Anchor Drain
The Anchor Drain is a cost-effective, retrofittable ground drainage system designed to relieve pore water pressure and enhance long-term slope stability. Developed using the same installation principles as the Vulcan Earth Anchor, it combines mechanical anchoring with a high-performance wicking material (MebraDrain) to create an instant subsurface drainage pathway.
Excessive pore water pressure is one of the leading causes of slope failure, especially after heavy rainfall or in poorly drained soils. By providing a direct route for water to escape, the Anchor Drain helps reduce internal soil pressure and prevent saturation—improving the resilience and longevity of slopes, embankments, and retaining structures.
Typical applications include:
Road and railway embankments
Cuttings and slope faces
Retaining walls (masonry or earth structures)
Backfilled areas with poor natural drainage
Sites prone to reactivation due to saturation
This system is especially valuable for existing slopes where drainage improvements are needed without altering the ground profile or disturbing vegetation.
Key Features & Benefits
Relieves Pore Water Pressure: Rapidly dissipates excess water within embankments and retaining structures.
Prevents Slope Failure: Controls drainage to maintain soil strength and stability.
Fast Retrofit Installation: Easily installed on existing slopes with minimal disruption.
Low Impact, Zero Maintenance: Requires no excavation or ongoing upkeep once installed.
Versatile Use: Compatible with soil, clay, sand, and even masonry applications.
Performance & Range
The Anchor Drain system integrates three key components—anchor head, MebraDrain wicking material, and termination plate or mortar outlet—to deliver continuous drainage and immediate effectiveness after installation.
Anchor Head: Sized for specific soil conditions and drainage performance.
MebraDrain Wicking Core: A durable, high-tensile drainage element that resists buckling and maintains flow under pressure.
Termination Options: Prefabricated water plates or mortar finishes to allow safe surface discharge.
This modular design allows flexibility across project types—from shallow cuttings to deep embankments—ensuring reliable drainage in both new and retrofit applications.
Design Considerations
Every Anchor Drain installation is tailored to the site’s drainage and stability needs.
Key design parameters include:
Load Requirements: While drainage-focused, the anchor may provide supplementary stabilisation.
Installation Angle: Set to promote gravity-assisted water flow.
Material Options: Available in galvanised or stainless steel depending on exposure and design life.
Length & Positioning: Determined by water table depth, slope geometry, and anticipated flow volume.
Installation & Usability
Installation time: ~30 minutes per anchor (varies by site and access).
Depth range: Defined by site-specific drainage requirements and slope geometry.
Installation method: Percussion-driven (same as Vulcan Earth Anchors).
Equipment options:
Excavator with breaker attachment
Drill mast
Handheld percussion tools
Once driven to the desired depth, the drive rod is removed, leaving the drain in place to provide immediate water relief. Installation causes minimal disturbance, making it ideal for live environments such as active rail or highway embankments.
FAQs
01
What makes Anchor Drain different from traditional drainage systems?
Traditional systems often require excavation, piping, and trenching. Anchor Drain is installed from the surface and provides instant drainage via a wicking membrane—no trenching required.
02
Can the Anchor Drain be installed in existing embankments?
Yes. It is specifically designed for retrofitting into established slopes or walls with minimal surface disruption.
03
What equipment is needed for installation?
Installation can be carried out with handheld tools, an excavator-mounted breaker, or a drill mast. It is adaptable depending on site access and slope conditions.
Get to know more about the product
The Vulcan Earth Anchor range was designed and developed by Anchor Systems (International) Ltd to provide a simple, reliable, and cost-effective ground anchoring solution for a wide variety of applications.
Our brochure includes detailed product information, performance data, installation guidance, and examples of real-world uses across multiple sectors.
If you require technical specifications or design advice for your specific project, please get in touch with our team.
Not Sure Which Anchor Fits Your Project?
Our team is here to help. Whether you need advice on load requirements, soil conditions, or installation methods, we’ll guide you to the right solution.
Get in touch today to discuss your project with our technical experts.