How Do I Select And Design The Proper Connection with An Adhesive Anchor System?

There are a wide range of field and loading conditions that should be considered in the design and selection of an adhesive anchor system. When we design a project months–or even years–ahead of construction, it’s intuitive to envision the geometry and load demands on a connection. These include installation orientation of the fastening, geometric constraints like edge distance or base material thickness, and/or application demands like sustained tension or dynamic loading.

Despite the intentions in the initial design phase, field conditions can have a significant effect on the final installed anchor performance. Conditions such as, drilling method, hole cleaning method, and whether water was present or not, all of which influence the performance of the adhesive anchor connection.  These conditions are generally incorporated into the analysis and selection of the adhesive anchor system. Communication with the anchor installer is critical to help ensure you’re provided design’s technical data meets the actual field conditions and contractor’s installation method.

One characteristic of infrastructure projects that sets them apart from general building construction is the vast majority of connections are exterior. Civil engineers selecting an adhesive anchor system should pay particular attention to the environment to which these anchors will be exposed to, including moisture from precipitation or condensation, temperature fluctuation from nearby mechanical processes, or corrosive gases from things, such as traffic exhaust. These environmental conditions, both separate or in combination, will cause corrosion of the anchor element and/or a metal fixture being attached. Be thoughtful about the expected life span of the connection and the negative impacts of corrosive environments and consider increasing corrosion resistance of the elements in the adhesive anchor system as needed. Stainless steel, thicker zinc plating for carbon steel, or coating the metal may be needed to preserve the integrity of the connection.

Choose to get more information about our epoxy anchoring adhesive information: