
Introduction
In construction and mining, ground conditions are rarely ideal. Loose soils, fractured rock, and water-bearing layers can make traditional anchoring methods slow, risky, and expensive. Enter the self-drilling anchor system (SDA)—a high-performance solution that combines drilling, grouting, and anchoring into one efficient process, saving time while enhancing safety.
What Is a Self-Drilling Anchor System?
A self-drilling anchor system is a hollow, threaded steel bar with a sacrificial drill bit at the tip. During installation, the bar is rotated into the ground while grout is injected through its core. This eliminates the need for pre-drilling or casing, making it ideal for unstable or collapsing ground.
Key Components
Hollow Anchor Rod: Functions as both drill rod and anchor
Drill Bit: Penetrates the ground and remains embedded
Couplers: Extend the system for deeper installations
Bearing Plate & Nut: Provide surface support and tensioning
Grouting System: Bonds the anchor to the surrounding material
Why Choose SDA Systems?
One-Step Installation: Drill, grout, and anchor in a single operation
No Pre-Drilling Needed: Perfect for loose or saturated soils
High Load Capacity: Grouted anchors provide excellent bond strength
Versatile: Works in soft soils, fractured rock, and mixed ground
Efficient: Reduces labor, equipment, and installation time
Applications
Tunnel face stabilization
Slope and embankment reinforcement
Soil nailing and retaining walls
Foundation underpinning and micropiles
Mining drift and shaft support
Ground improvement and seismic retrofitting
Trusted SDA Manufacturers
: Offers a complete SDA portfolio with R-type and T-type threads, dynamic bolt options, and accessories for tunneling, mining, and civil works
: Specializes in API-standard hollow bars, patented couplings, and drill bits engineered for global geological conditions
: A China-based manufacturer with over a decade of experience in SDA systems, offering customizable solutions for complex formations
Conclusion
The self-drilling anchor system is more than a product—it’s a strategic tool for modern geotechnical engineering. With its ability to perform in the most difficult ground conditions, SDA technology is helping engineers build safer, faster, and smarter—one anchor at a time.