1 Scope
NOTE This standard governs two product families that share a structural-bond purpose: adhesive anchoring systems placed into drilled holes, and high-performance grouts placed beneath metal bearing surfaces. (1.1)
NOTE The first family is adhesive (epoxy) anchoring: two-component resin systems, dispensed from cartridges or bulk containers, injected into holes drilled in hardened concrete, masonry, or rock to bond post-installed rebar dowels, threaded rod, anchor bolts, and headed studs. (1.2)
NOTE The second family is precision baseplate grouting: poured or injected 100%-solids epoxy grout, and packaged cementitious non-shrink grout, placed under equipment baseplates, machinery sole plates, precast bearing pads, and column base plates to achieve full contact and transfer load to the foundation. (1.3)
NOTE These products are grouped here because each carries a structural load-bearing, vibration-resistance, or precision-alignment demand that distinguishes it from ordinary cementitious non-shrink grout. Where a static structural column base plate can be set on ordinary flowable non-shrink grout, follow
Non Shrink Grout and
Grouted Base Plates and use this standard only for the cross-reference.
(1.4) NOTE Applicability covers new construction, renovation, and repair across commercial, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure projects, in interior and exterior environments including submerged, chemical-exposure, and elevated-temperature service when the product type is correctly selected. (1.5)
NOTE The following are outside this standard and are governed elsewhere. (1.6)
- Cast-in-place headed anchor bolts, cast-in-place sleeve anchors, and welded shear studs set before concrete placement: Structural Steel Anchor Bolts and Concrete Accessories.
- Mechanical expansion anchors, screw anchors, and undercut anchors (non-adhesive post-installed anchors): Post Installed Anchors.
- General-purpose cementitious non-shrink grout under light static column base plates with no equipment, dynamic, or chemical demand: Non Shrink Grout and Grouted Base Plates.
- Masonry grout (fine or coarse) for filling CMU cores and collar joints, governed by ASTM C476.
- Adhesive anchors in masonry substrates, which follow ICC-ES AC58 protocols; masonry-specific details belong in Masonry Common Results.
- Structural repair mortars, overlay mortars, and crack-injection epoxies not used for anchoring or baseplate grouting.
- Grouting of precast concrete joints, prestressed tendon ducts, and post-tensioning pockets.
- The special-inspection and testing program; this standard sets the trigger and minimum requirements, while Special Inspections And Testing owns the inspection program.
2 Referenced Standards
2.1Materials, products, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited.
2.2Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
NOTE The cited ICC-ES Evaluation Service Report (ESR) for the selected adhesive anchor system shall govern load capacity, installation conditions, and qualification limits over manufacturer catalog data. (2.3)
| Standard |
Title |
| ASTM C881/C881M |
Epoxy-Resin-Base Bonding Systems for Concrete |
| ASTM C1107/C1107M |
Packaged Dry, Hydraulic-Cement Grout (Nonshrink) |
| ASTM C109/C109M |
Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars |
| ASTM C827/C827M |
Change in Height at Early Ages of Cylindrical Specimens of Cementitious Mixtures |
| ASTM C1090 |
Measuring Changes in Height of Cylindrical Specimens of Hydraulic-Cement Grout |
| ASTM E488/E488M |
Strength of Anchors in Concrete Elements |
| ASTM E1512 |
Testing Bond Performance of Bonded Anchors |
| ICC-ES AC308 |
Acceptance Criteria for Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors and Reinforcing Bars in Concrete Elements |
| ICC-ES AC58 |
Acceptance Criteria for Adhesive Anchors in Masonry Elements |
| ACI 318 |
Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (Chapter 17, Section 26.7) |
| ACI 355.4 |
Qualification of Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete |
| ACI 351.1R |
Report on Grouting Between Foundations and Bases for Support of Equipment and Machinery |
| API 686 |
Recommended Practice for Machinery Installation and Installation Design |
| AASHTO M235/M235M |
Epoxy Resin Adhesives |
3 Submittals
3.1 Action Submittals
3.1.1The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review before ordering or installing any anchoring grout or adhesive anchor system:
- Product data for each adhesive, epoxy grout, and cementitious grout, including the manufacturer technical data sheet (TDS) listing compressive strength, pot life, cure schedule, viscosity grade, and temperature class.
- The current ICC-ES Evaluation Service Report (ESR) for each adhesive anchor system, with the applicable load tables and the installation conditions highlighted to confirm the actual substrate, hole orientation, and exposure are within the report's scope.
- A signed statement confirming that the listed product's ESR explicitly covers the project condition for cracked or uncracked concrete, wet or dry hole, sustained load, and seismic design category as applicable.
- Manufacturer printed installation instructions (MPII) for each adhesive anchor, including hole diameter, embedment, cleaning protocol, gel time, and full cure time at the design temperature.
- Mix design and placement procedure for each epoxy and cementitious grout pour, including pot life at the expected ambient temperature, maximum lift height, and any sequencing for large baseplates.
- Adhesive Anchor Installer certification records where required by ACI 318 Chapter 17 for sustained-tension or overhead installations.
☑ Product data and manufacturer TDS (each product)
☑ ICC-ES ESR with conditions highlighted
☑ Signed ESR condition-match statement
☑ Manufacturer printed installation instructions (MPII)
☐ Grout mix design and placement procedure
☐ Adhesive Anchor Installer certification
3.2.1The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals:
- Concrete age verification confirming the substrate has reached the minimum age required for adhesive anchors before installation.
- Field proof-load test plan identifying the test method, sample rate, proof load, and acceptance criteria per ASTM E488.
- Substrate condition report identifying dry, saturated surface-dry (SSD), or wet/water-filled hole conditions at the time of installation.
- Storage records confirming products were held within the manufacturer's temperature range and within shelf life.
☑ Concrete age verification
☑ Field proof-load test plan
☑ Substrate condition report
☐ Product storage and shelf-life records
3.3 Closeout Submittals
3.3.1The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals:
- Field proof-load test reports for the installed adhesive anchors, with location, applied load, and pass/fail result for each tested anchor.
- Grout placement records for each baseplate pour, including ambient and substrate temperature, batch identification, and cure start time.
- Special inspection reports for adhesive anchors where continuous or periodic special inspection was required.
☑ Field proof-load test reports
☑ Grout placement records
☐ Special inspection reports
4 Quality Assurance
4.1Adhesive anchors used to resist sustained tension load, and all overhead and horizontal-into-vertical-face adhesive anchors, shall be installed only by personnel certified under the ACI/CRSI Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification program.
NOTE Sustained-tension and overhead adhesive anchors fail by creep when installed by untrained hands; ACI 318 Chapter 17 makes installer certification a code condition for these orientations because hole cleaning and resin handling cannot be verified after the anchor is set. (4.2)
4.2.1Each adhesive anchor system shall carry a current ICC-ES Evaluation Service Report qualifying it under ACI 355.4 and ICC-ES AC308.
4.2.2Each adhesive anchor system used in a tension zone shall be qualified for cracked concrete in its ESR; uncracked-only products shall not be used where the concrete is expected to crack under service load.
4.2.3Each adhesive anchor system used in Seismic Design Category C through F shall be seismic-qualified per ACI 318 Chapter 17 and the ICC-ES AC308 seismic supplement.
4.2.4The installed product, grade, class, and lot shall match the reviewed submittal; field substitution of a different viscosity grade or temperature class shall not be made without re-submittal and Engineer of Record approval.
4.2.5A pre-installation conference shall be held before the first adhesive anchor or baseplate grout placement to confirm substrate condition, concrete age, hole-cleaning protocol, temperature class, and proof-load test plan.
4.4.1Continuous special inspection shall be provided for adhesive anchors installed in a horizontal or upwardly inclined orientation to resist sustained tension load, per IBC Table 1705.12 and the conditions of the ESR.
4.4.2Periodic special inspection shall be provided for all other adhesive anchors where required by the seismic design category or the construction documents.
5 Environmental and Service Conditions
NOTE Product selection shall match the temperature class and exposure of the actual installation; a single "epoxy" specification that ignores ambient and substrate temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure is the most common source of bond failure and field RFIs. (5.1)
NOTE ASTM C881 assigns an installation-temperature class to each epoxy: Class A below 40°F, Class B from 40°F to 60°F, and Class C above 60°F. The class must match the substrate and ambient temperature at the time of installation, not the design service temperature. A Class C product placed on a 35°F winter or below-grade surface cures incompletely and never reaches its rated bond. (5.2)
5.2.1The temperature class of each adhesive and epoxy grout shall be selected to match the substrate and ambient temperature range expected at the time of installation.
5.2.2Where service temperature can elevate above the product's rated long-term service temperature, the allowable sustained load shall be reduced per the ESR elevated-temperature tables.
5.2.3Products used in wet, submerged, or water-filled holes shall be explicitly qualified for that condition in the ESR; products qualified only for dry or saturated surface-dry holes shall not be used in standing water.
○ Class A (below 40°F / 4°C)
○ Class B (40-60°F / 4-16°C)
● Class C (above 60°F / 16°C)
● Dry
○ Saturated surface-dry (SSD)
○ Water-saturated / wet hole
○ Submerged / water-filled hole
☑ Interior, conditioned
☐ Exterior, above grade
☐ Below grade / earth contact
☐ Submerged
☐ Chemical exposure
☐ Elevated temperature
6 Adhesive Anchoring Systems
NOTE Adhesive anchor selection is a chain of decisions: epoxy chemistry, viscosity grade, temperature class, substrate moisture, cracked-versus-uncracked rating, sustained-load creep rating, and seismic qualification. Each is independently capable of voiding the ESR if it is wrong, so each is specified explicitly below rather than left to the installer. (6.1)
6.2 Material Type
6.2.1Adhesive anchoring systems shall be two-component epoxy resin systems conforming to ASTM C881 Type IV or Type V (load-bearing) for concrete substrates, or AASHTO M235 for DOT bridge and infrastructure work.
NOTE ASTM C881 Types IV and V are the load-bearing classes; Types I through III and VI through VII are non-structural bonding or sealing grades and are not used for structural anchorage. AASHTO M235 is the highway-bridge analog required on DOT work. (6.3)
● ASTM C881 Type IV (load-bearing, moisture-insensitive)
○ ASTM C881 Type V (load-bearing, deep section / high modulus)
○ AASHTO M235 (DOT bridge / infrastructure)
6.4 Viscosity Grade
NOTE ASTM C881 grades the resin by viscosity, and the grade must match hole orientation. Grade 1 is low-viscosity and self-leveling, suited to poured grout and holes drilled horizontally or downward; Grade 2 is medium gel for angled or overhead holes; Grade 3 is a non-sag paste for overhead anchors and holes drilled vertically upward. A Grade 1 product in an overhead hole runs out before it cures, and an installer who silently swaps to a Grade 3 gel to compensate voids the ESR qualification. (6.5)
6.5.1The viscosity grade shall be selected to match the hole orientation and shall be stated on the submittal; substitution of a different grade in the field shall require re-submittal.
○ Grade 1 (low / self-leveling - horizontal and downward holes, poured grout)
● Grade 2 (medium gel - angled and overhead holes)
○ Grade 3 (non-sag paste - vertical-up and overhead holes)
6.6 Concrete Substrate and Age
NOTE Adhesive anchors derive capacity from the surrounding concrete, so the substrate strength and age are part of the specification, not incidental. ACI 318 limits the design to a defined strength range, and Section 17.2.3 requires the concrete to reach a minimum age before adhesive anchors are installed because early-age concrete has not developed the bond surface the qualification assumes. (6.7)
6.7.1The concrete substrate shall have a specified compressive strength within the range qualified by ACI 318 Chapter 17 and the product ESR, with a default range of 2,500 psi to 8,500 psi normal-weight concrete.
6.7.2Adhesive anchors shall not be installed in concrete younger than the minimum age required by ACI 318 Section 17.2.3 (21 days minimum), and the project schedule shall account for this hold.
25008500
Default: 4000 psi
○ Uncracked concrete (compression zone)
● Cracked concrete (tension zone)
6.8 Anchor Element and Embedment
NOTE Embedment depth and hole diameter are set by the product ESR table, not by a rule of thumb, because the qualified bond strength is tied to the exact hole geometry tested. The code floor (ACI 318 Section 17.2.3.1: the greater of 1.5 in. or 1.5 times the maximum aggregate size) is a minimum, never a design value; the ESR table governs. An oversized hole, even by a drill-bit step, falls outside the qualification and voids it. (6.9)
6.9.1The embedment depth of each adhesive anchor shall be taken from the manufacturer ESR table for the rod diameter, substrate condition, and design load, and shall not be less than the ACI 318 code minimum.
6.9.2The drilled hole diameter shall match the ESR-specified diameter for the anchor element; holes shall not be oversized beyond the ESR tolerance.
6.9.3The anchor element (threaded rod, deformed reinforcing bar, anchor bolt, or headed stud) shall be the grade and material specified, free of oil, form release, and loose corrosion before installation.
● Threaded rod (continuously threaded)
○ Deformed reinforcing bar (post-installed dowel)
○ Headed anchor bolt
○ Headed stud
6.10 Loading and Seismic Qualification
NOTE Sustained tension load is the governing failure mode for adhesive anchors. Resin creeps under constant load, especially overhead and at elevated temperature, so any anchor carrying sustained tension must use a creep-tested product approved under ICC-ES AC308 and ACI 318 Section 17.2.3. In seismic categories C through F the product must additionally hold a seismic qualification, because cyclic crack opening degrades bond that a static rating never proves. (6.11)
6.11.1Adhesive anchors carrying sustained tension load shall use a product creep-qualified under ICC-ES AC308 and ACI 318 Section 17.2.3, with the sustained-load capacity taken from the ESR.
6.11.2Adhesive anchors in Seismic Design Category C through F shall be seismic-qualified, with seismic load values taken from the ESR seismic supplement.
● No sustained tension (short-term / shear only)
○ Sustained tension load present
7 Equipment and Baseplate Grout
NOTE The single most consequential decision in baseplate grouting is epoxy grout versus cementitious non-shrink grout, and it is driven by the load, not by cost or habit. Rotating and reciprocating equipment imposes vibration, thermal cycling, and precision-alignment demands that cementitious grout cannot meet; static structural base plates do not. Specifying generic ASTM C1107 grout under a pump or compressor is a recurring and expensive error. (7.1)
7.2 Grout Type Selection
NOTE Precision 100%-solids epoxy grout is required under rotating and reciprocating machinery (pumps, compressors, turbines, generators) per ACI 351.1R and API 686, where its high compressive strength, vibration resistance, and dimensional stability protect alignment. Cementitious non-shrink grout per ASTM C1107 is acceptable for static structural base plates with no dynamic load, and that application is governed by
Non Shrink Grout and
Grouted Base Plates. A hybrid epoxy grout sits between the two for moderate-vibration or chemical-exposure static bases.
(7.3) 7.3.1Grout under rotating or reciprocating equipment shall be precision 100%-solids epoxy grout conforming to ACI 351.1R and, where the owner requires it, API 686.
7.3.3Cementitious non-shrink grout shall not be used under rotating or reciprocating equipment.
● Epoxy grout, 100% solids (rotating / reciprocating equipment - ACI 351.1R / API 686)
○ Cementitious non-shrink grout (static structural base plate - ASTM C1107)
○ Hybrid epoxy grout (moderate vibration / chemical exposure)
7.4 Compressive Strength
NOTE Compressive-strength targets differ by an order of magnitude between the two families. Epoxy grout under machinery is typically specified at 12,000 psi to 14,000 psi by 7 days, with early strength near 10,000 psi at 24 hours so equipment can be loaded on schedule. Cementitious non-shrink grout under a static column base plate is typically 5,000 psi at 28 days. The spec must state the value and the age, because "high-strength grout" with no number invites a substitution that misses the dynamic-load requirement. (7.5)
7.5.1Epoxy grout for equipment baseplates shall achieve the specified compressive strength at the specified age; the default is 12,000 psi at 7 days, with not less than 10,000 psi at 24 hours where early loading is required.
7.5.2Cementitious non-shrink grout for static structural base plates shall achieve not less than 5,000 psi at 28 days when tested per ASTM C109.
1000018000
Default: 12000 psi
500010000
Default: 5000 psi
7.6 Non-Shrink Behavior
NOTE Cementitious non-shrink grout must compensate volume change in both the plastic and hardened phases; ASTM C1107 defines Grade A (pre-hardening), Grade B (post-hardening), and Grade C (combined), verified by ASTM C827 in the plastic phase and ASTM C1090 in the hardened phase. Grade C is the default for baseplate work because it controls shrinkage across both phases. Do not restate the general flowable-consistency guidance here; that lives in
Non Shrink Grout.
(7.7) 7.7.1Cementitious non-shrink grout shall be ASTM C1107 Grade B or Grade C with height change of 0.0% to +4.0%, verified per ASTM C827 and ASTM C1090.
7.7.2Mix water for cementitious grout shall follow the manufacturer TDS exactly; excess water reduces compressive strength and shall not be added to improve flow.
○ Grade B (post-hardening volume control)
● Grade C (combined plastic + hardened volume control)
7.8 Grout Space and Placement
NOTE The grout space under a baseplate is a coordination item that must be resolved before the anchor-bolt template is set, because insufficient clearance cannot be corrected after the bolts are cast. ACI 351.1R sets a 1 in. minimum, with 1.5 in. to 3 in. recommended for flowable epoxy grout to achieve full bearing; API 686 recommends 1.5 in. to 2 in. for rotating-equipment chocking. (7.9)
7.9.1The clear grout space under the baseplate shall be not less than 1 in., and shall be sized to allow the selected grout to flow to full bearing without voids, coordinated with the structural engineer and equipment supplier before the anchor bolts are set.
7.9.2Cementitious non-shrink grout under base plates shall be placed at a flowable or fluid consistency per ACI 351.1R; dry-pack or stiff consistency shall not be used where it would leave voids around shear lugs or congested anchor layouts.
7.9.3Each grout pour shall achieve full contact across the bearing area, with continuous flow from one side to avoid trapping air.
7.10 Exothermic Control and Pour Depth
NOTE Thick lifts of 100%-solids epoxy grout generate exothermic heat as they cure, and excess heat causes internal cracking and disbonding from the baseplate. Standard epoxy grout is limited to a 6 in. lift; low-exothermic formulations allow up to 12 in. Large baseplates therefore require either a low-exothermic product or sequential pours, and the choice must be made in the specification rather than discovered at the pour. (7.11)
7.11.1Standard 100%-solids epoxy grout shall be placed in lifts not exceeding 6 in.; where a single lift would exceed 6 in., a low-exothermic formulation or sequential pours shall be used.
7.11.2Low-exothermic epoxy grout, where specified, shall be placed in lifts not exceeding the manufacturer's maximum for that product (typically 12 in.).
● Standard 100% solids (lift ≤ 6 in.)
○ Low-exothermic (deep pour, lift up to 12 in.)
8 Installation
8.1 Hole Preparation and Cleaning
NOTE Contaminated holes are the single most common cause of low pull-out test results, so the cleaning protocol is a witnessed mandatory step, not best-effort housekeeping. The qualified procedure is a minimum of three cycles of blow, brush, blow per ASTM E488 and the manufacturer instructions: compressed air to clear dust, a stiff bristle brush sized to the hole to scrub the wall, and compressed air again to evacuate the loosened material. Drilling dust left on the hole wall acts as a bond breaker. (8.2)
8.2.1Each drilled hole shall be cleaned by a minimum of three cycles of blow, brush, and blow per ASTM E488 and the manufacturer printed installation instructions before adhesive is injected.
8.2.2The cleaning brush shall be the diameter specified by the manufacturer for the hole; an undersized brush shall not be used.
8.2.3Hole cleaning shall be witnessed by the special inspector where special inspection is required for the anchor.
8.2.4Adhesive shall not be injected into a hole containing standing water unless the product is ESR-qualified for water-filled holes.
● Blow-brush-blow, 3 cycles minimum (manual, per ASTM E488)
○ Manufacturer-specified vacuum / automated cleaning system
8.3 Adhesive Dispensing and Setting
NOTE Two-component adhesive must be mixed to a uniform color through the static mixing nozzle before it enters the hole, and the first portion dispensed from a fresh cartridge is discarded because it is unmixed. The hole is filled from the bottom up to avoid trapping air, and the anchor is inserted with a slow twisting motion within the product gel time. Once the gel time passes, the anchor shall not be disturbed until full cure. (8.4)
8.4.1The initial unmixed adhesive from each new cartridge or mixing nozzle shall be discarded until the dispensed material is a uniform color.
8.4.2Holes shall be filled with adhesive from the bottom of the hole upward to displace air, to the fill level required by the manufacturer for the embedment.
8.4.3The anchor element shall be inserted within the product gel time with a slow twisting motion to coat the full embedment.
8.4.4Anchors shall not be disturbed or loaded until the full cure time has elapsed per the manufacturer cure schedule at the actual installation temperature.
● Cartridge with static mixing nozzle (manual or pneumatic gun)
○ Bulk / drum with powered dispensing pump
8.5 Cure Before Loading
NOTE Full cure is temperature-dependent, and the gel time (when the anchor can no longer be adjusted) is not the same as the full cure time (when the anchor can carry load). Epoxy grout may read 7,000 psi at 24 hours yet require 7 days for full strength and chemical resistance; equipment loaded before full cure can shift before the grout reaches design strength. The cure schedule from the TDS at the actual installation temperature governs. (8.6)
8.6.1Adhesive anchors shall not be loaded until the full cure time at the actual installation temperature has elapsed per the manufacturer cure schedule.
8.6.2Equipment and machinery shall not be loaded onto epoxy grout until the grout has reached the specified strength and cure age, even where early strength would appear sufficient.
9 Testing
NOTE Field proof-load testing verifies that the installed anchors actually achieve their design tension, catching contaminated holes, wrong embedment, and incomplete cure that paperwork cannot. Testing follows ASTM E488 on a sample of installed anchors, at a proof load tied to the design tension. The sample rate and proof load are set below as defaults and may be raised by the Engineer of Record for critical connections. (9.1)
9.1.1A minimum of 10% of installed adhesive anchors shall be proof-load tested per ASTM E488, distributed across installers, orientations, and locations.
9.1.2The proof load shall be 100% of the design tension load for the inspected work unless a higher value is directed by the Engineer of Record.
9.1.3Any anchor that does not hold the proof load without movement shall be cause to test additional adjacent anchors and to evaluate the installation, per the ESR conditions and ACI 318 Commentary.
9.1.4Compressive-strength test specimens for cementitious grout shall be molded and tested per ASTM C109; epoxy grout specimens shall be tested per the manufacturer method at the specified age.
10 Delivery, Storage, and Handling
NOTE Adhesive and epoxy grout are temperature- and shelf-life-sensitive; resin stored too cold thickens beyond its viscosity grade and stored too hot shortens pot life, while expired product cures unpredictably. Cementitious grout must stay dry. Product conditioned to the installation temperature before use is part of achieving the rated bond. (10.1)
10.1.1Adhesive and epoxy grout shall be stored within the manufacturer's temperature range and used within the printed shelf life; expired product shall not be used.
10.1.2Cartridges and bulk adhesive shall be conditioned to the installation temperature range before dispensing, per the manufacturer instructions.
10.1.3Packaged cementitious grout shall be stored dry, off the ground, and protected from moisture; bags showing lumping or partial set shall be rejected.
☑ Conditioned to installation temperature
☑ Within printed shelf life
☑ Cementitious grout kept dry and off ground
11 Warranty
11.1The manufacturer shall warrant each adhesive, epoxy grout, and cementitious grout against defects in material for the period stated below from the date of installation.
11.1.1The manufacturer shall provide a written warranty for each anchoring and grouting product against material defects for not less than one year from the date of Substantial Completion.
11.1.2The installer shall warrant the installation against defects in workmanship for the same period and shall correct defective anchors and grout pours at no cost to the Owner.
12 Spare Parts
NOTE Where the project includes equipment baseplate grouting, retaining a small reserve of the qualified grout and adhesive supports future minor anchor additions and touch-up without re-qualifying a new product. (12.1)
12.1.1The Contractor shall deliver to the Owner unopened reserve stock of each adhesive anchor cartridge and grout product as specified below, within shelf life at the date of delivery.