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how to install anchor bolts in concrete

29 Sep , 2025

How to Install Anchor Bolts in Concrete

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:

  1. Mechanical expansion anchors: wedge anchors, sleeve/expansion anchors, shield anchors (three-leaf/four-leaf), through bolts, eye hook anchors, J-hook anchors.
  2. Drop-in anchors: flush, internally threaded; set with a setting tool.
  3. Adhesive/epoxy anchors: threaded rod + injectable mortar/epoxy.
  4. Cast-in anchor rods: L- or J-shape, often ASTM F1554 Grade 36/55/105.
  5. 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:

  1. Wedge anchors: Best for solid, uncracked or cracked concrete (check product rating). Great for base plates, racking, rails.
  2. Sleeve/expansion & shield anchors: Good for light–medium loads and masonry; forgiving to hole variation.
  3. Drop-in anchors: Flush finish; perfect when you want a removable stud for equipment anchoring.
  4. Epoxy (chemical) anchors: Top choice near edges/corners, cracked concrete, wet/overhead holes (use a resin rated for it) and heavy vibration.
  5. Cast-in rods: For steel columns, tower bases, wind turbine foundations—max performance with anchor templates and grouting.

 

Tools & Accessories 

  1. Rotary hammer + SDS drill bits (correct drill bit size vs anchor size)
  2. Hole brushes, blow-out bulb, vacuum (hole drilling and cleaning)
  3. Torque wrench (correct torque tightening sequence)
  4. Setting tool (for drop-in anchors)
  5. Epoxy gun, mixer nozzle, caps & sleeves (for adhesive anchors)
  6. Washers, nuts, shims, anchor template (base plate leveling and grouting)
  7. PPE: goggles, mask, gloves, ear protection
     

Step-by-Step Installation (concrete anchor bolt installation steps)

 

 

A) Wedge / Through-Bolt Anchors
 

  1. Mark & drill perpendicular to the slab to the specified depth.
  2. Brush-and-blow to remove dust (repeat until clean).
  3. Insert the anchor through the base plate; tap flush.
  4. Torque-tighten in a cross pattern.
  5. 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)
 

  1. Drill & clean to the exact bit size on the box.
  2. Insert through fixture; sleeve expands as you tighten.
  3. Stop when you reach the specified torque.

Best for: Masonry, light–medium loads, sill plate/pergola/gazebo anchors.
 

C) Drop-In (Flush) Anchors
 

  1. Drill & clean the hole to depth.
  2. Insert drop-in flush with the floor.
  3. 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
 

  1. Confirm resin temperature limits and substrate condition (wet holes vs dry holes, overhead).
  2. Drill to the required diameter and embedment depth (hef); brush-and-blow thoroughly.
  3. Inject epoxy from the bottom up; discard the first mix until the color is uniform.
  4. Insert threaded rod with a twist to wet all threads; hold until gel.
  5. 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)
 

  1. Fix rods in an anchor template to match base plate holes.
  2. Set elevation and plumb; pour and vibrate concrete.
  3. 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.

Anchor (metric)Common imperialTypical drill bit (mech)Indicative min embedment (hef)*Typical torque (indicative)**
M6~1/4"6 mm40–50 mm6–10 N·m
M85/16"8 mm55–65 mm10–20 N·m
M103/8"10 mm70–90 mm25–40 N·m
M121/2"12 mm90–110 mm40–80 N·m
M165/8"16 mm110–140 mm100–150 N·m
M203/4"20 mm140–170 mm200–300 N·m


Download Anchor Bolt Sizes PDF 

Codes, Testing & Safety 
 

  1. ACI 318 anchoring to concrete (design, minimum edge distance, and spacing)
  2. ACI 355.2 (anchor qualification testing)
  3. Seismic categories C1/C2, cracked vs uncracked performance
  4. Fire-rated anchors/temperature limits (choose appropriate products)
  5. Inspection checklist: hole size, brush & blow logs, embedment marks on rods, batch/expiry for resin, torque readings
  6. Proof load / pull-out test after installation for critical anchors or QA sampling
     

India-specific: Cross-reference IS 456 / IS 800 provisions; ask for IS or ICC-ES/ETA approvals from your supplier.

 

Common Mistakes & Fixes 

 

  1. Over-drilled or oversized holes: Use screen sleeves (epoxy), or move to the next size with engineer approval.
  2. Spinning anchor in the hole: Hole not clean or oversized—re-drill and clean; for mechanicals, do not reuse a failed hole.
  3. Insufficient embedment depth: Drill deeper and re-install; never “make up” with extra torque.
  4. Misaligned anchor bolts (base plate won’t fit): Slot the plate (only if permitted) or re-locate per design; for cast-in, always use a template.
  5. Torque not achieved / over-tightening cracks concrete: Verify bit size, hole cleaning, and head; use a calibrated torque wrench.

 

Real-World Use Cases

 

  1. Anchor bolts for steel columns and base plates (cast-in or epoxy for retrofit)
  2. Machinery & equipment anchoring (M16–M20 epoxy/wedge; grout under base)
  3. Handrail/railing anchors into concrete (M8–M10 sleeve/wedge; check edge distance)
  4. Sill plate/pergola/gazebo anchors (light–medium sleeve or epoxy)
  5. HVAC mounts and solar racking (epoxy; consider dynamic loads)
  6. Telecom/wind foundations (cast-in cages; F1554 Grade 55/105)

 

Pricing & Alternatives 
 

  1. Price per piece depends on size (M6–M20), material (stainless 304/316 vs galvanized), approvals (ETA/ICC-ES), and accessories (resin, guns, brushes).
  2. Best concrete anchors for heavy loads: epoxy or approved high-capacity wedges.
  3. 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·mcheck 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.

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