Anchor Bolt

Anchor bolts are utilized for anchoring structural and non-structural elements to concrete or masonry, where loads are transferred and stability is provided. They are crucial in construction and industrial applications, ensuring that elements like steel beams, walls, machinery and even ornamental features are firmly attached to a foundation or base.

Anchor bolts, fundamental for securing structural elements to concrete, are primarily categorized into two broad types. These offer the highest strength and are considered permanent fixtures. Examples include L-shaped bolts, characterized by their distinct 90-degree bend that prevents pull-out, J-shaped bolts with a curved end for improved grip, double-end rods often featuring a plate washer welded or tacked to one end for increased bearing surface and headed anchor bolts that incorporate a forged head, such as a hex or square, to enhance their resistance to uplift.

The proper application of anchor bolts in construction is regulated by a strict set of regulations that are mostly based on building codes, engineering standards and specific manufacturer specifications, all for the purpose of maintaining structural integrity and safety. International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) in most of the world and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India, provide prescriptive minimum values for properties such as anchor bolt size, embedment length and center-to-center spacing, usually dependent upon building type, height, occupancy and geographic location, especially where there are high winds or earthquakes.