The terms chemical anchor and resin anchor are used to describe bolts, steel studs and anchorages bonded into a layer of concrete or masonry with the use of a resin based adhesive system. In most cases the bond which results from chemical anchoring is stronger than the base material, making this method ideal for high-load applications.
Since the system is based on chemical adhesion, chemical anchors are perfect for reduced centre and group anchoring, edge fixing and are used in concrete of low compressive strength or unknown quality. Unlike expansion anchors, no load stress is imparted to the base of the material when chemical anchoring is used.
Due to the vast array of resins available on the market, it could often be difficult for someone new to chemical anchors to comprehend the difference. There are three main types of resin anchors – unsaturated polyester, epoxy acrylate (or Vinyl ester) and pure epoxy – as well as hybrid systems. While unsaturated polyester resins offer fast and easy process ability, and epoxy resins boast great mechanical and thermal properties, epoxy acrylate combines the valuable qualities of the two.
The most common situations for using chemical anchors includes avoiding the splitting or cracking of masonry on a wall which could result from drilling or using screws to fix other materials to brick or stone walls. If prepared correctly, chemical anchors are very sturdy and can hold massive loads.
