THE SAS HOLLOW BAR SYSTEM

SAS commitment to find innovative solutions in anchoring

systems, as well as in micropile systems, has driven us to use
the latest technology available in order to improve productivity
and cost efficiency.
SAS is proud to introduce the Self-Drilling Injection hollowcore bars from Belloli. We are the only distributor of Belloli
hollow core bars in the United States.
The SAS-Belloli system is also known as Self-Drilling Hollow
Core Bars because the hollow fully threaded bar serves as both
the grouted anchor and the main drilling system.
The bar features a hollow center for simultaneous drilling and
grouting and a rope thread for connection to standard drill
equipment. In this manner the installation is performed in a single
operation without the use of a casing.
The SAS-Belloli system can be installed in a variety of different
soils and ground conditions ranging from sand and gravel to
inconsistent fill, boulders, rubble, granite, bed rock and
weathered rock.
When discussing productivity, projects facing poor ground
conditions that would require the use of a casing system in order
to maintain borehole stability should consider the use of the
SAS-Belloli hollow core bar system.
The ultimate aim should be to limit the installation time to the
actual drilling time of the borehole, therefore greatly increasing
productivity.

SAS-Belloli arrangement, showing hollow bar, coupler,

nut, plate and bit.

In order to improve productivity and cost efficiency, data is

collected from projects around the world, and incorporated into
the design with the aim of improving penetration rate and bit
quality in an effort to reduce manufacturing costs.
The SAS-Belloli hollow bar is manufactured from heavy-wall
steel tubing that is cold-threaded to form a standard left-hand
rope thread (R-Series) profile for R32 to R63 and right-hand
threads (T-Series) for T-76 to T-135 bars. The rolling process
refines the grain structure of the steel, increasing the yield
strength, and producing a durable drill rod suitable for a range of
applications.
The standard rope thread of the bar produces an excellent bond
between the bar and the grout, as well as enabling connection to
all conventional drill rigs. Reinforcement thread bar conforms to
ASTM-A615.
The SAS-Belloli system maintains a large range of drill bits to
suit the changing demands of geology encountered on different
projects.

SAS Stressteel stocks large quantities of hollow bar in

all available sizes.

BENEFITS:
Fast and efficient anchoring system into any type of
soil.
The drilling, placing and grouting of the anchor is
performed in one single operation.
Increase production rate typically by 2 to 4 times.
Production rate decreases the overall cost of the
project.
All diameters of the SAS-Belloli Hollow bars are
available in 3 & 4 meter lengths.
There is no principal limit to anchor length; rods can be
coupled until the desired length is reached.
Continuously threaded bar pattern can be cut and
coupled anywhere along its length.
Can be easily installed in confined spaces using simple
equipment.
Installation technique adapts well to awkward shapes.
High grout pressures can be achieved.
Eliminates the need for a cased borehole in collapsing
soils.
Additional corrosion protection available (double
corrosion protection and electro zinc coating)
R32-R63 Bars contain standard left-hand rope thread
pattern to easily adapt to most drilling equipment.
Installed with standard track drill or hand-held drilling
equipment.
Manufactured from high yield micro alloy steel. This
steel is not affected by hydrogen embrittlement or by
stress crack corrosion.
No loss of ground during installation as compared to
drilled cased systems.
Exposes the harder materials and flushes out the soft
materials.
Higher shear resistance than a solid rod of same cross
section.
Multiple ranges of drill bits suitable for any type of soil
condition.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved for
use as a micro pile.

TAT-NEAT Gotthard-Tunnel Switzerland

25 miles long using R32-20 hollow bars

APPLICATIONS
The SAS-Belloli hollow bar can be use as Micro Piles, Soil Nails, Rock Bolts, Tie Backs & Ground Anchors in difficult
ground conditions like weathered and decomposed rock, round gravel, sand and clay like soils.
(permanent & temporary)
Micro Piles: The hollow bar is drilled into the ground
while cement grout is injected simultaneously from the
bottom of the hole through the drill bit. The bit remains at
the bottom of the pile. The hollow bar acts not only as the
micropiless steel element, but also as the drill steel and
ground conduit. Using the hollow bar as a micro pile
system will eliminate the requirement of a casing in
collapsing soils.

Soil Nails: Provides an in-situ reinforcement for the

stabilization of the slopes. Soil nails are passive elements
that become tensioned when the soil/rock deflects laterally
as the excavation depth increases. For permanent soil
nailing applications, electro-zinc coating & galvanizing
provides a practical means of extending the life of the nail.
The spherical nut allows the soil nail to be installed at
different angles.

Rock Bolts: Rock bolts are passive ties; typically

classified as lightly loaded, short installations. The system
is mostly used in mining applications with a button drill bit
capable of going through hard rock & granite.

Tie Back & Ground Anchors: Provides an effective

temporary anchor that can be readily installed into loose or
collapsing grounds. The system is mostly used in soldier
piles, tieback walls, temporary sheet pile walls, slurry walls
& deep excavation support.

The pictures above show how the R63 & T-76 SAS-Belloli
hollow bars were utilized as micropiles and tie backs using
double corrosion protection. A total of 2,850 micropiles were
installed at Rego Park Mall. Queens, N.Y.

The pictures above show how the R51 & R63 SAS-Belloli
hollow bars were utilized as tie backs in Gothan Center.
Queens, N.Y. Ranging from 45 to 60.

INSTALLATION
The grout usually has good penetration in the
surrounding soil, therefore higher external friction
values are achieved, and the installation is completed
in a single drilling operation.
During simultaneous operation the sacrificial drill bit is
drilled continuously without extraction, until the desired
depth is reached.
For simultaneous operation, the flushing medium is a
grout mix, which has the ability to harden after the
installation process is completed. When doing so,
stabilization of the borehole and optimum filling of the
annulus is achieved.
In addition, it improves protection against corrosion and
consolidation of gravel, fissures, fractures or voids
surrounding the borehole. This method requires the
use of a rotary injection adapter (flushing head).
The SAS-Belloli hollow bar anchor system is utilized in
poor ground conditions ranging from sand and gravel to
inconsistent fill, boulders, rubble and weathered rock.
Normally the system is installed with hydraulic rotary
percussion drilling equipment and continuous grouting.
The sacrificial SAS-Belloli drill bit is the most crucial part
of the anchor system, and responsible for the productivity
of the installation. The drill bit is threaded onto the end of
the hollow Bar and left in place after drilling.
The drilling fluid is introduced with high pressure through
the hollow bar and allows the spoils to flush from the
borehole.
There are three different methods of borehole flushing:
water flushing, air flushing and simultaneous drilling and
grouting.
Water flushing is utilized for long boreholes in dense
sand, gravel formation or rock conditions; which means a
better transportation of large cuttings and cooling of the
drill bit.
Air flushing is utilized for short boreholes in soft soil (chalk
and clay) and water spillage is a major concern at the job
site.
The most commonly used method (preferred) is the
simultaneous drilling and grouting system. Using this
method the grout stabilizes the borehole during
installation, providing a better grout cover along the nail
shaft.

In all cases the hollow bar system should be drilled

slowly enough to ensure rotation through the soil as
opposed to excessive percussion and feed pressure
with limited rotation. Such practice will provide the
formation of a true borehole with consistent grout
cover.
Grouting pressure should be high enough to obtain
circulation at all times with a small amount of grout
return visible at the mouth of the borehole.
Normal drilling rotation should be in the range of 45 to
110 RPM.

RECOMMENDATIONS
For bar size R51 and larger, a flow rate of 30 to 40
gallons/minute is required.
The R51 bar should have about 2000ft/lb of
torque.
The ability to switch to water if rock is
encountered is beneficial.
The R32 & R38 bars can be installed usually with
less than 1000 ft/lb of torque.
The T76 & T103 are right handed and should be
installed with a traditional rotary head.
10,000 ft/lb of torque is recommended for the
larger bars, especially when using the 230mm Clay
Bit.
Always maintain a backflow of grout. which
ensures a stable hole and competent bond.
After the bar has been advanced 10, it is a good
practice to ream it up and down a few times to
increase the bond strength.
Drills should come equipped with clamps to assist
with the uncoupling at the flushing head.

DESIGN & LOAD TESTING

An overall safety factor of 2.5 is used to ensure there is
no geotechnical failure when testing to 2.0 times design
load.
An enlargement factor can be used geotechnically, as
bond is developed all along the surface area of the grout
column.
When selecting bond stresses from the Post-tension
Institute charts, the low value range is always used.
These values ensure a safety factor well over 3.
Piles can be tested in either compression or tension.
When selecting the drill bit, ensure that it is capable of
going though the material.
Tests should be run as per your building code or ASTM
standard.
Pre-production of a ultimate load test is highly
recommended as it may lead to significant reduction of
bond length.

SAS--BELLOLI ACCESSORIES
SAS
DESCRIPTION

SIZE AVAILABLE

TRIPLE EDGE
WIDIA (Carbide)
DRILL BIT

51mm, 64mm ,
76mm, 90mm,
115mm, 150mm

Suitable for clay and sand.

For use with percussive rigs.

SPECIAL TRIPLE EDGE

TEMPERED
DRILL BIT

51mm, 64mm ,
76mm, 90mm,
115mm, 150mm

A hardened tri-crescent drill bit for increased

productivity due to the unique curved shape
of the blade, which results in small sized
cuttings and improves the flushing capability
of the borehole.

BUTTON
WIDIA (Carbide) &
TEMPERED DRILL BIT

51mm, 64mm ,
76mm, 90mm,
115mm,130mm,
150mm, 190mm

For use in piles that will require a rock

socket, for use with percussive rigs, and
for mudstone, limestone, hard rock and
granite.

CROSS CUT
WIDIA (Carbide)
DRILL BIT

51mm, 64mm ,
76mm, 90mm,
115mm, 150mm

The hardest drill bit available for gravel with

large boulders, soft to medium fracture rock
formations.

CROSS CUT
TEMPERED
DRILL BIT

51mm, 64mm ,
76mm, 90mm,
115mm, 150mm

CLAY
DRILL BIT

SPECIFICATIONS

The most commonly used drill bit, suitable

for a majority of applications including
narrow bands of soft rock.

230mm
For R76 & R103

For argillaceous grounds or clay-like

grounds.
Not for use with percussive rigs.

SPHERICAL NUT

R32, R38, R51,

R63, R76,R89,
R103, R135

Develops the ultimate capacity of the bar.

Spherical nuts can achieve approximately 9
degree angle.

COUPLER

R32, R38, R51,

R63, R76,R89,
R103, R135

Develops the ultimate capacity of the bar.

R32, R38 & R51

Serves as a conduit between the grout line

and the hollow bar.
Used for post-installation grouting following
air or water flush drilling.

INTERNAL SWIVEL
INJECTION ADAPTER

R32, R38, T38,

T45, T51, H55

It fits within the rotating injection adapter.

One end of the adapter attaches to the male
striker bar while the other end attaches to the
hollow bar. Snap rings & seal gaskets are
available.

ROTATING INJECTION
ADAPTER
(Flushing Head)

D=60
D=90
D=110

The flushing head transmits the rotary and

percussive forces to the drill bit, while
allowing continuous pumping of the flushing
medium through the hollow bar.

INJECTION ADAPTER

SAS BELLOLI TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

OUTSIDE DIAMETER
Nominal

Effective

WEIGHT

Area

LOAD CAPACITY
Ultimate

Yield

DESIGN
LOAD

DESIGN
LOAD

TEMPORARY

PERMANENT

70%

60%

BAR
SIZE

Inch

mm

Inch

mm

In2

mm2

Lbs/ft

Kg/m

Kips

KN

Kips

KN

.7
G.U.T.S

.6
G.U.T.S

32/20
L.H.

1.25

32

1.22

31

.69

447

2.36

3.51

63

280

51.8

230

44.1

37.8

1.50

38

1.46

37

1.21

780

4.11

6.12

119

530

99

440

83.3

71.4

2.01

51

1.91

48.5

1.86

1200

6.38

9.50

189

838

156

693

132.3

113.4

2.48

63

2.48

63

2.57

1660

8.95

13.3

248

1100

205

909

173.3

148.8

2.99

76

2.99

76

3.22

2080

10.97

16.3

311

1380

257

1140

217.7

186.6

3.50

89

3.46

88

3.8

2450

12.93

19.2

360

1600

288

1280

252

216

4.06

103

4.06

103

4.88

2920

15.70

22.9

445

1980

368

1636

311.6

267

5.31

135

5.31

135

14.2

9200

52.4

78

1240

5520

1007

4480

868

744

Thread

38/15
L.H.
Thread

51/28
L.H.
Thread

63/43
L.H.
Thread

76/56
R.H.
Thread

89/69
R.H.
Thread

103/83
R.H.
Thread

135/75
R.H.
Thread

For more information on typical applications, contact us at the following locations

100 New Dutch Lane

Fairfield, NJ 07004
P: 973-244-5995
F: 973-244-0544

www.stressteel.com

47375 Fremont Boulevard

Fremont, CA 94538
P: 510-354-2000
F: 510-354-2010

with many miles behind us, and one foot in the future