Self-drilling hollow anchor rods are essential components in geotechnical engineering, widely used in slope stabilization, foundation engineering, tunnel support, and underground construction. These systems are known for their versatility, efficiency, and reliability, offering tailored solutions for various application scenarios. This article provides an in-depth explanation of their working principles and anchoring methods across different engineering contexts.
1. Slope Support Principle
Slope protection is a critical application of self-drilling hollow anchor rods, particularly in geotechnical projects involving loose soil, fractured rock, or steep terrains.

Construction Process
- Drilling: The anchor rod is drilled into the slope at a specified angle and depth using a self-drilling anchor rig.
- Grouting: A grouting machine injects slurry through the hollow channel of the rod, allowing it to exit through the drill bit.
- Encapsulation: The slurry fills the voids and fractures in the surrounding rock and soil, tightly encapsulating the rod.
- Surface Anchorage: A pad and nut are installed at the surface to secure the anchor rod.
- Solidification: Once the grout hardens, the anchor rod and grout form a unified anchor body.
Mechanism
As slope deformation occurs, the anchor body resists movement through friction with the surrounding rock and soil. This prevents slope failure by stabilizing the rock mass and distributing stresses across the system.
Advantages in Slope Stabilization
- Effective in loose or fragmented geological conditions.
- Prevents surface erosion and large-scale landslides.
- Reduces maintenance costs due to its long-lasting stability.
2. Foundation Pit Support Principle
Foundation pit support requires robust systems to stabilize excavation walls, particularly in urban settings where safety and structural integrity are paramount.

Construction Process
- Drilling and Installation: The self-drilling hollow anchor rod, equipped with a drill bit, is driven into the soil using a drilling rig.
- Grouting: Cement mortar or pure cement slurry is injected through the rod’s hollow core, encapsulating it.
- Anchorage Formation: The grout solidifies, bonding the rod to the surrounding soil and creating an anchor system.
Mechanism
The anchor rod acts as a reinforcement, relying on frictional bonding with the soil. This tensioning effect stabilizes the soil and prevents deformation or collapse of the foundation walls.
Advantages in Foundation Engineering
- Supports deeper excavations with minimal disturbance to adjacent structures.
- Combines the drilling and grouting processes, reducing construction time.
- Provides high load-bearing capacity and adaptability to varying soil conditions.
3. Principle of Tunnel Advance Support
Tunnel excavation often encounters challenging geological conditions such as soft ground, fractured rock, or high water tables. Self-drilling hollow anchor rods play a crucial role in mitigating risks during tunnel construction.

Construction Process
- Drilling and Grouting: The rod is drilled into the tunnel face or roof, and grout is simultaneously injected through the hollow channel.
- Formation of Bearing Arch: The grouted rod reinforces the surrounding rock, creating a stable bearing arch.
Mechanism
The system stabilizes the rock mass by minimizing radial plastic deformation and enhancing the structural integrity of the surrounding rock. It prevents cave-ins, reduces surface settlement, and facilitates safe excavation.
Comparison with Traditional Methods
- Efficiency: Combines drilling and grouting into one operation, doubling construction speed.
- Effectiveness: Provides better reinforcement compared to traditional pipe shed supports.
- Safety: Minimizes risks associated with drill jamming or hole collapse.
Applications
- Advanced support in soft rock tunnels (Class V and VI surrounding rocks).
- Emergency stabilization in unstable tunnel sections.
- Supplementary support in conjunction with other reinforcement methods.
4. Working Principle of Prestressed Self-Drilling Hollow Anchor Rods
Prestressed self-drilling hollow anchor rods provide an advanced solution for reinforcing rock strata and improving load resistance.
Technology Overview
This system integrates self-drilling anchor rods with pre-applied tension, enhancing the rock mass’s compressive strength and overall stability.
Construction Process
- Drilling and Installation: The anchor rod is drilled into the strata using standard self-drilling techniques.
- Tensioning: The rod is tensioned to apply a compressive force to the anchored rock.
- Grouting: Grout is injected through the rod’s hollow core, forming a unified structure with the rock mass.
Mechanism
The applied tension creates a compressive stress zone around the anchored stratum, reinforcing the rock and increasing its resistance to external loads.
Applications
- Stabilization of high-stress zones in underground construction.
- Reinforcement of retaining walls and embankments.
- Long-term support for critical infrastructure.
Benefits
- Enhanced load-bearing capacity and shear resistance.
- Reduced deformation in high-stress geological environments.
- Integration with monitoring systems for real-time performance assessment.
5. Multifunctional Role of Self-Drilling Hollow Anchor Rods
Self-drilling hollow anchor rods serve several functions across different engineering projects, including:
- Suturing: Filling and binding fractured rock masses to prevent collapse.
- Beam Formation: Distributing loads uniformly to reinforce structural integrity.
- Internal Pressure: Mitigating internal stresses within the rock.
- Surrounding Rock Improvement: Enhancing the physical properties and load resistance of the surrounding rock.
Why Choose Sinorock Self-Drilling Hollow Anchor Rods?
Sinorock has been a leading player in the geotechnical anchoring industry for over 20 years. Their self-drilling hollow anchor rods stand out due to:
- High-Quality Materials: Engineered for durability and performance.
- Custom Solutions: Tailored to meet specific project requirements.
- Global Presence: Trusted by clients worldwide for various geotechnical challenges.
Sinorock’s commitment to innovation and quality ensures reliable solutions for even the most complex engineering projects. For inquiries about self-drilling hollow anchor systems, reach out to Sinorock’s expert team.
Conclusion
Self-drilling hollow anchor rods have revolutionized geotechnical engineering, offering efficient and reliable solutions for slope stabilization, foundation support, tunnel reinforcement, and more. Their multifunctionality, combined with advanced construction techniques, ensures long-term stability and safety in challenging conditions. As the industry continues to evolve, self-drilling anchor systems remain a cornerstone of modern geotechnical practices, exemplified by companies like Sinorock that continue to set the standard.
For projects requiring innovative anchoring solutions, self-drilling hollow anchor rods are indispensable tools for achieving structural integrity and geotechnical stability.