Patent Publication Number: US-2023151576-A1

Title: Ground anchoring apparatus and method

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This International PCT application claims prior to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/004,783, filed Apr. 3, 2020, entitled “GROUND ANCHOR AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURE,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
     This invention was made with government support under EEC-1449501 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The government has certain rights in the invention. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Ground anchors are used in civil engineering applications to couple structures such as retaining walls, soldier pile walls, contiguous pile walls, or sheet pile walls as well as building structures or bridge structures to a ground surface or section and to transfer loads to the ground. A ground opening is formed in the ground surface, and the ground anchor is inserted into the ground opening. The openings can be made tens of feet (e.g., greater than 10 feet) to hundreds of feet below the ground surface. Then, the unfilled ground opening is typically filled with backfill. 
     Existing ground anchors typically include cylindrical critical surface geometry structure over which shear strength is exerted. The structure is generally placed at the end of a long shaft. Existing ground anchors alternatively use helical structures. 
     Furthermore, in some situations in which underground space is limited, the length of traditional ground anchors may not provide enough capacity for a desired application. 
     There is a benefit to having ground anchors with increased capacity relative to the ground anchors&#39; length. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various implementations include a ground anchoring apparatus. The ground anchoring apparatus include a first longitudinal body, a first retaining member, a second retaining member, and a first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies. The first longitudinal body has a central axis. The first retaining member (e.g., collar, wall of the stressing element) is rigidly coupled to a portion of the first longitudinal body. The second retaining member is movably coupled (e.g., slidably coupled) to the first longitudinal body. Each of the one or more expanding linkage assemblies of the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies includes a first linkage member and a second linkage member. The first linkage member has a first portion and a second portion opposite and spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion of the first linkage member is rotatably coupled to the first retaining member. The second linkage member has a third portion and a fourth portion opposite and spaced apart from the third portion. The fourth portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second retaining member. The third portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second portion of the first linkage member. The first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second retaining member is closer to the first retaining member and the third portion of the second linkage member is further from the central axis in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus further includes a second longitudinal body having an engagement surface that abuts the second retaining member to move the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. In some implementations, the second longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end opposite and spaced apart from the proximal end. The proximal end of the second longitudinal body defines a central bore extending to the distal end. The central bore is sized such that the first longitudinal body is slidingly disposable within the central bore. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus further includes a jack for causing the second longitudinal body to move toward the first retaining member when the engagement surface of the second longitudinal body abuts the second retaining member. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body includes an outer threaded portion and the jack includes an inner threaded portion. The inner threaded portion is configured to engage the outer threaded portion such that rotation of the inner threaded portion of the jack about the central axis causes the jack to move axially along the first longitudinal body. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus further includes one or more centralizers. Each of the one or more centralizers includes a resilient body defining a centralizer opening. The resilient body is biased toward a first centralizer position in which the centralizer opening has a first diameter and the resilient body is urgable toward a second centralizer position in which the centralizer opening has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter. In some implementations, the resilient body includes a first body end, a second body end opposite and spaced apart from the first body end, and one or more resilient slats extending between the first body end and the second body end. A portion of the one or more resilient slats at least partially defines the centralizer opening. In some implementations, the second diameter is sized such that the second longitudinal body is slidingly disposable within the centralizer opening. The first diameter is sized such that the first longitudinal body is slidingly disposable within the centralizer opening. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end opposite and spaced apart from the proximal end. The one or more centralizers include at least a first centralizer and a second centralizer, wherein the first centralizer is tethered to the first retaining member or a portion of the first longitudinal body between the first retaining member and the distal end of the first longitudinal body, and wherein the second centralizer is tethered to the first centralizer and to a portion of the first longitudinal body between the second longitudinal body and the proximal end of the first longitudinal body. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus further includes a lock for preventing the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies from moving from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. 
     In some implementations, the first linkage member has a length as measured from the first portion to the second portion and the second linkage member has a length as measured from the third portion to the fourth portion. The length of the second linkage member is longer than the length of the first linkage member. 
     In some implementations, the first longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end opposite and spaced apart from the proximal end. The first retaining member is rigidly coupled adjacent the distal end of the first longitudinal body. 
     In some implementations, the first portion of the first linkage member is rotatably coupled to the first retaining member by a first hinge, and the fourth portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second retaining member by a second hinge. 
     In some implementations, each of the one or more second linkage members further includes a linkage cover coupled to the second linkage member. The linkage cover has a width that is greater than a width of the second linkage member. 
     In some implementations, the first retaining member and the second retaining member each include an annular body and one or more flanges. The annular body defines an opening sized such that the first longitudinal body is disposable within the opening. Each of the one or more flanges extends radially from the annular body. The one or more flanges of the first retaining member are rotatably coupled to the first portion of the first linkage member and the one or more flanges of the second retaining member are rotatably coupled to the fourth portion of the second linkage member of one of the one or more expanding linkage assemblies. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus further includes a third retaining member, a fourth retaining member, and a second set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies. The third retaining member is rigidly coupled to another portion of the first longitudinal body. The fourth retaining member is movably coupled to the first longitudinal body. Each of the one or more expanding linkage assemblies includes a first linkage member and a second linkage member. The first linkage member has a first portion and a second portion opposite and spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion of the first linkage member is rotatably coupled to the first retaining member. The second linkage member has a third portion and a fourth portion opposite and spaced apart from the third portion. The fourth portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second retaining member. The third portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second portion of the first linkage member. The second set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second retaining member is closer to the first retaining member and the third portion of the second linkage member is further from the central axis in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration. 
     In some implementations, the second retaining member is disposed closer to the third retaining member than to the fourth retaining member, and the second retaining member is axially spaced apart from the third retaining member. 
     In some implementations, the one or more expanding linkage assemblies includes two or more expanding linkage assemblies. In some implementations, the two or more expanding linkage assemblies includes three or more expanding linkage assemblies. In some implementations, the two or more expanding linkage assemblies includes six or more expanding linkage assemblies. 
     In some implementations, the first longitudinal body comprises metal. 
     In some implementations, the first longitudinal body can withstand at least a 5,000-pound tensile load. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body can withstand at least a 5,000-pound compressive load. 
     Various implementations include a method of using a ground anchoring apparatus. The method includes disposing a ground anchoring apparatus within a ground opening, disposing a backfill within the ground opening, and causing the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The ground anchoring apparatus include a first longitudinal body, a first retaining member, a second retaining member, and a first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies. The first longitudinal body has a central axis. The first retaining member (e.g., collar, wall of the stressing element) is rigidly coupled to a portion of the first longitudinal body. The second retaining member is movably coupled (e.g., slidably coupled) to the first longitudinal body. Each of the one or more expanding linkage assemblies of the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies includes a first linkage member and a second linkage member. The first linkage member has a first portion and a second portion opposite and spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion of the first linkage member is rotatably coupled to the first retaining member. The second linkage member has a third portion and a fourth portion opposite and spaced apart from the third portion. The fourth portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second retaining member. The third portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second portion of the first linkage member. The first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second retaining member is closer to the first retaining member and the third portion of the second linkage member is further from the central axis in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration. 
     In some implementations, the method further includes forming the ground opening. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring system further includes a second longitudinal body having an engagement surface and causing the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration includes disposing the second longitudinal body within the ground opening and abutting the engagement surface against the second retaining member and moving the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. In some implementations, the second longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end opposite and spaced apart from the proximal end. The proximal end of the second longitudinal body defines a central bore extending to the distal end. The first longitudinal body is slidingly disposes within the central bore. 
     In some implementations, the method further includes removing the second longitudinal body from the ground opening after causing the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring system further includes a jack and causing the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration includes using the jack to cause the second longitudinal body to move toward the first retaining member when the engagement surface of the second longitudinal body is abutting the second retaining member. 
     In some implementations, the first longitudinal body includes an outer threaded portion and the jack includes an inner threaded portion. The inner threaded portion is configured to engage the outer threaded portion such that rotation of the inner threaded portion of the jack about the central axis causes the jack to move axially along the first longitudinal body. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring system further includes one or more centralizers. Each of the one or more centralizers includes a resilient body defining a centralizer opening. The first longitudinal body is disposed within the centralizer opening. The resilient body is biased toward a first centralizer position in which the centralizer opening has a first diameter and the resilient body is urgable toward a second centralizer position in which the centralizer opening has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter. In some implementations, the resilient body includes a first body end, a second body end opposite and spaced apart from the first body end, and one or more resilient slats extending between the first body end and the second body end. A portion of the one or more resilient slats at least partially defines the centralizer opening. In some implementations, the second diameter is sized such that the second longitudinal body is disposed within the centralizer opening, and the first diameter is sized such that the first longitudinal body is slidingly disposable within the centralizer opening. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end opposite and spaced apart from the proximal end. The one or more centralizers include at least a first centralizer and a second centralizer. The first centralizer is tethered to the first retaining member or a portion of the first longitudinal body between the first retaining member and the distal end of the first longitudinal body, and the second centralizer is tethered to the first centralizer and to a portion of the first longitudinal body between the second longitudinal body and the proximal end of the first longitudinal body. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus further includes a lock for preventing the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies from moving from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. 
     In some implementations, the first linkage member has a length as measured from the first portion to the second portion and the second linkage member has a length as measured from the third portion to the fourth portion. The length of the second linkage member is longer than the length of the first linkage member. 
     In some implementations, the first longitudinal body has a proximal end and a distal end opposite and spaced apart from the proximal end. The first retaining member is rigidly coupled adjacent the distal end of the first longitudinal body. 
     In some implementations, the first portion of the first linkage member is rotatably coupled to the first retaining member by a first hinge, and the fourth portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second retaining member by a second hinge. 
     In some implementations, each of the one or more second linkage members further include a linkage cover coupled to the second linkage member. The linkage cover has a width that is greater than a width of the second linkage member. 
     In some implementations, the first retaining member and the second retaining member each include an annular body and one or more flanges. The annular body defines an opening sized such that the first longitudinal body is disposable within the opening. Each of the one or more flanges extends radially from the annular body. The one or more flanges of the first retaining member are rotatably coupled to the first portion of the first linkage member and the one or more flanges of the second retaining member are rotatably coupled to the fourth portion of the second linkage member of one of the one or more expanding linkage assemblies. 
     In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus further includes a third retaining member, a fourth retaining member, and a second set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies. The third retaining member is rigidly coupled to another portion of the first longitudinal body. The fourth retaining member is movably coupled to the first longitudinal body. Each of the one or more expanding linkage assemblies of the second set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies includes a first linkage member and a second linkage member. The first linkage member has a first portion and a second portion opposite and spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion of the first linkage member is rotatably coupled to the first retaining member. The second linkage member has a third portion and a fourth portion opposite and spaced apart from the third portion. The fourth portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second retaining member. The third portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second portion of the first linkage member. The second set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second retaining member is closer to the first retaining member and the third portion of the second linkage member is further from the central axis in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration. The method further includes causing the second set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. 
     In some implementations, the second retaining member is disposed closer to the third retaining member than to the fourth retaining member, and the second retaining member is axially spaced apart from the third retaining member. 
     In some implementations, the one or more expanding linkage assemblies includes two or more expanding linkage assemblies. In some implementations, the two or more expanding linkage assemblies includes three or more expanding linkage assemblies. In some implementations, the two or more expanding linkage assemblies includes six or more expanding linkage assemblies. 
     In some implementations, the first longitudinal body comprises metal. 
     In some implementations, the first longitudinal body can withstand at least a 5,000-pound tensile load. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body can withstand at least a 5,000-pound compressive load. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Example features and implementations are disclosed in the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a side view of a ground anchoring apparatus in a collapsed configuration, according to one implementation. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a side view of the ground anchoring apparatus of  FIG.  1 A  in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG.  2    is a detail perspective view of a first retaining member of the ground anchoring apparatus of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  3    is a detail perspective view of the set of expanding linkage assemblies of the ground anchoring apparatus of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of the set of expanding linkage assemblies of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5 A  is a side view of the ground anchoring apparatus of  FIG.  1 A  in a ground opening in the collapsed configuration. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a side view of the ground anchoring apparatus of  FIG.  1 A  in a ground opening in the expanded configuration. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a perspective view of a ground anchoring apparatus, according to another implementation. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a perspective view of a ground anchoring apparatus, according to another implementation. 
         FIG.  7    are perspective views of five ground anchoring apparatus, according to other implementations. 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of a ground anchoring apparatus, according to another implementation. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a perspective view of a ground anchoring apparatus, according to another implementation. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of a ground anchoring apparatus without centralizers, according to another implementation. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a perspective view of a ground anchoring apparatus with one centralizer, according to another implementation. 
         FIG.  9 C  is a perspective view of a ground anchoring apparatus with two centralizers, according to another implementation. 
         FIG.  10    is a detailed perspective view of a centralizer of  FIGS.  9 B and  9 C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various implementations of the devices, systems, and methods described herein include a root-inspired ground anchor or deep foundation element capable of being expanded (increasing the spatial volume occupied by the anchor) from the exposed end once in the ground. The critical shear surface geometry of the root-inspired ground anchor is roughly log-spiral in shape. 
     Compared to the cylindrical critical shear surface geometry of a linear ground anchor, this change in geometry increases the surface area over which the shear strength of the geomaterial is mobilized and thereby increases the capacity of the anchor. 
     The change in critical shear surface geometry is a result of several things: the shape of the root-inspired ground anchor, the increased interparticle stresses in the geomaterial adjacent to the ground anchor, and the stress arching that exists between the expanded components of the anchor. 
     During installation, the root-inspired ground anchor is expanded to occupy a greater volume than the equivalent linear anchor. This expansion changes the geometry of the ground anchor, and both densifies the adjacent geomaterial, and increases the interparticle stresses within that geomaterial. During both installation and loading, interparticle stresses in the adjacent geomaterial increase along and in between each expansive anchor component. The increased interparticle stress between the expansive components is the phenomena known as stress arching. The leveraging of stress arching is critical to the material efficiency of the root-inspired ground anchor. 
     In the same way as for ground anchors installed as part of retaining structures, root-inspired ground anchors installed as foundation elements change the critical shear surface geometry in the surrounding geomaterial. 
     Various implementations include a ground anchoring apparatus. The ground anchoring apparatus include a first longitudinal body, a first retaining member, a second retaining member, and a first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies. The first longitudinal body has a central axis. The first retaining member (e.g., collar, wall of the stressing element) is rigidly coupled to a portion of the first longitudinal body. The second retaining member is movably coupled (e.g., slidably coupled) to the first longitudinal body. Each of the one or more expanding linkage assemblies of the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies includes a first linkage member and a second linkage member. The first linkage member has a first portion and a second portion opposite and spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion of the first linkage member is rotatably coupled to the first retaining member. The second linkage member has a third portion and a fourth portion opposite and spaced apart from the third portion. The fourth portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second retaining member. The third portion of the second linkage member is rotatably coupled to the second portion of the first linkage member. The first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second retaining member is closer to the first retaining member and the third portion of the second linkage member is further from the central axis in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration. 
     Various implementations include a method of using a ground anchoring apparatus. The method includes disposing a ground anchoring apparatus within a ground opening, disposing a backfill within the ground opening, and causing the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 5 B  show a ground anchoring apparatus  1000 , according to one implementation.  FIG.  1 A  shows the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  in a collapsed configuration, and  FIG.  1 B  shows the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  in an expanded configuration. The ground anchoring apparatus  1000  includes a first longitudinal body  1100 , a first retaining member  1200 , a second retaining member  1300 , and a first set of six expanding linkage assemblies  1400 . 
     The first longitudinal body  1100  has a proximal end  1112 , a distal end  1114  opposite and spaced apart from the proximal end  1112 , and a central axis  1116  extending from the proximal end  1112  to the distal end  1114 . The first longitudinal body  1100  shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  is made from steel, but in other implementations, the first longitudinal body is made of aluminum or any other metal. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body is made of a polymer, a fiber-reinforced polymer, a composite, a fiber-reinforced composite, fiberglass, bamboo, or any other material capable of withstanding any desired tensile or compressive load. For example, in some implementations, the first longitudinal body can withstand at least a 5,000-pound tensile load. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body can withstand at least a 5,000-pound compressive load. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body can withstand both tensile and compressive loads. In some implementations, the first longitudinal body includes a coating, such as a metallic or polymeric corrosion protection coating. Other loads may be applicable, e.g., between 1,000 pounds and 5,000 pounds, between 5,000 pounds and 50,000 pounds, between 50,000 pounds and 100,000 pounds, between 100,000 pounds and 200,000 pounds, between 200,000 pounds and 500,000 pounds, between 500,000 pounds and 1,000,000 pounds, or any load greater than 1,000 pounds. 
     In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 3 feet and 5 feet. In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 5 feet and 10 feet. In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 10 feet and 20 feet. In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 20 feet and 30 feet. In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 30 feet and 50 feet. In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 50 feet and 100 feet. In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 100 feet and 150 feet. In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 150 feet and 200 feet. In some embodiments, first longitudinal body  1100  has a length between 200 feet and 500 feet. 
     The first retaining member  1200  and second retaining member  1300  each include an annular body  1210 ,  1310  and six flanges  1220 ,  1320 . An example of the first retaining member  1200  is shown in detail in  FIG.  2   , which is similar to the second retaining member  1300 . The annular body  1210 ,  1310  of each of the first retaining member  1200  and the second retaining member  1300  defines an opening  1212 ,  1312  sized such that the first longitudinal body  1100  is disposed within the opening  1212 ,  1312 . The annular body  1210  of the first retaining member  1200  is rigidly coupled to a portion of the first longitudinal body  1100  adjacent the distal end  1114  of the longitudinal body  1100  such that the first retaining member  1200  cannot move axially along the central axis  1116  of the first longitudinal body  1100 . The annular body  1310  of the second retaining member  1300  is movably coupled to the first longitudinal body  1100  such that the second retaining member  1300  is axially slidable along the central axis  1116  of the first longitudinal body  1100 . 
     Each of the six flanges  1220 ,  1320  of the first and second retaining members  1200 ,  1300  extends radially from the annular body  1210 ,  1310  and is spaced circumferentially around an outer surface of the annular body  1210 ,  1310 . Each flange  1220  of the first retaining member  1200  includes a first hinge portion  1222 , which includes a hinge opening  1224  defined by the flange  1220 . Similarly, each flange  1320  of the second retaining member  1300  includes a second hinge portion  1322 , which includes a hinge opening  1324  defined by the flange  1320 . 
       FIG.  3    shows the set of six linkage assemblies  1400  coupled to the first and second retaining members  1200 ,  1300 . Each of the six linkage assemblies  1400  of the first set of linkage assemblies includes a first linkage member  1410  and a second linkage member  1420 . The first linkage member  1410  has a first portion  1412  and a second portion  1414  opposite and spaced apart from the first portion  1412 , and the second linkage member  1420  has a third portion  1422  and a fourth portion  1424  opposite and spaced apart from the third portion  1422 . 
       FIG.  4    shows an exploded view of the six linkage assemblies  1400  coupled to the first and second retaining members  1200 ,  1300 . The first portion  1412  of the first linkage member  1410  includes a first hinge portion  1222  that is rotatably coupled to the first hinge portion  1222  of one of the flanges  1220  of the first retaining member  1200 . Similarly, the fourth portion  1424  of the second linkage member  1420  includes a second hinge portion  1322  that is rotatably coupled to the second hinge portion  1322  of one of the flanges  1320  of the second retaining member  1300 . Each of the sets of first and second hinge portions  1222 ,  1322  are rotatably coupled to each other by a pin  1230 ,  1330  that extends through the aligned hinge openings  1224 ,  1324  in the set of hinge portions  1222 ,  1322 . 
     The third portion  1422  of the second linkage member  1420  and the second portion  1414  of the first linkage member  1410  each include a third hinge portion  1432 . The third portion  1422  of the second linkage member  1420  and the second portion  1414  of the first linkage member  1410  are rotatably coupled to a hinge linkage  1430  by pins  1434  that extend through the aligned hinge openings  1224 ,  1324  in the set of hinge portions  1432 . 
     The first set of expanding linkage assemblies  1400  is movable between a collapsed configuration (shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  5 A ) and an expanded configuration ( FIGS.  1 B and  5 B ) by axially sliding the second retaining member  1300  toward the first retaining member  1200 . As the distance between the second retaining member  1300  and the first retaining member  1200  decreases, second retaining member  1300  causes each of the six linkage assemblies  1400  of the first set of linkage assemblies  1400  to hinge or rotate at the first, second, and third hinges  1222 ,  1322 ,  1432  such that the third portion  1422  of the second linkage  1420  assembly moves radially outwardly. Thus, when the first set of expanding linkage assemblies  1400  is in the expanded configuration, the second retaining member  1300  is closer to the first retaining member  1200  and the third portion  1422  of the second linkage member  1420  is further from the central axis  1116 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the hinge openings  1224  defined by the flanges  1220  of the first retaining member  1200  are disposed further radially outward than the hinge openings  1324  defined by the flanges  1324  of the second retaining member  1300 . Thus, the rotation point of the first hinge portions  1222  are disposed further radially outwardly than the rotation point of the second hinge portions  1322 . Also, the first linkage member  1410  has a length as measured from the first portion  1412  to the second portion  1414 , and the second linkage member  1420  has a length as measured from the third portion  1422  to the fourth portion  1424 . The lengths of the second linkage members  1420  are longer than the lengths of the first linkage members  1410  such that, in the collapsed configuration, the first linkage members  1410  are closer to parallel with the central axis  1116  than the second linkage members  1420 . The further disposed first hinge points and the shorter lengths of the first linkage members  1410  ensures that the third hinge portions  1422  of the second linkage members  1420  are slightly bent radially outwardly in the collapsed configuration. Thus, when the second retaining member  1300  is moved toward the first retaining member  1200 , the third portion  1422  of the second linkage member  1420  will move radially outwardly (toward the expanded configuration) rather than radially inwardly. 
     Because this configuration allows one of the linkage members to be substantially parallel to the central axis  1116  of the first longitudinal body  1100  in the collapsed configuration, the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  is at an optimal minimum collapsed size as measured in a plane perpendicular to the central axis  1116  and maximizes the useful length of the linkage members  1410 ,  1420 . Furthermore, the relative lengths of the first and second linkage members  1410 ,  1420  and the relative radial distances of the hinge portions  1222 ,  1322  from the central axis  1116  still allows the first and second linkage members  1410 ,  1420  to form a ninety-degree angle when in the expanded configuration, which is ideal for structural stiffness. However, the relative lengths of the first and second linkage members  1410 ,  1420  and the relative radial distances of the hinge portions  1222 ,  1322  from the central axis  1116  can be altered to produce any desired angle between the first and second linkage members  1410 ,  1420 . 
     Although the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5 B  include both different relative lengths of the first and second linkage members  1410 ,  1420  and different relative radial distances of the hinge portions  1222 ,  1322  from the central axis  1116 , in some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus could include either different relative lengths of the first and second linkage members or different relative radial distances of the hinge portions from the central axis or neither. 
     In some implementations, the hinge openings defined by the flanges of the second retaining member are disposed further radially outward than the hinge openings defined by the flanges of the first retaining member. For example,  FIG.  6 B  shows a ground anchoring apparatus  6000  configured to withstand both tensile and compressive loads. The lengths of each of the first linkage members  6410  of the ground anchoring apparatus  6000  shown in  FIG.  6 A  are also longer than the lengths of each of the second linkage members  6420  such that, in the collapsed configuration, the second linkage members  6420  are closer to parallel with the central axis  6116  than the first linkage members  6410 . 
     Although the first set of expanding linkage assemblies  1400  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5 B  includes six expanding linkage assemblies  1400 , in some implementations, such as the implementations shown in  FIG.  7   , the first set of expanding linkage assemblies can include one or more expanding linkage assemblies. For example, in some implementations, the first set of expanding linkage assemblies can include two or more expanding linkage assemblies, three or more expanding linkage assemblies, six or more expanding linkage assemblies or any other number of expanding linkage assemblies. 
     Each of the second linkage members  1420  of the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5 B  also include a linkage cover  1440 . Each of the six linkage covers  1440  is coupled to one of the six second linkage members  1420  such that each linkage cover  1440  covers a radially outwardly facing surface of the respective second linkage member  1420  when the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  is in the collapsed configuration. Each of the linkage covers  1440  has a width that is greater than the width of the second linkage member  1420 . 
     The linkage covers  1440  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5 B  cover each of the second linkage members  1420  because the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5 B  is configured for tensile loading. When a tensile load is applied to the first longitudinal body  1100  of the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  in the expanded configuration, the load is transferred to the second linkage members  1420  abutting the ground opening  1922  and/or backfill  1930 . The linkage covers  1440  provide a greater surface area for the second linkage members  1420  as the second linkage members  1420  abut the ground opening  1922  and/or backfill  1930 , as discussed further below. In other implementations, such as the implementation shown in  FIG.  6 A  in which the ground anchoring apparatus  6000  is configured for compressive loading, the linkage covers  6440  can be coupled to and cover a radially outwardly facing surface of each of the first linkage members  6410 . Similar to the tensile loading configuration, the compressive load is applied to the first longitudinal body  6100  of the ground anchoring apparatus  6000  when in the expanded configuration, which is then transferred to the first linkage members  6410  abutting the ground opening  6922  and/or backfill  6930 . However, in some implementations, like the implementation shown in  FIG.  6 B , the ground anchoring apparatus  6000 ′ can include linkage covers  6440 ′ on both the first and second linkage members  6410 ′,  6420 ′. In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus can include linkage covers on only a portion of the first and/or second linkage members. In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus does not include linkage covers. 
     The second retaining member  1300  of the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  also includes a lock  1500  for preventing the first set of one or more expanding linkage assemblies  1400  from moving from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. The lock  1500  includes a barb  1510  that is biased radially inwardly by a spring force and is urgable radially outwardly. The first longitudinal body  1100  includes a notch  1520  at the portion of the first longitudinal body  1100  at which the second retaining member  1300  is disposed when the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  is in the expanded configuration, and the barb  1510  of the lock  1500  engages the notch  1520  in the expanded configuration to prevent the second retaining member  1300  from axially moving. 
       FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  show ground anchoring apparatus  8000 ,  8000 ′ according to other implementations. Because the implementations shown in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  are similar to the implementation shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5 B , similar reference numbers as those used in  FIGS.  1 A- 5 B  are used to refer to similar features in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B . Similar to the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 5 B , the ground anchoring apparatus  8000 ,  8000 ′ shown in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  include a first longitudinal body  8100 , first and second retaining members  8200 ,  8300 , and a first set of expanding linkage assemblies  8400 . However, the ground anchoring apparatus  8000  shown in  FIG.  8 A  further includes a third retaining member  8200 ′, a second retaining member  8300 ′, and a second set of four expanding linkage assemblies  8400 ′.  FIG.  8 B  further includes a fifth retaining member  8200 ″, a sixth retaining member  8300 ″, and a third set of expanding linkage assemblies  8400 ″. The first and second linkage members  8410 ′,  8420 ′ of the second set of expandable linkage assemblies  8400 ′ in  FIG.  8 A  are coupled to the third and fourth retaining members  8200 ′,  8300 ′ in the same way as the first and second linkage members  8410 ,  8420  of the first set of expandable linkage assemblies  8400  are coupled to the first and second retaining members  8200 ,  8300 . The second retaining member  8300  is disposed closer to the third retaining member  8200 ′ than to the fourth retaining member  8300 ′ such that the second retaining member  8300  is axially spaced apart from the third retaining member  8200 ′. The second set of expandable linkage assemblies  8400 ′ is also movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration similar to the first set of expandable linkage assemblies  8400 . 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  show the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  further including a second longitudinal body  1600 , a jack  1700 , and a resistance plate  1704 . 
     The second longitudinal body  1600  shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  is a hollow casing that has a proximal end  1602  and a distal end  1604  opposite and axially spaced apart from the proximal end  1602 . The proximal end  1602  of the second longitudinal body  1600  defines a central bore  1606  extending to the distal end  1604 , and the distal end  1604  includes an engagement surface  1608 . The central bore  1606  is sized such that the first longitudinal body  1100  is slidingly disposed within the central bore  1606 , as shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , such that the second longitudinal body  1600  is slidable along the central axis  1116  and the engagement surface  1608  abuts the second retaining member  1300 . 
     The jack  1700  is disposed adjacent the proximal end  1602  of the second longitudinal body  1600  with the resistance plate  1704 . The resistance plate  1704  is rigidly coupled to the first longitudinal body  1100  adjacent the proximal end  1112 . When the jack  1700  is activated, the jack  1700  exerts a force on the resistance plate  1704  and the second longitudinal body  1600  to cause the second longitudinal body  1600  to move toward the first retaining member  1200 . The force exerted on the second longitudinal body  1600  by the jack  1700  is transferred to the abutted second retaining member  1300  which causes the second retaining member  1300  to move from the collapsed configuration to toward the expanded configuration. 
     In some implementations, such as the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the first longitudinal body  1100  includes an outer threaded portion  1118  and the jack  1700  includes an inner threaded portion  1702 . The inner threaded  1702  portion of the jack  1700  engages the outer threaded portion  1118  of the first longitudinal body  1100  such that rotation of the inner threaded portion  1702  of the jack  1700  about the central axis  1116  causes the jack  1700  to move axially along the first longitudinal body  1100 . However, in other implementations, the jack can be any type of jack known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  can further include one or more centralizers  1800  for maintaining the first longitudinal body  1100  toward the center of a ground opening  1922 .  FIG.  10    shows a detailed view of a centralizer. Each of the one or more centralizers  1800  includes a resilient body  1810  that includes a first body end  1812 , a second body end  1814  opposite and spaced apart from the first body end  1812 , and one or more resilient slats  1816  extending between the first body end  1812  and the second body end  1814 . A portion of the one or more resilient slats  1816  at least partially define a centralizer opening  1818 . Each of the resilient slats  1816  is biased toward a first centralizer position in which the centralizer opening  1818  has a first diameter and is urgable toward a second centralizer position in which the centralizer opening  1818  has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter such that the second longitudinal body  1600  is slidingly disposable within the centralizer opening  1818  when the resilient slats  1816  of the resilient body  1810  are in the second centralizer position and the first longitudinal body  1100  is slidingly disposable within the centralizer opening  1818  when the resilient slats  1816  are in the first centralizer position. Thus, when the second longitudinal body  1600  is slidingly removed from the first longitudinal body  1100 , the centralizer openings  1818  of the one or more centralizers  1800  will adapt to the change in diameter. In some implementations, the centralizer has an outer diameter from 3 inches to 36 inches to fit within a ground opening having a corresponding diameter. 
     Each of the centralizers  1800  shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  includes a plurality of tethers  1820 . The first centralizer  1800  is tethered to the second retaining member  1300 . In the implementation shown in  FIG.  9 C , the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  includes two centralizers  1800 ,  1800 ′, and the second centralizer  1800 ′ is tethered to the first centralizer  1800 . The second centralizer  1800 ′ is also tethered to a portion of the first longitudinal body  1100  between the second longitudinal body  1600  and the proximal end  1112  of the first longitudinal body  1100 . In implementations with more than two centralizers, the centralizers are tethered in series with the first centralizer tethered to the second retaining member and the last centralizer in the series tethered to a portion of the first longitudinal body between the second longitudinal body and the proximal end of the first longitudinal body. 
     In some implementations, the first centralizer is tethered to the first retaining member or a portion of the first longitudinal body between the first retaining member and the distal end of the first longitudinal body. In some implementations, the last centralizer in the series of tethered centralizers is not tethered to the first longitudinal body. In some implementations, the last centralizer in the series of tethered centralizers is tethered to a weighted object to provide resistance to the centralizer. In some implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus includes no centralizers or any number of centralizers. In some implementations, the centralizer opening is not configured to resiliently move between a first centralizer position and a second centralizer position such that the diameter of the centralizer opening remains constant. 
     In use, a retaining structure  1910  or any other structure to be coupled to the ground is disposed adjacent a ground surface  1920 , as shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . A ground opening  1922  is formed through the structure  1910 , through the ground surface  1920 , and into the ground to a desired depth. 
     The second longitudinal body  1600  is slidingly disposed along the first longitudinal body  1100 , and if centralizers  1800  are to be included with the ground anchoring apparatus  1000 , then one or more centralizers  1800  are tethered to the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  with tethers  1820 , as described above. 
     The ground anchoring apparatus  1000  in the collapsed configuration is then disposed within the ground opening  1922  such that the distal end  1114  of the first longitudinal body  1100  is disposed in the ground opening  1922 . Once the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  is in place, a jack  1700  and resistance plate  1704  are coupled to the ground anchoring apparatus  1000 , as discussed above. The jack  1700  is then activated to cause the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  to move from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The first and second linkages  1410 ,  1420  (and their associated linkage covers  1440 ) press against the ground within the ground opening  1922 , moving the ground and enlarging the ground opening  1922  radially outwardly with respect to the central axis  1116 . 
     Once the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  is in the expanded configuration, the lock  1500  engages to prevent the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  from moving from the expanded configuration back to the collapsed configuration. 
     The second longitudinal body  1600  and the jack  1700  are then removed from the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  such that the second longitudinal body  1600  and the jack  1700  can be reused on another ground anchoring apparatus  1000 . A backfill material  1930  is then poured into the ground opening  1922  with the ground anchoring apparatus  1000 . The backfill material  1930  can be any cement-based or non-cement-based material (e.g., bentonite slurry). The backfill material  1930  within the ground opening  1922  causes the linkage assemblies  1400  to become rigid and prevents the ground from collapsing into the ground opening  1922 . 
     Although the backfill material  1930  is added after the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration in the method described above, in other implementations, the backfill is added first and then the ground anchoring apparatus is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The order of the backfill material  1930  and actuating of the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  can be altered as desired based on ground conditions. 
     Although the ground anchoring apparatus  1000  shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  is being used to couple a retaining structure  1910  to a vertical ground surface  1920 , in other implementations, the ground anchoring apparatus can be used to couple any structure to a horizontal ground surface or any other angle ground surface. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 
     In some embodiments, the ground anchoring apparatus described herein is used for building support, civil engineering and other structures, either permanently or temporarily. Example of civil engineering structures include, but are not limited to, bridges, tunnels, roadways, aqueducts and viaducts, canals, towers, chimneys, dams, railways, retaining walls, tunnels, coastal defenses. Other examples includes support structure for wind turbines, seawalls. The ground anchoring described herein may be used to support ropes, cables, struts, columns, beams, arches, and various load bearing structures. 
     In some embodiments, the ground anchoring apparatus described herein is used for support for retaining walls, soldier pile wall, contiguous pile wall, sheet pile wall. 
     Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present claims. In the drawings, the same reference numbers are employed for designating the same elements throughout the several figures. A number of examples are provided, nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. Although the terms “comprising” and “including” have been used herein to describe various implementations, the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be used in place of “comprising” and “including” to provide for more specific implementations and are also disclosed. 
     Disclosed are materials, systems, devices, methods, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods, systems, and devices. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a device is disclosed and discussed each and every combination and permutation of the device, and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using the disclosed systems or devices. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific method steps or combination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed.