Im building a shop (30x50). I was thinking that I need at least 1 anchor bolt for each 8' of wall section. But Im reading they should go every 16" or every 48" so Im confused.

At every 48", thats a lot of bolts. every 16" is a ton of bolts.

What is standard?

 

Bolts at 16" O.C. is probably in excess of your requirements and is only a pound or so, and not a ton.

Check your code requirements. That is the minimum and you can use more since the cost is low compared to the risks. Make sure you do not forget the washers and nuts that are commonly omitted in the construction process.

Bolt spacing is based on the building size and exposure. If you have a good "canned building" you probably got bolt spacings and requirements. If it had a local designer, go by his requirements. If not, go by the code minimums, although they may not be adequate of the real world.

If you never will have a flood, strong wing, heavy snow or a hurricane you can save a few pennies.

The code is a MINIMUM and not what you should use based on common sense. If the building is not valued, you don't expect a natural occurance and don't want to sell it without a problem, you can skimp if you do not have a permit.

Dick

 

I've never seen a requirement for anchors 16" O.C. that's what wall studs are! Every place I've ever been had 48" O.C. requirement, but check with your code office.

frank

 

Exterior wall wood sole and sill plates supported directly on masonry or concrete foundations shall be anchored to the foundation with bolts spaced a maximum of 6 feet on center. There shall be a minimum of two bolts for each plate section with one bolt located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) or less than seven bolt diameters from each end of the plate section. Sill plates supporting floor systems, on walls having less than 7 feet (2,135 mm) of unbalanced fill, shall be anchored to the foundation with bolts
spaced not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from corners and a maximum of 6 feet (1,828 mm) on center.
Sill plates supporting floor systems, on walls having 7 feet (2,135 mm) or more of unbalanced fill, shall be anchored to the foundation with bolts spaced not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from corners and a maximum of 4 feet (1,219 mm) on center. Bolts shall be at least 1/2 inch in diameter and shall extend a minimum 7 inches (178 mm) into masonry or concrete and shall have at least 1 1/2 inches of grout or concrete surrounding the bolt shaft.
Interior bearing wall sole plates on concrete slab foundations shall
be positively anchored with approved fasteners. A washer, sized to cover the hole in the plate, shall be installed on each bolt and a nut shall be used to tighten the washer to the plate.

 

Good info Bunky...but the thread is 8 yrs old.