Anchor Bolts: Types, Applications, and Key Considerations

An anchor bolt is a staple fastener designed to clamp structural elements to concrete. It plays a crucial role in all types of construction industry to embed one end of a material with the opposite end. They are known for providing stable and secure structural support. They are available in various types , each suited to fit a wide range of applications.

If you are confused about choosing the right one, you’ll get an idea here. In this blog, we’ve discussed the anchor bolt types and their application in detail. Continue reading to learn more. 

What is Anchor Bolt

An anchor bolt is a specialized fastener used to attach and secure structural or non-structural objects to concrete surfaces. One end of the anchor bolt is drilled into the concrete and the other end is fixed above the concrete. The exposed end is clamped with attaching equipment that causes the anchor to expand and fit the hole.

How Anchor Bolt Works

Concrete is a strong and fundamental material that seems more difficult to work with than other materials. Unlike wood or metal, the fastening to concrete demands specialized anchors and techniques. In contrast to traditional methods, these are the steps involved in using anchor bolts:

• Drill a hole in the concrete
• Insert an anchor that fits the hole well
• Fasten a screw into the anchor

Anchor Bolt Types

As mentioned earlier, anchor bolts are classified into four different types to fit the various application requirements. Each has its own purpose and merits based on the intended use. Exploring its applications can help you choose the better one for your project.

L-Shaped Anchor Bolts

L-shaped anchor bolts are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials – often used in masonry and structural applications. This type is well-suited for highway sign structures, light poles, tooling, and heavy equipment. They all consist of a threaded end, making them ideal for carrying maximum load-bearing capacity.

Other significant uses are as follows:

• Provides strong support to structural elements in buildings, such as plates, ledges and beams.
• Can be easily embedded in walls and beams in both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.

Double End Rods with Plate

Double-end rods with plate, in other terms called ‘threaded studs’ or ‘anchor rods.’ It contains a plate washer on one end that is attached to a tack-welded or anchor bolt with a nut drilled inside the concrete. They are primarily used in constructing highway signs, columns for buildings, and other applications.

The most common applications include:

• Stabilizing large constructions
• Anchoring traffic signal poles
• Building columns for various structures

Headed Anchor Bolts

Headed anchor bolts are typically different from other anchor bolts, which contain a non-threaded end with a forged, square head or heavy hex. One of the primary reasons to go for this anchor rod is that it can be installed permanently. Beneficially, there is no need for frequent maintenance once the installation is done. The headed end of this anchor bolt is embedded into the foundations, ensuring the structure is safe in place.

Headed anchor bolt uses include the following:

• Affix light poles
• Helps secure structural steel columns
• Attaching bridge rails

Swedge Anchor Bolts

It is the strongest anchor bolt variant and provides a safe and reliable connection between structural components and masonry or concrete. They seems like a round bar steel, which is threaded on one end and swedged on the other.

The term “Swedge” represents the multiple indentations on the non-threaded end that help concrete sell well within the grooves and offer a great pull-out resistance. Swedge bolts are 100% domestic, and available in several different materials to meet the demand of construction needs.

Swedge anchor bolts are typically used in applications like:

• Connect girders and piers
• Augment department of transport projects
• Support highway work

Critical Factors to Consider When Choosing Anchor Bolt

Choosing the right anchor bolt ensures the structural support of your construction project. In that, the size of the hole and the length of the bolt are the two most important considerations. With the following, you’ll get to understand the other critical factors in detail:

Hole Size: The size of the hole required for the anchor bolt must align with the specifications of the fixture being attached. It is essential to keep size down to ensure the bolt can fit the fixture’s hole.

Structural Integrity: The selection of an appropriately sized anchor bolt is critical to maintain the structural integrity of a project.  Attaching as much as widest, and strongest anchor bolt can safely support the heavier loads.

Placing of Anchor Bolt: Based on anchor bolt positioning their functionalities may differ. It is all about where you place the fixture. For instance: The anchor bolt is best suitable for wall fastening but will not be the right option for overhead fixtures.

Concrete Thickness: Thinner, smaller diameter anchor bolt requires less drilling depth into your concrete. Estimating your minimum embedment can assist you in finding the appropriate anchor bolt that fits your application.

Professional Assistance: If you are not aware of the right anchor bolt size, then get a consultation from a tools and equipment supplier. Explain to them about your structural needs and scope of application that may help them to suggest a reliable one.

In a Word

An anchor bolt plays a pivotal role in all construction projects to elevate the structural ability. However, choosing right tools to measure anchor bolts and equipment determines the outcome of your project. It needs a wider perspective to provide all the essentials that are the right fit for the application. Hopefully, this blog gives you a complete understanding of anchor bolts, their working principles and their types.

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