Air Domes
Air domes and pitch covers require secure, durable and removable foundations to ensure safety and performance under all weather conditions. Traditional concrete-based anchoring methods can be time-consuming, expensive and restrictive when flexibility is required.
Anchor Systems’ Vulcan Earth Anchors provide a fast, reliable and cost-effective Air Dome Anchoring solution. Designed for both temporary and semi-permanent structures, this mechanical ground anchoring system eliminates the need for concrete foundations while offering immediate, high-load capacity.
Our systems are widely used across sports facilities, temporary structures, and event venues, providing a practical anchoring solution where rapid installation, adaptability, and minimal ground disruption are key.
Why Use Vulcan Earth Anchors?
Traditional anchoring methods for air domes often rely on large concrete foundations that are costly, labour-intensive, and environmentally intrusive. They also extend project timelines and restrict future relocation or adjustment of the structure.
By comparison, Vulcan Earth Anchors provide:
Rapid installation — anchors can be installed and load-locked within minutes using handheld percussion-driven tools.
Immediate load capacity — no curing time required, allowing instant structural connection.
Reduced environmental impact — minimal excavation and no requirement for concrete.
Flexibility and reusability — anchors can be removed and reused, ideal for temporary or relocatable structures.
Proven performance — holding capacities from 1–450kN, tested and validated across global applications.
British manufactured quality — designed, tested and produced in the UK for assured reliability.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Anchor Systems has developed a dedicated Air Dome Anchoring System to secure the perimeter frames or tension points of temporary air-supported structures and pitch covers.
Anchors are percussion-driven into the ground using lightweight, portable tools — eliminating heavy machinery and reducing mobilisation costs. Once driven to the designed depth, each anchor is load-locked to achieve its full holding capacity, providing an instant, active connection point.
For projects built over concrete or non-displaceable ground, we provide custom flush-mounted anchoring caps that remain level with the surface when the dome is not in use, maintaining safety and site appearance.
Design Considerations
• Required holding capacity (typically between 30–65 kN depending on structure type).
• Ground composition and bearing capacity.
• Anchor spacing (commonly 1.5–3 m centres).
• Angle of installation (typically 60–65° from horizontal).
Our trained operatives can also provide on-site testing to verify the optimum anchor size and configuration before full installation.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
Typical Vulcan Earth Anchor models used for air dome installations include:
AS-10 to AS-90 Vulcan Earth Anchors — providing holding capacities from 4–169kN, suitable for a range of soil types and load requirements.
AS-90 Vulcan Earth Anchor — commonly used for large air domes or high-tension applications, capable of achieving up to 65kN Safe Working Load (SWL) at driven depths of 3m.
Accessories and components may include:
Galvanised tendons and shackles
Load-locking eye nuts or fixings
Ground-level concealment caps
All systems are designed for rapid installation and long-term reliability, with a design life exceeding 25 years when correctly installed and maintained.
Common Applications We Support
Sports air domes (football, tennis, multi-sport pitches).
Event and exhibition domes.
Temporary warehousing and storage domes.
Inflatable emergency or disaster relief structures.
Seasonal pitch covers or training facilities.
Systems can be designed for temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent use depending on client requirements and site conditions.
FAQs
01
Can Vulcan Earth Anchors be used on all ground types?
Yes. Our anchors perform effectively in most soil conditions, from firm clay to dense gravel. For hard or non-displaceable surfaces, we offer alternative fixing methods and accessories designed to maintain strength and reliability.
02
How long does installation take compared to concrete foundations?
Vulcan Earth Anchors can be installed and load-locked within minutes using handheld tools. A full site installation that might take weeks with concrete can typically be completed in days, saving considerable time and cost.
03
Are the anchoring points visible when the dome is not in use?
No. We provide flush-fitting caps and accessories that conceal the anchor head at ground level, ensuring a clean and unobtrusive finish.
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.
Experts in innovative foundation systems
From rail and highways to solar farms and temporary structures, Anchor Systems deliver engineered ground anchoring and foundation solutions that simplify installation and reduce environmental impact.
Zero concrete, zero waiting time
Easy installation with hand-held or hydraulic tools
Reusable, relocatable, and sustainable
Designed, tested, and manufactured in the UK