Coastal Defence
Coastal defence structures play a critical role in protecting shorelines, infrastructure, and communities from erosion, wave action, and rising sea levels. Over time, the constant movement of water and changing ground conditions can compromise the stability of traditional defence systems, such as sea walls, revetments, and gabion structures.
Reliable anchoring is therefore essential to secure these systems and maintain their long-term performance. Mechanical ground anchors, such as the Vulcan Earth Anchor, provide a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and easily installed solution for a wide range of coastal defence applications — offering long-term stability even in challenging marine environments.
Coastal defence anchoring is vital for projects in the marine, civil engineering, and environmental protection sectors, particularly where access is limited and installation speed is crucial.
Why Use Vulcan Earth Anchors?
Traditional coastal defence systems often rely on concrete foundations, piles, or grouted solutions which can be time-consuming to install, require specialist equipment, and have a significant environmental impact. These conventional approaches can also struggle in sandy or waterlogged soils where stability is difficult to achieve.
In contrast, Vulcan Earth Anchors provide a lightweight, rapidly installed, and eco-friendly alternative that eliminates the need for excavation or curing time. They can be installed using simple hydraulic or hand-held equipment, making them ideal for remote or tidal locations.
Key advantages include:
Rapid, low-disruption installation without the need for concrete.
Immediate load-holding capacity after installation.
Reduced environmental footprint — minimal soil disturbance and no curing time.
Proven long-term durability in saltwater and coastal conditions.
Cost-effective and adaptable for both temporary and permanent defence structures.
Easy removal or re-tensioning for maintenance or seasonal applications.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Vulcan Earth Anchors are installed directly into the seabed, shoreline, or embankment using mechanical or hydraulic equipment. Once driven to the required depth, the anchor is load-locked to create a secure bearing within the ground, providing immediate resistance to uplift or lateral forces.
This makes them particularly suitable for stabilising structures such as:
Revetment matting and erosion control systems.
Coastal and riverbank retaining structures.
Gabion baskets, sea walls, and rock armour installations.
Floating pontoons and tidal barriers.
Design considerations include soil type, tidal influence, and anticipated loading conditions. Anchor selection and depth are adjusted accordingly to ensure maximum holding capacity and longevity in harsh marine environments.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
The Vulcan Earth Anchor range is the preferred solution for coastal defence applications due to its strength, versatility, and ease of installation.
Typical products used include:
Small to Medium Vulcan Earth Anchors – ideal for erosion control mats, geotextiles, and smaller coastal structures.
Larger Vulcan Earth Anchors – suited to heavy-duty applications such as retaining walls, gabion baskets, and seawall stabilisation.
Each anchor can be configured with stainless steel or galvanised wire tendons, depending on the level of corrosion protection required. Anchor selection is based on site conditions, load requirements, and the intended lifespan of the installation.
Common Applications We Support
Anchor Systems’ solutions can be used across a wide range of coastal and marine defence structures, including:
Sea walls and revetments
Gabion baskets and retaining structures
Revetment and erosion control matting
Coastal embankments and dunes
Floating platforms and pontoons
Wave barriers and tidal control systems
This flexibility allows the Vulcan Earth Anchor to perform effectively in a variety of environments — from sandy shorelines to rocky coastal terrain.
FAQs
01
Can Vulcan Earth Anchors be used in saltwater environments?
Yes. The anchors can be supplied with stainless steel components or galvanised coatings to provide long-term corrosion resistance in marine and tidal conditions.
02
Do they require heavy machinery for installation?
No. Vulcan Earth Anchors can be installed using compact hydraulic or hand-held equipment, making them ideal for areas with restricted access or environmentally sensitive sites.
03
Are the anchors permanent or can they be removed?
Both options are available. Depending on the application, the anchors can be designed for permanent installation or easily removed and reused in temporary coastal protection systems.
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