A bearing plate for use in an anchor assembly and associated method are provided. The bearing plate may have a body with a middle portion with a helical configuration about an axis. Leading and trailing portions are also included on either end of the middle portion. An upper leading portion surface may extend an angular distance from 5.degree. to 45.degree. about the axis. The upper leading and middle portion surfaces may extend at different rates in the axial direction per extension about the axis in order to reduce friction on the leading portion during insertion. Additionally or alternatively, the middle portion of the body may be tapered and/or included a rounded outer edge in order to reduce friction during insertion and/or to increase ease of manufacture. A method of putting together an anchor assembly in the field in order to achieve a desired bearing capacity is also disclosed.