet, and models R61-06 to R61-09 are suitable for lengths up to 50 feet.

All Manta Ray anchors have a load locker, which enables the Manta Ray anchor to be tested to the desired holding capacity during installation procedures.

Manta Ray Anchors are required to meet the industry standard ASTM A153-2005 to deem them fit for use.

Manta Ray anchors are designed ready-made to be driven into the ground, removing the need for digging, drilling, or grouting. Their installation must be completed with the assistance of pneumatic or hydraulic machinery to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

The main machinery installation options are: a) vehicle-mounted pavement breakers; b) breakers or compactors (such as excavators, skid steer loaders, or backhoes) or c) rock drills (e.g. top hammers). Once the chosen machinery is available, the basic steps of installing a Manta Ray anchor are:

• Inserting drive steel: Drive steel is threaded into the anchor;
• Positioning anchor: Anchor is placed at the correct angle for insertion;
• Inserting anchor: Anchor is driven into the ground to the required depth;
• Removing drive steel: Drive steel is withdrawn from inserted anchor;
• Tensioning and locking: Anchor is proof loaded and then locked into place.