Rock Mattress
Rock mattresses are widely used for scour protection and erosion control in marine and waterway environments. They provide an effective method of stabilising slopes, embankments, and sea beds exposed to strong water flow, wave action, or buoyant forces.
In areas with high flow velocity or buoyancy challenges, additional stabilisation is often required to keep the mattresses in place. The use of mechanical ground anchors, such as the Vulcan Earth Anchor, provides a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to secure rock mattresses without increasing their size or weight.
This application is particularly relevant across the marine, coastal, and civil engineering sectors, where maintaining the integrity of underwater and shoreline protection systems is vital.
Why Use Vulcan Earth Anchors?
Traditional approaches to securing rock mattresses typically involve increasing the size or mass of the structure or using grout and concrete-based systems to hold them in place. These solutions add significant cost, time, and logistical complexity, often requiring larger material volumes, additional transport, and extended installation times.
By contrast, using mechanical ground anchors provides several advantages:
Reduced material and transport costs – eliminates the need to upsize the rock mattress.
Faster installation – anchors can be installed using lightweight, hand-held or hydraulic equipment.
Immediate load capacity – once installed and locked off, the anchor provides instant holding force.
Environmentally friendly – no grout or wet works required, minimising site disruption.
Adaptable for tidal or submerged environments – anchors can be installed in tidal zones and locked off quickly between tide cycles.
This method offers a safer, cleaner, and more efficient alternative for securing rock mattress systems in challenging marine conditions.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Mechanical ground anchors are typically driven through the mattress structure, penetrating the underlying soil or substrate. The anchor head passes through the rock or gabion netting, with the load cable or rod connecting the system to a top plate or termination point on the mattress surface.
Installation can be completed by hand or with hydraulic tools, depending on site scale and access. Once the anchor is driven to the required depth, it is proof loaded and locked off, providing immediate restraint.
For design, key considerations include:
Ground conditions – soil type and density affect anchor selection and depth.
Hydraulic forces – design must account for buoyancy, wave, and current loads.
Installation timing – work may be carried out between tides or during calm water windows.
This flexible installation approach makes the Vulcan Earth Anchor ideal for both tidal and inland waterway environments where traditional systems would be slow or impractical.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
The Vulcan Earth Anchor range is used for securing rock mattresses, with smaller anchor models (such as AS-05, AS-10) typically sufficient for most scour and erosion control projects.
For higher load requirements, larger anchors may be specified depending on soil strength and hydraulic conditions. The versatility of the system means that anchor size and configuration can be tailored to suit both small-scale and large-scale marine protection works.
Common Applications We Support
Anchor Systems can support a range of rock mattress applications, including:
Scour protection beneath bridges, piers, and marine structures.
Erosion control along riverbanks, coastlines, and estuaries.
Outfall and culvert protection where flow velocity is high.
Slope stabilisation and revetment works in tidal or flooded areas.
Gabion and Reno mattress anchoring for marine and civil infrastructure.
This versatility ensures compatibility with different site conditions, water depths, and mattress designs.
FAQs
01
Why do rock mattresses need anchoring?
Rock mattresses are subject to uplift and displacement from flowing water, tidal movement, or buoyancy. Anchoring ensures they remain stable and effective in protecting against erosion and scour.
02
What size anchors are typically used?
Smaller mechanical ground anchors, generally between the AS-05 and AS-10 range, are most common. However, selection depends on soil type, flow forces, and design loads.
03
Can anchors be installed underwater or in tidal conditions?
Yes. Mechanical anchors are ideal for marine environments as they can be installed and locked off quickly between tides, ensuring secure and reliable performance even in submerged conditions.
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