How to Install Anchor Bolts in Concrete (Step-by-Step + Embedment & Torque Chart)
To install anchor bolts in concrete, mark the layout, drill to the right diameter and depth, clean with brush-and-blow, set the anchor (mechanical, drop-in, epoxy, or cast-in), and tighten to spec. Doing this right gives you safe, long-lasting connections for base plates, machines, railings, and steel frames—without spin-outs or failures.
What Are Anchor Bolts? (Core intent + types & materials)
Anchor bolts connect a structure or machine to concrete and carry tension and shear. You’ll find both post-installed anchors and cast-in rods:
Drop-in anchors:flush, internally threaded; set with a setting tool.
Adhesive/epoxy anchors: threaded rod + injectable mortar/epoxy.
Cast-in anchor rods: L- or J-shape, often ASTM F1554 Grade 36/55/105.
Materials & corrosion:Stainless steel 304/316 for coastal/marine or chemical areas; galvanized or zinc-plated for general interiors.
India note: Designs often reference IS 456 / IS 800. On international projects, you’ll also see ACI 318 anchoring to concrete provisions and ACI 355.2 for anchor qualification.
Choosing the Right Anchor
Use this quick guide to align choice with load and site conditions:
Wedge anchors: Best for solid, uncracked or cracked concrete (check product rating). Great for base plates, racking, rails.
Sleeve/expansion & shield anchors: Good for light–medium loads and masonry; forgiving to hole variation.
Drop-in anchors:Flush finish; perfect when you want a removable stud for equipment anchoring.
Epoxy (chemical) anchors: Top choice near edges/corners, cracked concrete, wet/overhead holes (use a resin rated for it) and heavy vibration.
Cast-in rods: For steel columns, tower bases, wind turbine foundations—max performance with anchor templates and grouting.
Tools & Accessories
Rotary hammer + SDS drill bits (correct drill bit size vs anchor size)
Hole brushes, blow-out bulb, vacuum (hole drilling and cleaning)
Mark & drill perpendicular to the slab to the specified depth.
Brush-and-blow to remove dust (repeat until clean).
Insert the anchor through the base plate; tap flush.
Torque-tighten in a cross pattern.
Check edge distance & spacing if installing multiples.
Benefits: Fast, high capacity; great for steel base plates and handrails/railings.
B) Sleeve / Shield Anchors (three-leaf/four-leaf)
Drill & clean to the exact bit size on the box.
Insert through fixture; sleeve expands as you tighten.
Stop when you reach the specified torque.
Best for:Masonry, light–medium loads, sill plate/pergola/gazebo anchors.
C) Drop-In (Flush) Anchors
Drill & clean the hole to depth.
Insert drop-in flush with the floor.
Drive the setting tool until it bottoms.
Thread the stud/bolt and torque.
Use case:Machinery & equipment anchoring where you want a neat, flush surface.
D) Epoxy (Chemical) Anchors
Confirm resin temperature limits and substrate condition (wet holes vs dry holes, overhead).
Drill to the required diameter and embedment depth (hef); brush-and-blow thoroughly.
Inject epoxy from the bottom up; discard the first mix until the color is uniform.
Insert threaded rod with a twist to wet all threads; hold until gel.
Respect the curing time for epoxy anchors; then, torque the nuts.
Why epoxy: Handles cracked concrete, seismic C1/C2, close edge distances, and heavy vibration/dynamic loads (HVAC, solar racking, telecom towers).
E) Cast-In Anchor Rods (Before the Pour)
Fix rods in an anchor template to match base plate holes.
Set elevation and plumb; pour and vibrate concrete.
After curing, level base plates with shims and non-shrink grout; then tighten.
Size & Torque Planning Table (specs & sizing)
Use this planning worksheet during estimating and installation. Values are typical for common products—always follow the manufacturer's datasheet or the engineer’s design.
Price per piece depends on size (M6–M20), material (stainless 304/316 vs galvanized), approvals (ETA/ICC-ES), and accessories (resin, guns, brushes).
Best concrete anchors for heavy loads: epoxy or approved high-capacity wedges.
Alternatives:through-bolting (if backside access), or cast-in for new pours.
Brand Note: Ferry International
With over six decades of experience, Ferry International is one of India’s leading anchor bolt manufacturers. From Tronica City, Ghaziabad (U.P.), we supply across Delhi-NCR, India, and international markets. Our range covers M6, M8, M10, M12, M16, M20 in wedge, sleeve, three-leaf/four-leaf shield, brass, drop-in, through bolts, eye hook, and J-hook anchors—serving construction, oil & gas, power plants, and marine.
Need help with embedment & torque selection or bulk pricing? Talk to Ferry International—send your drawing/spec and get a fast, engineered recommendation.
FAQs
1) What drill bit size matches a 1/2" (M12) wedge anchor? Use a 12 mm (1/2") bit for most wedge anchors. Always check the product label; some epoxy installs need a slightly larger bit to allow resin around the rod.
2) How deep should anchor bolts be embedded in concrete? Follow the datasheet hef. A typical guide is 8–12× diameter (e.g., M12 → 96–144 mm), but cracked concrete or high loads may require more.
3) Can I use epoxy anchors in wet holes or overhead? Yes—if the resin is rated for wet/overhead use. Clean the hole thoroughly, inject from the bottom up, and respect gel and curing times.
4) What torque should I apply to M10/M12 wedge anchors? Torque varies by brand and approval. As a rough idea, M10 ≈ 25–40 N·m, M12 ≈ 40–80 N·m—check your datasheet for the exact value.
5) Are wedge anchors removable after installation? No. Once expanded, they are not meant for reuse. If removability matters, consider drop-ins (you can swap studs) or epoxy anchors with removable rods.
6) What’s the minimum edge distance and spacing per ACI 318? It depends on anchor type, diameter, and cracked/uncracked concrete. Follow the manufacturer’s ACI/ICC-ES tables or your structural engineer’s design.
7) How do I fix a spinning or loose anchor in concrete? The hole may be oversized or dusty. Re-drill correctly, brush & blow, and reinstall. For repairs, switch to epoxy with sleeves or move the location per design.