Understanding Anchor Systems for Rigging and Rescue

Written By: Lance Piatt

Understanding Anchors: Part 1 of a Two-Part Series

Anchors form the foundation of any rigging or rescue system, providing stability and safety for lifting, performing work, or executing rescues. Whether constructed from natural elements like trees and rocks or artificial components like bolts and beams, the integrity of an anchor system is paramount. This first part of the series delves into key concepts, considerations, and definitions critical for building effective anchors.

Building a Reliable Anchor System

Anchors must withstand all potential forces while maintaining a sufficient margin of safety. Marginal anchors, such as corroded materials or small-diameter trees, require backups or opposition to ensure reliability. On the other hand, bombproof anchors are deemed capable of holding any load or fall while maintaining safety margins.

To optimize anchor efficiency, the line of pull should ideally align with the load’s fall line. If this isn’t feasible, advanced techniques like re-directs can adjust the anchor’s position to ensure a stable configuration.

Anchor Categories and Systems

Anchor systems typically fall into three categories:

Self-Equalizing Anchors: Automatically adjust to distribute force equally among multiple points.
Multi-Point Anchors: Combine several anchor points to share the load across the system.
Fixed Multi-Point Anchors (Load Sharing): Designed to share loads while maintaining stability if one point fails.

Critical Thinking and Anchor Forces

Understanding the forces at play is essential for building safe anchors. Key factors include:

Direction of Pull: Aligning anchors with the load path minimizes strain.
Magnitude of Forces: Anticipating and accounting for the full range of forces, including compression, tension, and friction.
Anchor Tension Formula: Keeping angles at 90 degrees or less ensures each point bears only 71% of the load. At higher angles, the load increases exponentially.

Types of Anchors

Point Anchors: Focus on a single location like a crack, tree, or pole.
Linear (Tensioned) Anchors: Utilize tensioned elements like back-tied anchors to reduce stretch and enhance stability.
Linear (Non-Tensioned) Anchors: Serve as backup support, providing additional security without bearing the primary load.

Enhancing Knowledge and Practice

Rigging systems are intricate and demand both theoretical understanding and practical application. Explore advanced anchor-building techniques and systems like Twin Tension Rope Systems (TTRS) and Artificial High Directionals to further enhance your rigging skills. Check out the resources at Rigging Lab Academy.

Final Thoughts

Anchors are the most critical component of any rigging or rescue system. Building robust and reliable anchors requires knowledge, critical thinking, and a commitment to safety. This foundational understanding will pave the way for more advanced concepts, covered in Part 2 of this series.

For additional insights and practical applications, visit Rigging Lab Academy.

Peace on your days…

Lance

About The Author:

Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.