What is the difference between Anchor Bolts and Foundation Bolts?

Anchor bolts and foundation bolts are both types of bolts used in construction, but they
have different purposes and characteristics.

Anchor bolts are used to anchor structural elements to concrete, such as steel columns
or beams. They are designed to transfer loads from the structural elements to the
concrete. Anchor bolts can be cast into the concrete as part of the foundation, or they
can be installed after the concrete has cured. They can have various shapes, such as
hook, bent, or L-shaped.

Foundation bolts, on the other hand, are used to secure a structure to its foundation,
typically in the form of a J-bolt. They are embedded into the concrete foundation and
then tightened to the structure to prevent movement. Unlike anchor bolts, foundation
bolts are typically not designed to transfer loads, but to provide stability to the
structure.

In summary, the main difference between anchor bolts and foundation bolts is their
intended use and the loads they are designed to transfer.

Stud Bolts and Nuts

What is the maximum spacing for anchor bolts?

The maximum spacing for anchor bolts is dependent on several factors such as the
strength and type of concrete, the type of anchor bolt, the load being applied, and the
seismic design category. According to industry standards, such as the International
Building Code (IBC), the maximum spacing for anchor bolts in most applications is
typically 6 to 8 feet. However, for high seismic risk areas, the maximum spacing may be
reduced to 4 feet. It's important to consult the appropriate building codes and design
standards for specific requirements for a given application.

High Tensile Fasteners

What is the simplest and strongest form of anchor bolt?

The simplest and strongest form of anchor bolt is the L-shaped anchor bolt, also known
as the J-bolt anchor. It is simple to install, provides good holding power, and is
commonly used in concrete foundations. However, the specific strength of an anchor
bolt depends on several factors such as material, size, and type of loading, and so it is
important to consult with a structural engineer to determine the best anchor bolt
solution for a specific application.

Today’s construction industry is getting advanced day by day using the latest
technology and techniques to construct unique buildings by utilizing various
anchor bolt types. These are not only beautiful in design and growing taller
than the tallest structures but they are also constructed in such a way that
they can endure extreme weather conditions. Imagine a kite, it goes higher and
higher with the increase in wind velocity. These buildings that are constructed
in today’s times are like kites. They are also being constructed in such a way
that their height is surpassing the previously constructed sites. But unlike the
kite, these high-rise constructions don’t go soaring in high wind and are held
firmly in place because there is a foundation that is holding them to the
ground. Foundation is the most important base on which all constructions are
done. If the foundation is not strong enough then the whole construction is a
waste of time, money, resources, manpower and literally everything. Because a
strong foundation is the basic necessity that holds a structure in its place,
endures all the weight of the structure and increases the life span of the
structure however high it might be. That is the reason why foundation
bolts are used extensively in the construction industry.
Today the construction industry comprises some structural elements and some
non-structural elements. These two elements are connected to each other
using the anchor bolt collection. For example, columns are attached to the
foundation using anchor bolt or foundation bolts. Anchor bolts are also a real
necessity in the construction industry. As they are the ones that help in
stabilizing the steel framing during any construction. They even aid in
transferring the horizontal and vertical loads from the framing to the
foundation. In addition, an anchor bolt even helps in securing the frames of the
building to the foundation, usually used in groups of four. There are predrilled
holes in a plywood template in which each of the anchors is placed in a group.
This helps keep the corresponding anchor bolt in proper alignment.

There are many types of anchor bolts, a few of them are listed below:

1) L Type Anchor Bolt

L-type anchor bolts, as the name suggests are bend at 90° on one end to form
the L shape. The L-type anchor bolt is cast in place, i.e.; they are inserted into
the fresh concrete as soon as it is poured. The concrete secures the bolt in
place. The bend at one end of L type anchor bolt is specifically designed to
grab onto the concrete structure. This is done to make sure that it cannot be
pulled out of the structure after the concrete has hardened. The bend provides
pull resistance and anchorage to the bolt. L-type bolts are most commonly
used while attaching a plate member to a masonry foundation. It also provides
anchors to lightweight post bases. The L-type anchor bolt applications include
anchoring structural columns, heavy equipment and tooling, light poles, bridge
rails, and sign structures.

2) J Type Anchor Bolt

J-type anchor bolt is an elongated bolt hooked at one end in such a way that it
creates a J shape. It is similar to the L-type anchor bolt with just a small
difference that the curved end is shaped like the letter J. Just like the L-type,
here also the bent structure is sunk into the concrete as soon as it is poured.
The hardened concrete secures the bolt in place. For securing an object a nut
is screwed onto the exposed end of the bolt. The application of J-type anchor
bolts commonly includes structural support like securing walls to concrete
foundations.

3) Straight Anchor Bolt

Straight anchor bolt as the name suggests are straight in shape with various
head options like hex head, heavy hex head, square head. They sometimes
have an anchor plate welded at the one end of the Straight anchor bolt. The
headed end of the Straight anchor bolt is embedded in the concrete
foundation to provide pull-out resistance. The straight anchor bolts are
manufactured with different types of heads because they allow them to be set
easily and also to provide heavy-duty pull resistance. They are used to secure
structural steel columns, light poles, bridge rails, and substation structures.
Straight anchor bolts provide enhanced strength to the structure.

4) Half Threaded Stud Anchor Bolt Type

Half threaded studs have a thread that is only half the length of their body.
The other half part that is not threaded is called the shank. Partially threaded
bolts are often used for water pumps, motor mount alternators, and other
automobile fastenings. The precision length of the threaded stud is very
important. The grip length of the bolt delivers the alignment needed whereas
the shank is used to increase sheer capacity as well as the performance of
sheer bonding.

5) Full Threaded Stud Anchor Bolt Type

Full threaded studs are often referred to as full threaded rods. Here the
threading runs along the whole length of the rod. It can be of varying lengths
threaded in a helical structure. A full-threaded stud has immense grip strength.
The threaded stud combines linear and rotational movements to create strong
resistance to pressure. They are designed to withstand high levels of pressure
and tension. Once it is mounted, a full threaded stud spreads pressure along its
entire length with the largest holding pressure placed on the head where it
meets the material to which it is fastened. They are used in a variety of
applications effectively working as a pin to fasten or connect two materials
together. They are also used to stabilize structures. Other than that, they can
be inserted into various materials like concrete, wood, metal, etc. to
temporarily create a steady base during construction or they can be installed
permanently.

To conclude, anchor bolt is used across several major industries today and
holds strong importance in the foundation of any structure. Foundation bolts
form a strong base and are available in various sizes and materials. So now that
you’re aware of the various foundation bolts used in the construction industry
along with several anchor bolts types, feel free to share any queries pertaining
to the same below. Hope you enjoyed reading the article, for more information
on the anchor bolt materials and sizes, do visit our industrial fastener
products section today.

What is an Anchor Bolt?

An anchor bolt is a mechanical fastener that fixes one or more objects to a concrete surface. They
are heavy-duty fasteners and are widely used by civil engineers. The unique design of anchor
bolts keeps the equipment and structures stable and in place.

Types of Anchor Bolts

Depending on the installation requirements, Anchor bolts used in industrial projects are
categorized into the following two groups:

 Cast-in-Place anchor bolts and

 Post-Installed anchor bolts

Cast-in-Place Anchor Bolts

From the name itself, it is quite clear that the cast-in-place anchor bolts are cast directly into the
concrete material. They are the simplest but the strongest of all anchor bolts used. This type of
anchor bolt is placed in the wet concrete that becomes fully secured when the concrete cures and
hardens.

Anchor bolts of cast-in-place types are again categorized into various groups. The most common
types of cast-in-place anchor bolts are:

 Drop-in Anchor Bolts

 Bent-bar anchor bolts (J-bolts or L-Bolts)
 Plate Bolts
 Sleeve Anchor Bolts
 Headed Anchor Bolts
 Swedge Bolts
Drop-in Anchor Bolts:
Drop-in bolts are quite simple and straightforward. When the concrete slab is wet, a cork-
screwed sheath is inserted into the mixture keeping it flush with the slab’s surface to insert a
matching bolt when the mixture dries.
Bent-bar Anchor Bolts:
These are basically steel rods or bars bent into either L or J shapes. These types of anchor bolts
have threads at one end with the other bent end bent is embedded into the concrete. J-bolt and L-
bolt anchor bolts are quite common in signposts, poles, heavy equipment, tooling, and other steel
structures.

Plate Bolts:
Plate bolts usually consist of a T-shaped bolt mounted upside down into wet concrete. The “T”
end of these bolts is provided with a corkscrewed section for mounting a nut and a circular plate.
This type of anchor bolt is also known as a Double End rod with a Plate. The plate is usually
welded to the anchor bolt or a nut is embedded in the concrete.

Sleeve Anchor Bolts:

Resembling similar to standard drop-in anchors, Sleeve anchor bolts are primarily used in bricks
and have a longer length.

Swedge Bolts:
They are basically round bars with thread on one end and “swedged” on the other. The term
“swedge” signifies the numerous indentions made on the bar for the purpose of getting a better
grip on the concrete. This type of anchor bolt is commonly used in the construction of girders
and piers.

Post-Installed Anchor Bolts

Post-installed anchor bolts are installed after the concrete has already been laid down at the site.
In this type of anchor bolt, a hole is required to be bored into that concrete surface and the screw
is installed.

Some common post-installed anchor bolts are as follows:

 Lag Screw
 Hammer Driver Pin
 Toggle Wing
 Double Expansion Shield
 Wedge

Lag Screw:
This type of anchor bolt is quite similar to plastic wall anchors and is easy to install. The lag
Screw mounting system uses a metal sheath that expands when the lag screw is inserted into it.
Hammer Driver Pin:
Resembling a specialty nail, hammer driver pins are used for mounting thin materials onto
concrete. The anchor contains a skinny metal sheath for inserting into the floor prior to being
filled with a hammer driver pin.

A toggle wing is good when working with a hollow wall. This type of anchor bolt has a long
corkscrewed bolt with a hinged wing mechanism. Both of them are inserted through a pre-bored
hole for combination. The wings expand after passing through the hole. They are used for
holding smaller weights.

Double Expansion Shield:

A double expansion shield anchor bolt uses two parallel expansion points within a regular
shielded anchor point. This type of anchor bolt doubles the amount of contact between the sheath
and the material which in turn reduces the pressure at each point.

Wedge Anchor Bolt:

Wedge Anchor bolts consist of a specialized bolt featuring a moving wedge device at its base.
Because of this, these types of anchor bolts tighten upward towards the fastening nut and the nut
is fastened downward toward the surface level.

Depending on the working philosophy anchor bolts are classified into two types. They are:

 Mechanical Anchor Bolt and

 Chemical Anchor Bolt

Mechanical anchor bolts

use the frictional force to fix themselves in location. Once installed, the mechanical anchor bolts
expand which grips the base material tightly and act as an anchor. All the above anchor bolts
explain above are mechanical anchor bolts.

Chemical Anchor Bolts

Chemical anchor bolts provide more flexibility as compared to mechanical anchor bolts. In this
type, a resin is injected into the hole before inserting the stud. The chemical resin fills all
irregularities of the hole and makes it waterproof and airtight. The bond produced by chemical
anchor bolts is stronger than the base materials. Examples of chemical anchor bolts are:

 Polyester chemical anchors

 Vinylester chemical anchors
 Epoxy acrylate chemical anchors
 Pure epoxy standard anchors
 Resin anchors
 Chemical threaded anchor rods
  Powder–actuated anchors
 Hybrid chemical anchors

Selection of Anchor Bolts

Choosing or Selecting the Best Anchor Bolt depends on various factors. Some of the important
parameters to consider while anchor bolt selection are:

 Size of anchor bolt hole: As the diameter increases, the load-carrying power also
increases.
 Length of the anchor bolt: The deep the embedment inside the concrete, the more
load-holding power. The National Concrete Masonry Association provides a rule of
thumb for the anchor bolt length embedded in the concrete. As per them, the effective
embedment length must be greater of (4*d or 2′′).
 The base material of the object.
 Environmental conditions of the structure
 Maximum load or weight that the anchor can support
 Type of load: The holding power of anchor bolts slowly decreases for vibrating and
shocking loads.
 Strength of the anchor bolt material.
 Type of the concrete

 The size and location of the fixtures The desired appearance of the finished product
 Anchor spacing requirement.