Vulcan Earth Anchor
The Vulcan Earth Anchor is a simple, reliable, and cost-effective ground anchoring system designed and manufactured by Anchor Systems (International) Ltd. Engineered to deliver immediate load capacities from 1–450 kN, it provides robust and permanent anchorage across a wide range of applications — from retaining walls and slopes to infrastructure and rail projects.
By offering a lightweight alternative to traditional concrete or rebar solutions, the Vulcan Earth Anchor minimises excavation, speeds up installation, and delivers long-term stability in even the most challenging ground conditions.
Typically used by contractors, engineers, and rail operators, the system provides an efficient solution for stabilising, retaining, or tethering structures in civil engineering, construction, and rail environments.
Key Features & Benefits
Rapid Installation: Anchors can be installed in minutes using handheld or hydraulic equipment.
Proven Performance Range: Load capacities from 1 kN to 450 kN, the largest range available in the UK.
Exceptional Durability: Design life of up to 120+ years with options in galvanised or stainless steel (Anchor Systems is the only UK manufacturer to offer stainless steel anchors).
Low Environmental Impact: Minimal ground disturbance and no need for concrete, grouting, or curing time.
Bespoke Design: Anchors, tendons, and plates can be configured to meet project-specific needs.
Cost-Effective: With competitive lead times and UK-based manufacturing.
These features improve efficiency and sustainability by reducing installation times, site disruption, and material waste — making the Vulcan Earth Anchor a long-term, low-maintenance solution.
Performance
Variants
Vulcan Earth Anchor
The concept involves a specially designed anchor with a large surface area that is linked to a high yield tie bar or tendon. The anchor can then can be driven into the ground to the required depth, have a tensile load applied to the tendon which then, in turn, rotates the anchor, allowing the exposed end to be terminated and locked into position with any one of our large range of accessories and plates depending on the application and your requirements
AS-01
Size
Dimensions
L: 76.5 mm
W: 26 mm
H: 23 mm
Weight
0.03 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
0.1 kN - 4 kN
Typical Installation Depth
0.3 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 60
Materials
Materials
Aluminium LM6
Available Tendons Wire
7/7 Galvanised
7/7 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-05
Size
Dimensions
L: 127 mm
W: 41 mm
H: 35 mm
Weight
0.215 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
2 kN - 13 kN
Typical Installation Depth
0.75 - 1.2 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 60
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 85microns
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 - 7/7 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-10
Size
Dimensions
L: 168 mm
W: 70 mm
H: 71 mm
Weight
0.96 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
4 kN - 27 kN
Typical Installation Depth
1.2 - 1.5 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 60
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 85microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 - 7/7 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-20
Size
Dimensions
L: 240 mm
W: 76 mm
H: 89 mm
Weight
2 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
10 kN - 63 kN
Typical Installation Depth
2 - 3 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 60
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 140microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised Gewi HYB
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-30
Size
Dimensions
L: 293 mm
W: 88 mm
H: 107 mm
Weight
3 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
14 kN - 87 kN
Typical Installation Depth
1 - 6 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 60
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 85microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised Gewi HYB
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-50
Size
Dimensions
L: 375 mm
W: 98 mm
H: 109 mm
Weight
4 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
19 kN - 114 kN
Typical Installation Depth
3 - 6 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 60
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 140microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised Gewi HYB
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-90
Size
Dimensions
L: 375 mm
W: 178 mm
H: 111 mm
Weight
5 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
33 kN - 90 kN
Typical Installation Depth
3 - 9 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 60
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 140microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised Gewi HYB
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-120
Size
Dimensions
L: 500 mm
W: 300 mm
H: 133 mm
Weight
10 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
50 kN - 170 kN
Typical Installation Depth
3 - 12 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 40
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 140microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised Gewi HYB
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-200
Size
Dimensions
L: 500 mm
W: 172 mm
H: 150 mm
Weight
10 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
45 kN - 250 kN
Typical Installation Depth
6 - 12 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 50
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 140microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised Gewi HYB
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-300
Size
Dimensions
L: 500 mm
W: 300 mm
H: 157 mm
Weight
15 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
45 kN - 350 kN
Typical Installation Depth
6 - 12 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 50
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 140microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised Gewi HYB
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
AS-400
Size
Dimensions
L: 650 mm
W: 450 mm
H: 171 mm
Weight
29 kg
Loading Capacity
Range
45 kN - 450 kN
Typical Installation Depth
6 - 12 m
Soil Blow Count Range (SPT N)
10 - 50
Materials
Materials
SG Iron Galvanised to BS EN ISO1461, min 140microns
Stainless Steel - Grade 316
Available Tendons Wire
7/19 Galvanised
7/19 PVC Covered
7/19 Stainless Steel
Available Tendons All Thread Bar
Galvanised Gewi HYB
Stainless Steel 304 or 316
Installation Overview
The Vulcan Earth Anchor system is engineered for speed, versatility, and minimal on-site disruption. Anchors can be installed using different methods depending on size, soil type, and site access. Common techniques include:
Handheld tools – Best for small anchors or hard-to-reach locations such as embankments and verges. Lightweight hydraulic breakers or impact hammers allow rapid installation and are ideal for temporary works, minor stabilisation, or emergency situations.
Hydraulic or machine-assisted equipment – Used for medium to large anchors requiring higher loads. Hydraulic torque heads or excavator-mounted drive units provide controlled installation for civil engineering, retaining structures, rail projects, and coastal defences.
Specialist torque heads and drive rods – Suitable for the largest anchors or dense ground, ensuring accurate driving and enabling immediate load-locking.
Installation usually takes only a few minutes per anchor, with no excavation, curing, or concrete required. Anchors can be installed in virtually all weather conditions with minimal impact on surrounding structures or vegetation.
Load-Locking & Supporting Services
Once the anchor reaches its required depth, the tendon is tensioned—manually or with a hydraulic jack—causing the anchor to rotate and lock into the soil, generating immediate load capacity. The system can then be proof-tested and certified on-site.
Anchor Systems provides comprehensive support, including:
Equipment hire and supply
Site supervision and installation training
On-site testing and certification
Technical guidance and design assistance
Our experienced team ensures every installation meets the required holding capacity safely, efficiently, and to specification.
Design Considerations: Built for Purpose
Each anchor features a specially shaped anchor head connected to a tendon of threaded bar or wire rope. Once driven to the desired depth, the tendon is tensioned, causing the anchor head to rotate and lock into a cone of soil — generating immediate load capacity.
Materials: High-grade galvanised or stainless steel
Design life: Up to 120 years
Resistance: Corrosion-resistant, reusable in temporary works, and modular for easy handling
Patented geometry: The Vulcan head design maximises load efficiency while simplifying installation and testing
The design enables easy transport, rapid setup, and minimal disruption to existing structures or surrounding ground.
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.
Applications
Related Projects
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.