Tips and Tricks when Installing Concrete Bolts
Concrete bolts are concrete anchors that are used to fasten structures or objects to concrete. All concrete bolts have a threaded end that a washer or a nut can be attached to. The simplest form of concrete bolts is the cast-in bolt. Some types come in a J-shape and some in an L-shape. The J-shape was the traditional shape used, but now are being replaced with L-shaped bolts because they are more effective. Here are some tips and tricks when installing concrete bolts.
Wear Safety Glasses
During the installation of concrete bolts to dry concrete, always wear eye protection equipment. Never leave your eyes exposed to the risk of damage from flying debris, especially when dealing with the drilling aspect of the task.
Install the Best Concrete Bolts
The best way to install concrete bolts is to set them in place when the concrete is still wet. Cast-in bolts are the simplest and yet the best concrete bolts to install because they stay strong and firm on the concrete after the curing period. Since bolts are typically used to produce a strong foundation for concrete structures such as homes, bridges, and walls, they should be installed during the construction process. When the concrete is already in its hardened state, the best concrete bolts to install are mechanical bolts and epoxy bolts.
Protect the Threads with Petroleum Jelly
When installing concrete bolts, it is essential not to let the concrete to dry on the threads. The trick here is to apply a film of petroleum jelly on the threads when setting the concrete to cover the head and part of the shank of the bolt. Afterward, remove the petroleum jelly with hot water and soap.
Follow Correct Concrete Bolt Spacing
Concrete bolt spacing is very essential during installation. Make sure to install a bolt at a maximum of 12-inches from a corner. Never install at a location more than that distance. The next bolts should be spaced at a 6-foot distance from one another. At the instance that a shear wall is reached, that wall should follow its own spacing: 12-inches maximum from a corner and 6-foot distance in between.
Follow Minimum Embedment Standards
Usually, the minimum embedment required by most engineers when it comes to anchor bolts is 7 inches. That means that the bolt should have more than enough length to cover the embedment requirement as well as the thickness of the framing plate. When a 10-inch bolt is ideal for the installation, it is a good idea to use a bolt that is an inch or two longer just in case.
Use Adhesives
When installing anchors to dry concrete, a good way to strengthen the bolt and secure it in place is to add epoxy into the drilled hole. This involves cleaning the hole with a brush and an air blower, and filling it two-thirds of the depth of the hole with epoxy before installing the concrete bolt in place.
