Geocell Anchoring
Geocell anchoring is a specialised method of securing geocell erosion control systems—such as Geoweb or Greenfix—to slopes and embankments. The process involves fixing the top edge of the geocell mat at the crest of a slope, allowing it to cascade down and be filled with soil, aggregate, or other infill materials.
Vulcan Earth Anchors provide a robust and reliable way to secure these systems in place, ensuring they remain stable under heavy loads caused by gravity, rainfall, and water runoff. This is especially critical on steep or unstable slopes, where traditional vegetation or regrading methods may not be effective or economically viable.
Geocell anchoring enables long-term slope stabilisation, vegetation establishment, and erosion protection—without major excavation or disturbance to the existing terrain.
Why Use Vulcan Earth Anchors?
Fast, Manual Installation – Vulcan Earth Anchors can be installed using handheld equipment, avoiding the need for heavy machinery.
No Trenching Required – Traditional methods use buried bars or pipes, requiring deep trenching; percussion-driven anchors eliminate this need entirely.
Immediate Load Testing – Each anchor can be load-tested on-site using a winch and dynamometer to confirm a 12kN holding force at 600mm centres.
Minimal Environmental Impact – No concrete or grout is needed, and installation causes minimal soil disturbance.
Customisable Solutions – Anchor type, layout, and material (galvanised or stainless steel) can be tailored to project conditions, slope geometry, and design life.
Compatible with Major Systems – Fully suited for Greenfix, Geoweb, and other leading geocell systems.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Each anchor is driven 1.2–1.5 metres into the ground at approximately 600mm intervals along the top edge of the geocell mat. A 7x19 wire rope tendon connects the anchor to the geocell, securing it under load to prevent downward movement once the cells are filled.
Typical installation includes:
Percussion-driven installation of Vulcan AS10 (or AS5/AS20 where required)
Manual load testing to 12kN using a winch and inline dynamometer
No hydraulic rams or large plant required
Optional seeded erosion control blankets placed over the geocell surface to encourage rapid vegetation and prevent surface erosion
This design ensures a reliable, testable, and durable connection that maintains geocell integrity over the structure’s full design life.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
Our Vulcan Earth Anchor range provides a reliable, long-term solution for securing geocell systems across a wide variety of soil and slope conditions. Each anchor is designed to deliver consistent holding capacities and can be load tested immediately after installation to confirm performance.
Vulcan Earth Anchors – AS-05, AS-10, AS-20
Compact and manually installable, making them ideal for sites with limited access
Manufactured from galvanised or stainless steel to ensure durability in harsh environments
Fitted with a 7x19 wire rope tendon for a strong and secure connection to the geocell structure
Proven to deliver long-term performance, resisting corrosion and maintaining stability throughout the design life of the system
Our anchors can be configured to meet specific project requirements, including slope gradient, soil composition, and load criteria. This flexibility allows for a tailored approach that ensures effective geocell restraint and long-term erosion control.
Optional Add-ons:
Seeded erosion control blankets to accelerate vegetation growth and surface stability
Pre-filled or client-specified infill options for quicker installation and immediate slope protection
Bespoke anchor layouts and design support, enabling project-specific solutions backed by engineering guidance
Common Applications We Support
Geocell anchoring is a versatile solution suitable for a range of geotechnical and civil engineering environments. Our systems are compatible with all leading geocell brands and can be adapted to meet the performance demands of different site conditions and slope profiles.
We commonly support applications including:
Greenfix and Geoweb system anchoring for reliable top-of-slope restraint
Steep slope and high-gradient erosion control, including sites exceeding 70° inclines
Channel and drainage line stabilisation where geocells are exposed to hydraulic forces
Embankment protection adjacent to highways, rail corridors, and waterways
Vegetation restoration on degraded, rocky, or sandy surfaces where traditional soil retention is not possible
These solutions ensure that geocell systems remain stable, well-integrated, and capable of delivering long-term environmental and structural benefits.
FAQs
01
Why is burying a bar or pipe not recommended for securing geocell systems?
Burying a pipe or bar requires trenching, which is labour-intensive, slow, and disruptive. Anchors are faster to install, require less manpower, and can be load tested immediately for peace of mind.
02
What equipment is needed to install the anchors?
Most installations are completed using lightweight handheld percussion tools, along with a manual winch and inline load cell for testing. No hydraulic plant is required.
03
Can this be used with systems from Greenfix or Geoweb?
Yes. Our anchors are compatible with all major geocell brands. We are frequently specified directly by Greenfix and others to provide top-of-slope anchoring on embankment projects.
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