Construction Industry/Deadman anchors

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Expert: - 12/23/2010


Question
QUESTION: This is an off the wall question, but I recently had shoulder surgery in which "deadman" anchor principles were utilized.  Neither of us knew, or could find out where the term originated.  Any ideas?  Any information would be much appreciated.

ANSWER: Hey Beverly,

It's a common expression and has been used for as long as I can remember and I'm an old dude!!

It refers to the fact that a "dead man" is "dead weight" and therefore a good anchor.  When building a wall, the "tie-back" connection goes from the earth side of a retaining wall to the "deadman" which is an anchor that prevents the wall from tipping if the pressure from the backfill is extreme.  Can you visualize what I described?  The "deadman" can be concrete or perhaps a railroad tie.  The tie-back may be a steel rod, concrete or pressure treated wood.  The size and quantity is determined by the structural engineer who will make the calculations.

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your quick response.  I, too, have been around awhile and remember my father, a jack of all trades, using the the term.  
What I'm after is how far back the term goes and how it originated.  Have had zero luck on the internet, other than from you.  Thanks again.

Answer
Hello Again Beverly,

Apparently I'm not old enough!  (Let's not go into details.)

I'm betting that the term is very very old - all the way back to the Roman empire.  After all,
they built aqueducts and roads that had retaining walls.  Prior to becoming a General Contractor,
I had an architectural practice, so I have studied ancient buildings too.  I remember visiting
Rome (Italy) and touring the old buildings.  Fascinating!  Even the ancient forum had iron rods for anchoring and stability.  

That's far enough back for me!  Lots of luck on finding more about the term.

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

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Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

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Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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