Signage
Securing signage in the highways sector requires a reliable, long-lasting, and low-impact foundation system that can withstand varying environmental and load conditions. Whether for temporary roadworks, events, or permanent directional and safety signage, stability and speed of installation are key.
Traditional concrete foundations are often time-consuming, disruptive to install, and difficult to remove — particularly in live carriageway environments or restricted access areas. Mechanical ground anchors, such as the Vulcan Earth Anchor, offer a faster, more sustainable, and re-usable alternative that delivers immediate load capacity with minimal ground disturbance.
This application plays a vital role across highways projects, including new infrastructure builds, maintenance works, and temporary traffic management setups, helping ensure safety, visibility, and compliance with road regulations.
Why Use Vulcan Earth Anchors?
Challenges with Traditional Methods
Traditional methods of securing signage — such as cast-in or excavated concrete footings — can create multiple challenges:
Long curing times delay project completion.
High excavation requirements increase cost, spoil removal, and environmental impact.
Limited flexibility makes repositioning or removing signage complex.
Traffic management disruption is extended due to installation and reinstatement time.
By contrast, the Vulcan Earth Anchor system offers several key benefits:
Rapid installation using lightweight or hand-held hydraulic tools with immediate load capacity.
Minimal excavation means less environmental disruption and faster reinstatement of the site.
Reusable or easily removable anchors make the system ideal for both temporary and permanent signage.
Versatile design accommodates different soil types, signage loads, and mounting configurations.
Reduced CO₂ footprint compared with concrete-based methods.
How Our Products Are Used for This Application
Vulcan Earth Anchors are installed directly into the ground using hand-held or machine-mounted hydraulic equipment. Once driven to the required depth, the anchor is proof-loaded to lock it into place, creating an instant load-bearing point for the signage foundation.
For temporary signage, anchors can be connected to steel plates or frames that support signposts or gantries. These can later be removed without permanent ground impact.
For permanent installations, anchors provide a robust foundation for post or base plate systems, ensuring long-term stability even under wind loading or vehicle-induced vibration.
Design considerations typically include expected wind loads, signage size and height, soil composition, and installation depth. Our technical team provides design guidance to ensure the appropriate anchor type and configuration are used for each site condition.
Which Products Are Used for This Application
This application generally utilises a selection of Vulcan Earth Anchors, selected according to the site’s load requirements and ground conditions.
Smaller anchor models are ideal for lightweight temporary signage and posts.
Larger anchors are suited to permanent or high-wind-load signage applications.
All variants provide a consistent and verifiable holding capacity, with proof testing possible at installation for quality assurance.
Common Applications We Support
We can provide anchoring systems for a wide range of signage installations across the highways network, including:
Permanent directional and information signage
Temporary roadwork and diversion signage
Electronic or variable message signs
Speed and safety cameras
Signage for events, road closures, or maintenance schemes
Cantilevered or over-road gantry systems (with engineering verification)
FAQs
01
Can Vulcan Earth Anchors be used for both temporary and permanent signage?
Yes. Vulcan Earth Anchors are designed for both temporary and permanent use, offering reusability and long-term stability depending on the installation requirements.
02
How quickly can signage be installed using this system?
Anchors can be installed and load-tested within minutes, allowing signage to be positioned immediately — a major advantage compared to concrete, which requires curing time.
03
Are anchors suitable for all ground conditions?
Yes. The system is adaptable to a wide range of soils, from clay and sand to compacted fill. Our design support service ensures the correct anchor type and installation depth are chosen for each site.
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