General

IMPORTANT: Installation methods depend on the type of anchor and the particular application. Always follow the anchor manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Step 1: Determine the type of anchor

Using Figure 130, identify the anchor recommended for your installation. Anchors 1-5 are post installed anchors and instructions for installing them. Anchors 6-10 are specialty anchors.

The various methods for installing anchors into concrete, brick, and concrete block anchors are shown below.

Contract documents may require special inspection to torque anchors or for proof load using hydraulic rams.

Step 2: Determine where to drill the hole

To determine anchor locations for the equipment you are installing, follow the instructions for the Attachment Type you are using. Coordinate the equipment connections and hole locations with the location of any steel reinforcement or tendons.

Determine the depth and location of any steel reinforcement or tendons before drilling. This may require relocating equipment slightly to avoid the reinforcement.

FOR POST-TENSIONED BUILDINGS, LOCATE THE TENDONS BEFORE DRILLING. EXTREME DAMAGE MAY OCCUR IF A TENDON IS NICKED OR CUT.

When using electronic locating devices to find reinforcement and tendons, make sure you know the limitations of the device. Calibrate and test with a known standard or location to confirm accuracy. Check the area of concern in two directions. Inform the contractor performing the work of the precision of the test unit and record results For example: agreed upon mark +/- ¼” location vertical, horizontal, and depth +/- ½”.

Coordinate the location of anchors with the edge of the concrete, construction joints, and other anchors.

Do not install the anchor too close to the edge of the concrete base. Typically the anchor’s distance from the edge is 1½ times the embedment depth.

Do not install an anchor too close to another anchor. Typically the minimum spacing between anchors is two times the anchor’s embedment depth.

Step 3: Drilling the hole

Drill the right-sized hole for the anchors. Use the appropriate ANSI-rated drill bit for the application.

Do not drill holes into concrete at an angle.

For wedge, undercut and sleeve anchors, drill the hole deeper than the required embedment depth.

The required hole depth may be different from the embedment depth. See Figure 132.

The depth of the concrete base must be at least one inch greater than the hole you are drilling.

Some undercut anchors require an even deeper concrete base.

If you strike steel reinforcement when drilling, you must have damage inspected. As directed, fill hole with approved grout and select a new location according to minimum spacing requirements. Drill a new hole.

Step 4: Clean out the hole

Drilled holes must be cleaned before you can insert the anchor. Use clean, dry compressed air to blow out dust and debris. The type of anchor or application also may require you to use water or a brush.

See the anchor manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the hole.

Cleaning is important: a “dirty” hole can significantly reduce the anchor’s performance.

Step 5: Insert the anchor

If you are installing any anchor other than an adhesive anchor, drive the anchor into the hole with a hammer.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT DAMAGE THREADS DURING INSTALLATION. DO NOT FORCE THE ANCHOR. If you use a larger hammer than recommended by the manufacturer, you may damage the anchor.

If you are installing an adhesive anchor, insert the capsule or inject non-capsule adhesive into the hole. Slowly rotate the anchor into place as shown below.

If you have installed a wedge or sleeve anchor, go to Step 7.

Step 6: Setting shell, adhesive and undercut anchors ONLY

Shell Anchor: Drive the prescribed setting tool into the anchor until the setting tool shoulder meets the edge of the anchor, as shown below.

Adhesive Anchor: Allow enough time for the adhesive to fully cure. The curing process may take a long time. See the manufacturer’s instructions.

Undercut Anchor: Use special tools provided by the anchor manufacturer to set the anchor, as shown below.

Step 7: Set the equipment and tighten the anchors

Set the equipment in place. Check for gaps. Gaps under the equipment must not be greater than 1/8” as shown below. If the gap is greater than 1/8”, dry pack the gap and repeat this step.

Do not bolt equipment directly to concrete anchors where equipment sheet metal is less than 16 gauge if the anchor is larger than 3/8” in diameter.

For anchor bolts larger than 3/8”, the equipment housing should be reinforced using a structural angle bracket as shown in Figure 138.

Tighten the anchor bolt to the correct torque setting in the manufacturer’s instructions or construction drawings. Use a calibrated torque wrench.