DISAF Rail Anchor
The DISAF cable (Double Insulated, Sheathed, and Armoured Fibre) is a rugged, heavy-duty cable commonly used for FTN and GSM-R rail communication systems. Its durability makes it well suited for challenging environments—but it also requires secure, reliable restraint, particularly on exposed ground, slopes, and embankments.
Vulcan Earth Anchors provide an ideal foundation solution for securing DISAF and other armoured communication cables. Installed rapidly with portable tools and without excavation, they offer a fast, stable, and low-impact method for fixing Pad No. 072611 DISAF cables along rail corridors.
This system is designed for projects where quick deployment, immediate stability, and minimal disruption are essential.
Key Advantages
raditional cable restraint methods—such as trenching, concrete blocks, or driven stakes—are often slow, costly, and disruptive to rail operations. They struggle particularly in difficult ground, on slopes, or in live rail environments.
Challenges with Traditional Solutions
Slow installation times due to trenching and reinstatement
Heavy plant and large crews required for excavation
Poor access on embankments or narrow verges
Fixings that loosen over time under tension or vibration
Significant environmental impact and soil disturbance
Limited ability to adjust or reposition if the cable route changes
Advantages of Using Vulcan Earth Anchors
Fast, tool-based installation – anchors are driven directly into the ground in minutes
Immediate holding capacity – no curing or waiting period required
High load resistance – secure hold against tension, uplift, vibration, and wind exposure
Minimal ground disturbance – no digging or concrete
Portable and flexible – easily installed in remote or restricted access locations
Reusable – can be removed, repositioned, or redeployed as needed
Cost-effective – reduced labour, equipment, and reinstatement costs
Suitable for all ground types – including slopes, verges, soft soils, and embankments
This makes Vulcan Earth Anchors a reliable solution for long-distance DISAF and fibre cable restraint across the rail network.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
The DISAF Rail Anchor system secures armoured fibre cables—such as Pad No. 072611—directly to the ground without trenching. This is especially beneficial in live rail zones where excavation is restricted or impractical.
Installation Process
The Vulcan Earth Anchor (AS10) is driven vertically into the ground.
Standard installation depth is 500 mm, increased to 750 mm in loose or soft soils.
A looped cable tendon is passed through the anchor and tensioned.
The anchor is driven to its final depth using manual or powered percussion tools.
Once set, the system provides immediate, secure holding capacity.
Ideal For
Long-distance cable runs
Curved alignments
Areas close to the track where drift must be controlled
Steep or unstable ground
Temporary or permanent fibre installations
Installation Equipment
Manual or handheld percussion tools
Optional excavator-mounted installation heads
Drive rods and cable loops for tensioning
This creates a fast, repeatable, and low-disruption cable restraint process suitable for busy operational rail corridors.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
Vulcan Earth Anchor – AS10
Selected for its compact size and strong holding performance, making it ideal for stabilising DISAF cables in rail environments.
Recommended Spacing
Standard cable alignment: every 40 m
Curves or corners: reduced to 10 m
Close to track: spacing should be tightened further to prevent drift toward the running line
Spacing and depth can be adjusted based on soil conditions, environmental exposure, and cable tension requirements.
FAQs
01
Can DISAF Rail Anchors be installed without heavy equipment?
Yes. They can be fully installed using handheld percussion tools, making them ideal for restricted or remote rail sites.
02
How deep do the anchors need to be installed?
Typically 500 mm, increasing to 750 mm in soft or poor soils to achieve the required holding strength.
03
When should anchor spacing be reduced?
Spacing should be tightened on curves, near track boundaries, or where cable tension could cause drift or uplift.
Types of This Application We Can Work With
FTN cable restraint
GSM-R fibre cable securing
Armoured data and communication cable anchoring
Temporary or permanent cable restraint on rail projects
Cable securing on embankments, cuttings, verges, and slopes
Long-distance route protection for above-ground cables
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.
Explore Anchor Screw Foundations
Vulcan Earth Anchors offer a fast, strong, and low-impact method for securing DISAF and armoured telecoms cables across the rail network. Whether for FTN, GSM-R, or other communication routes, our anchoring solutions deliver dependable performance with minimal disruption.