Anti-Flotation Anchor
Anti-flotation anchoring is essential for preventing lightweight or submerged structures from lifting or shifting as a result of hydrostatic pressure, groundwater rise, or flood conditions. Vulcan Earth Anchors provide a fast, non-invasive, and highly reliable solution for resisting these upward forces — maintaining the stability and longevity of structures even in challenging, water-saturated ground conditions.
Structures such as chambers, tanks, and lightweight foundations are particularly vulnerable when groundwater levels increase or during flood events. Without proper anchoring, these assets risk:
Structural damage and displacement
Disconnection of utilities or services
Safety hazards for maintenance teams and the public
Costly remedial works or system failure
Preventing flotation is therefore a critical element of design and installation, particularly in areas prone to flooding, high water tables, or soft ground.
Why Use Vulcan Earth Anchors?
Challenges with Traditional Methods
Traditional anti-flotation methods — including concrete ballasts, counterweights, or deadman anchor blocks — often present challenges such as:
Heavy and bulky materials requiring transportation, lifting equipment, and large working areas
Excavation-intensive installation, causing disruption and delay
Weather sensitivity, especially when pouring concrete in wet or unstable ground
Limited practicality in remote or soft-ground locations
High cost and environmental impact, due to increased material use, labour, and carbon emissions
Advantages of using Vulcan Earth Anchors
Vulcan Earth Anchors overcome these limitations with a smarter, low-impact alternative:
No concrete or excavation required – reducing time, cost, and ground disturbance
Lightweight and portable, suitable for remote or restricted access sites
All-weather installation, performing effectively in wet, soft, or flood-prone environments
Immediate load capacity – ideal for flood response and emergency works
Scalable design, adaptable to suit load and soil conditions
Lower carbon footprint, making it an environmentally responsible solution
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Vulcan Earth Anchors are installed into stable ground beside or beneath the structure requiring restraint. A strap, cable, or bar connects opposing anchors or ties directly to the base of the unit. The system is then tensioned to achieve the required holding force, providing immediate resistance to uplift or buoyancy.
Once locked off, the anchor transfers the load into the surrounding soil, maintaining structural stability even during groundwater surges or flooding.
Installation Methods:
Can be installed manually, mechanically, or with hydraulic tools, depending on site conditions
Typically used in opposing pairs or at each corner of a structure
Tensioning achieved using a Load Locker to verify and secure the desired holding force
Compatible with steel wire, webbing straps, or custom restraint brackets
Design Considerations:
Load requirements, ground conditions, and structure type must always be assessed to select the correct anchor model and configuration. Our team can provide full technical guidance and calculations to ensure performance and compliance.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
The Vulcan Earth Anchor range is ideally suited for anti-flotation applications. The specific anchor type and configuration are selected based on uplift loads, ground conditions, and installation environment.
Each system provides a compact, high-strength solution that can be quickly deployed with minimal site preparation. Anchors can be adapted for both temporary and permanent use, ensuring a reliable, long-term restraint against buoyancy forces.
Common Applications We Support
We support anti-flotation solutions for a wide range of civil and geotechnical applications, including:
Inspection chambers and valve chambers
Water and wastewater tanks
Pumping stations
Electrical or communication chambers
Lightweight foundations in flood zones
Modular or relocatable infrastructure in soft-ground conditions
FAQs
01
Can Vulcan Earth Anchors be installed in waterlogged or flooded areas?
Yes. They can be installed and tensioned even in saturated or high water table conditions using handheld or hydraulic equipment.
02
Can these anchors be installed in soft or saturated ground?
Yes. Vulcan Earth Anchors are specifically designed to perform in soft, wet, or flood-prone conditions where concrete or ballast solutions are impractical
03
Are anti-flotation anchors suitable for temporary installations?
Absolutely. The system can be easily removed and reused, making it ideal for both temporary works and permanent anchoring applications.
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