Soil Spike: Here
Martin is holding up a proto type soil spike being used at the Brienza
Property. The spike consists of a rod and cable which is set into the
soil with an insertion tool. This generation of soil spike works ideally
in very soft or sandy soil. For hard-pack soils such as gravel beds
the second generation of soil spike is recommended.
Advantages
Two individuals
can carry to the worksite one insertion tool and 100 spoil spikes easily.
The equivalent in T Bar fence posts would require over 20 individuals
to carry the same load (assuming one individual can carry 5 T Bars each).
No onsite preparation
is required prior to insertion of the soil spike. The anchor is factory
pre-assembled (soil spike with a 5 foot tether). When using T Bars,
one or two individuals are typically required to remain behind in the
work party to cut cables into appropriate lengths. Afterwards individuals
are required to secure the cable to the T Bar and then to rehabilitation
materials.
The second-generation
soil spikes use an all-in-one insertion tool. Every blow of the post-pounder
hammer counts towards driving the spike into the ground and the post-pounder
used on the insertion tool is secured in such a way that it cannot be
removed from the insertion tool. Crews using T Bars with sledgehammers
frequently miss their mark while attempting drive it into the stream
bank. The safer tool to use for T Bar is the post-pounder. Unfortunately,
this tool can also pose a danger. The post-pounder is not secured to
the fence post. It can inadvertently slip off on the upstroke if the
user is not careful during every stroke of use.
The post-pounder
used on the all-in-one insertion tool has ergonomic handle positioning.
The users hands can slide freely along the handles on the downward stroke,
preventing a sudden impact to the wrists of user as the hammer hits
home.
The all-in-one
tool is also used to rotate the soil spike into undisturbed soil thereby
setting it firmly. Installers are not required to tug on the cable to
set the anchor. This eliminates any future cable slack.
Soil
spike first generation. Click image to enlarge.
Insertion
team Jim and Neil are preparing the soil spike and insertion tool for
anchoring. Click on image to enlarge.
Insertion
in progress. Click on image to enlarge.
Here
team Soraya and Peter set the anchor. Click on image to enlarge.
Afer
soil spike has been anchored in place, the attached cable is secured around
required rehabilitation material.
Rehabilitation
material is secured to stream bank. Notice low profile of cable and no
protruding objects.