In a landmark move to advance underground rock support technology, SupAnchor has formally introduced the SupCT Bolt System—a dual‑category combination bolt engineered for permanent, high‑ductility reinforcement in the world’s most demanding geological environments. This launch consolidates the company’s position as a premier geotechnical reinforcement system manufacturer, extending its portfolio beyond the signature self‑drilling anchor system to a complete line of factory‑preassembled, corrosion‑protected rock bolts.
The SupCT system arrives at a time when infrastructure projects—from Alpine tunnels and deep‑level mines to hydroelectric caverns—demand both immediate and permanent support solutions with minimal on‑site complexity. By integrating a hot‑dip galvanized and epoxy powder‑coated rebar bolt inside a plastic grouting pipe, SupAnchor delivers duplex corrosion protection that rivals stainless steel in durability tests, yet at a fraction of the cost. The system is available as steel bolts (solid bar and hollow bar) and glass‑fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) bolts, covering a wide spectrum of tensile and compressive rock loading scenarios.
Every detail of the SupCT Bolt System reflects the realities of modern tunnelling and mining. The rebar bolt is first hot‑dip galvanized in accordance with NS‑EN‑ISO 1461, then coated with epoxy powder per NS‑EN 13438, before being inserted into a grouting pipe and fully embedded in mortar. This sandwich construction ensures a service life ranging from 50 years (black type) to 150 years (SupCoat type), effectively setting a new benchmark for ground anchor bolt factories worldwide.
Factory‑preassembled zinc‑coated expansion shells eliminate on‑site thread damage and corrosion risks, while palletised, clamped‑group delivery protects bolts during transport and simplifies stock control. The bubble design of the plastic grouting pipe, verified through rebar anchorage tests, significantly enhances pull‑out resistance, and the short distance between the grouting pipe end and the expansion shell guarantees that the borehole bottom is filled first—preventing voids and ensuring complete grouting.
The system’s versatility is underscored by its performance data. Below are key technical parameters for the steel solid bolt range, which forms the backbone of the permanent support offering:
| Model | Weight (Kg/m) | Thread | Fully Grouted Yield Load (kN) | Fully Grouted Ultimate Load (kN) | End Anchored Yield Load (kN) | End Anchored Ultimate Load (kN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSB‑M20 | 2.47 | M20 | 157 | 186 | 123 | 147 |
| SSB‑M22 | 2.98 | M22 | 239 | 300 | 191 | 239 |
| SSB‑M33 | 6.43 | M33 | 402 | 482 | 347 | 416 |
For hollow steel bolts (SHB‑R2715, SHB‑R2712), the R27 thread and 40Cr material deliver comparable fully grouted yield loads of 159 kN and 246 kN with ultimate loads reaching 270 kN, all within a borehole diameter of 45–48 mm. All steel variants require a torque between 150–400 N m and can be pre‑tensioned to 20–60 kN, making them ideal for active support in squeezing ground.
The GFRP bolt series adds a lightweight, electromagnetic‑transparent alternative. Models GSB‑R25 and GHB‑R32, for instance, offer ultimate loads of 350 kN and 360 kN respectively, with a permanent service life and zero corrosion risk. Their low weight (down to 0.63 Kg/m) eases handling in restricted spaces, while end‑anchored loads with steel nuts can reach 230 kN, satisfying many temporary and permanent lining requirements.
During a recent sub‑alpine highway expansion in southern Europe, engineers faced highly fractured phyllite and schist that demanded immediate support to prevent ravelling and long‑term durability to resist aggressive groundwater. The project team deployed SupCT steel solid bolts (SSB‑M22) with a SupCoat finish, achieving both rapid tensioning and a design life exceeding 120 years. The factory‑fitted expansion shells reduced cycle time by 30 % compared to traditional resin‑grouted bolts, while the bubble‑enhanced grouting pipe eliminated post‑grouting inspection for void detection.
Such outcomes are not isolated. Across the Americas, the GFRP hollow bolt is gaining traction in urban metro stations where stray current corrosion is a chief concern. The GFRP’s inherent resistance and high ultimate load (up to 360 kN for GHB‑R32) enable safe, maintenance‑free support in segments where steel bolts would fail within decades. This positions SupAnchor as a key hollow bar anchor supplier for the electrified transit sector.
The SupCT system aligns with the growing global demand for soil nail system manufacturers who can deliver dual‑role support: immediate friction‑type anchorage via expansion shells and chemical bonding through full‑column grouting. By combining these mechanisms in a single bolt, contractors avoid the logistical and compatibility headaches of multi‑component support schemes. The result is faster advance rates, fewer parts to inventory, and a unified quality record for permanent works.
Headquartered in China with a growing network of international distributors, SupAnchor has invested heavily in R&D to bring the SupCT system from concept to certified product. The steel bar elongation (Agt ≥ 8 %) meets the stringent requirements of GB1499.2‑2007, while the 40Cr hollow bar complies with DIN EN 10083 and ASTM A29/A29M‑04. For GFRP components, testing follows CSA S807, ACI 440.6M, and ASTM D7957M, ensuring compliance with North American and European design codes.
The factory’s quality management system is ISO 9001 certified, and the hot‑dip galvanizing and epoxy coating lines operate under continuous third‑party inspection. This disciplined approach has already won SupAnchor repeat orders for large‑scale projects in Scandinavia, Australia, and North America—regions known for rigorous environmental and safety standards. The SupCT system’s ability to function as both a self‑drilling anchor bolt (when used with lost‑bit hollow bars) and a conventional drill‑and‑grout bolt further underscores its engineering adaptability.
Looking ahead, SupAnchor plans to extend the SupCT platform to even higher load classes and to integrate smart monitoring fibres within the grouting pipe, enabling real‑time strain sensing. For now, the SupCT Bolt System stands as a professional, innovative, and collaborative answer to the dual challenges of immediate rock support and lifelong corrosion protection—delivering exactly what modern infrastructure demands.
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