Patent ID: 9103090
Filing Date: 2015-08-11
Classification: E02D,E04H

Abstract:
1. A method of bracing a utility pole that is erected relative to a ground surface and defines a utility pole axis, the method comprising: inserting, by screwing in, an anchor drive rod below the ground surface at a non zero angle to the utility pole axis, in which the anchor drive rod is a helical pier comprising a screw, in which screwing in further comprises monitoring torque applied to the anchor drive rod during insertion and continuing insertion until the torque applied exceeds a predetermined minimum value; mounting a bracket on the utility pole at a base of the utility pole but at a position above the ground surface, the bracket being formed of a plate and a clamp secured to the plate for rotation relative to the plate, the clamp having cooperating anchor receiving parts collectively defining a passageway for receiving a portion of the anchor drive rod, the bracket being mounted on the utility pole by bolting the plate to the utility pole; rotating the clamp relative to the plate to align the passageway with the portion of the anchor drive rod; positioning the portion of the anchor drive rod within the passageway; and clamping the portion within the passageway by securing the cooperating anchor receiving parts together with fasteners; in which a portion of the utility pole is embedded within unstable soil below the ground surface, and the unstable soil is one or more of permafrost, soils with ice lensing, muskeg, soil with organics, water saturated soils, silts, peat, hog fuel, wood chips, and weak alluvial soils; in which the predetermined minimum value of torque applied to the anchor drive rod is selected to be sufficient to laterally brace the upper end of the utility pole; in which a first anchor drive rod is connected to the utility pole and extended below the ground surface parallel to the utility pole axis, the first anchor drive rod being connected at the base of the utility pole at a position above the ground surface.