+---
+title: Post-Installed Concrete and Masonry Anchors
+category: Structural / Concrete
+toc_depth: 3
+description: >
+ When to use: attaching structural and non-structural elements to existing
+ hardened concrete or masonry (CMU, brick) substrates with anchors set in a
+ drilled hole - torque-controlled and displacement-controlled expansion
+ anchors, undercut anchors, concrete screw anchors, and adhesive (chemical)
+ anchors using threaded rod or reinforcing-bar inserts. Covers
+ cracked-concrete-qualified and seismic-qualified systems, sustained-tension
+ and overhead adhesive installations, anchorage in dry or saturated
+ substrates, hole preparation, torque verification, and mandatory special
+ inspection.
+ Not intended for: cast-in-place headed bolts, hooked rods, and J-bolts set
+ before the pour (use sync/cast-in-place-concrete); rebar splices, dowels, and
+ lap splices governed by ACI 318 Chapter 26 (use sync/concrete-reinforcement);
+ non-shrink grout bedding beneath base plates (use sync/non-shrink-grout);
+ the masonry mortar/grout substrate itself (use sync/masonry-mortar-and-grout);
+ brick masonry construction (use sync/brick-masonry); steel base-plate
+ fabrication and welding (use sync/metal-fabrications); and powder-actuated
+ fasteners driven without a drilled hole.
+---
+
+# Scope {toc}
+
+## This standard covers post-installed anchors set in a drilled hole in existing hardened concrete or masonry to attach structural and non-structural elements, together with the hole preparation, installation, torque verification, and special inspection that make those anchors perform as designed. {note}
+
+## The covered families are torque-controlled expansion anchors, displacement-controlled (drop-in) expansion anchors, undercut anchors, concrete screw anchors, and adhesive anchors with threaded-rod or reinforcing-bar inserts. {note}
+
+## A post-installed anchor differs fundamentally from a cast-in-place anchor in how it develops load: it is drilled into concrete that has already cured, so its capacity depends on a manufacturer-tested mechanical or bonded interaction with the surrounding concrete rather than on a head bearing against concrete placed around it. {note}
+
+## Because that interaction is product-specific, every covered anchor is governed by a current ICC-ES Evaluation Service Report (ESR) and the ACI qualification standard behind it; this standard specifies anchors by required ESR category, never by raw mechanical description alone. {note}
+
+## Anchors shall be furnished only as complete proprietary systems holding a current ICC-ES Evaluation Report (or equivalent IAPMO-UES report) covering the project's base material, load type, and seismic category.
+
+## Mixing components from different anchor systems - for example one manufacturer's adhesive with another's threaded rod cut to length - is prohibited; each anchor shall be installed as the assembly its ESR qualifies.
+
+## The following work is specified elsewhere and is excluded from this standard. {note}
+- Cast-in-place headed bolts, hooked rods, J-bolts, and headed studs set before concrete placement - see [[sync/cast-in-place-concrete]].
+- Reinforcing-bar splices, dowels, and lap-splice connections governed by ACI 318 Chapter 26 - see [[sync/concrete-reinforcement]].
+- Non-shrink grout bedding beneath base plates, even where used with a post-installed anchor assembly - see [[sync/non-shrink-grout]].
+- The masonry mortar or grout that forms the substrate - see [[sync/masonry-mortar-and-grout]].
+- Brick masonry substrate selection and construction - see [[sync/brick-masonry]].
+- Steel base-plate fabrication and welding - see [[sync/metal-fabrications]].
+- Powder-actuated fasteners driven into concrete without a drilled hole.
+
+# Referenced Standards {toc}
+
+## Equipment, materials, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited or unless the anchor's current ESR references a different edition.
+
+## Where referenced standards conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing.
+
+## The anchor's ICC-ES Evaluation Report is the controlling document for all product-specific values - embedment, edge distance, spacing, torque, bond strength, and qualification category - and governs over generic values in this standard where the two differ. {note}
+
+| Standard | Title |
+|----------|-------|
+| ACI 318-19 | Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary (Chapter 17, Anchoring to Concrete) |
+| ACI 355.2-19 | Qualification of Post-Installed Mechanical Anchors in Concrete and Commentary |
+| ACI 355.4-20 | Qualification of Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete and Commentary |
+| ICC-ES AC193 | Acceptance Criteria for Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Elements |
+| ICC-ES AC308 | Acceptance Criteria for Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors in Concrete Elements |
+| ASTM F1554-20 | Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105 ksi Yield Strength |
+| ASTM A193/A193M-23 | Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting for High Temperature or High Pressure Service |
+| ASTM A615/A615M-22 | Deformed and Plain Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement |
+| IBC 2021 | International Building Code (Sections 1705.3, 1901.3, 1905) |
+| OSHA 29 CFR 1926 | Safety and Health Regulations for Construction |
+
+# Submittals {toc}
+
+## Action Submittals {toc}
+
+### The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review before any anchors are ordered or installed:
+- Product data for each anchor system, including the complete catalog cut and the published installation instructions (MPII).
+- Current ICC-ES (or IAPMO-UES) Evaluation Report for each system, with the applicable base-material, cracked-concrete, seismic, and sustained-load tables flagged.
+- Anchor schedule correlating each anchor mark on the Structural Drawings to a specific system, diameter, embedment, edge distance, and ESR table.
+- Manufacturer's published installation torque, cure-time, and gel-time tables for the project temperature range.
+- Substitution request, where an anchor other than the basis-of-design is proposed, demonstrating equal or greater ESR-listed capacity in every governing category.
+
+### Anchor selections shall be recorded on the following datasheet so the submittal package, the special inspector, and the installer reference a single coordinated set of values.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Action submittals provided
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Anchor product data and MPII installation instructions
+ - Current ICC-ES / IAPMO-UES Evaluation Report (categories flagged)
+ - Anchor schedule keyed to structural drawing marks
+ - Torque / cure-time / gel-time tables for project temperatures
+ - Substitution request with ESR capacity comparison (if applicable)
+```
+
+## Informational Submittals {toc}
+
+### The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals before adhesive or overhead anchors are installed:
+- Installer certification records for adhesive-anchor installers, per ACI 318 Section 26.7.1, where horizontal or upwardly inclined adhesive anchors resist sustained tension.
+- Safety Data Sheets for each two-component adhesive cartridge, with ventilation provisions for confined-space installation coordinated with the project safety plan.
+- Manufacturer field-service or pre-installation meeting report, where the basis-of-design manufacturer's representative attends the qualifying installation.
+- Statement of Special Inspections excerpt identifying the anchors subject to continuous versus periodic inspection.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Informational submittals provided
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Adhesive-anchor installer certification (ACI 318 26.7.1)
+ - Safety Data Sheets with confined-space ventilation provisions
+ - Manufacturer pre-installation meeting / field-service report
+ - Statement of Special Inspections excerpt (continuous vs. periodic)
+```
+
+# Quality Assurance {toc}
+
+## Qualification Category {toc}
+
+### Each anchor shall hold a current ICC-ES or IAPMO-UES Evaluation Report establishing its capacity in the project's base material under ACI 355.2 (mechanical) or ACI 355.4 (adhesive). {note}
+
+### Anchors in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C through F shall be qualified for cracked concrete and for seismic loading (ACI 318 Section 17.10).
+
+### Anchors resisting sustained tension shall be qualified for sustained load in the applicable ESR.
+
+### Many polyester and standard vinylester systems are not sustained-load listed; check the ESR before specifying these systems where sustained tension governs. {note}
+
+### The Engineer of Record assigns the anchor design path - ductile steel element, anchor capacity governed by a 0.4 reduction on a non-ductile failure mode, or concrete breakout controlled by design - per ACI 318 Section 17.10.5 and 17.10.6.
+
+### This standard does not constrain the design-of-record decision on anchor design path; the Engineer of Record has sole authority to select the governing failure-mode approach. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Required anchor qualification category
+type: select
+options:
+ - Uncracked concrete only (SDC A-B, no seismic)
+ - Cracked concrete, non-seismic
+ - Cracked concrete + seismic Category 1 (SDC C-F)
+ - Cracked concrete + seismic + sustained tension
+default: Cracked concrete + seismic Category 1 (SDC C-F)
+```
+
+## Installer Qualification {toc}
+
+### Adhesive anchors installed horizontally or upwardly inclined and resisting sustained tension shall be installed only by personnel certified under an ACI/CRSI Adhesive Anchor Installer program, per ACI 318 Section 26.7.1.
+
+### The certified installer's identification shall be available on site for the special inspector during installation of those anchors.
+
+### Where the basis-of-design manufacturer offers a project-specific training session, the installing crew should complete it before production installation begins.
+
+## Special Inspection {toc}
+
+### Post-installed anchors shall receive special inspection per IBC 2021 Section 1705.3 and the project Statement of Special Inspections. {note}
+
+### Adhesive anchors resisting tension shall receive continuous special inspection per IBC 2021 Section 1705.3.3; specifying only periodic inspection for these anchors is a code violation. {note}
+
+### Mechanical anchors and adhesive anchors not resisting sustained tension may receive periodic special inspection where the Statement of Special Inspections so permits; specifying continuous inspection for ordinary mechanical anchors adds cost without code basis. {note}
+
+### The special inspector shall verify anchor type, diameter, embedment, hole condition and cleaning, adhesive lot and expiration, installation torque, and conformance to the approved anchor schedule.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Special inspection level
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Continuous (required for adhesive anchors in tension)
+ - Periodic (mechanical anchors / non-sustained adhesive)
+default: Periodic (mechanical anchors / non-sustained adhesive)
+```
+
+# Environmental and Service Conditions {toc}
+
+## Base Material {toc}
+
+### The anchor system shall be qualified by ESR for the specific base material into which it is installed; capacity tables for normal-weight concrete, lightweight concrete, and masonry are separate and not interchangeable. {note}
+
+### Anchors in hollow CMU shall be adhesive anchors installed with screen tubes per the masonry ESR; expansion anchors shall not be used in the unfilled cells of hollow masonry. {note}
+
+### The minimum concrete compressive strength assumed for design shall be stated on the Structural Drawings and shall not be taken below the f'c floor permitted by ACI 318 Chapter 17.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Base material
+type: select
+options:
+ - Normal-weight concrete
+ - Lightweight concrete
+ - Solid (grout-filled) CMU
+ - Hollow CMU (screen tube required)
+ - Clay brick masonry
+default: Normal-weight concrete
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Specified concrete compressive strength (f'c) at the anchorage
+type: range
+unit: psi
+min: 2500
+max: 8000
+step: 500
+default: 4000
+```
+
+## Corrosion Exposure {toc}
+
+### The anchor material and coating shall be selected for the service exposure; carbon-steel zinc-plated anchors are limited to dry interior conditions and are inadequate in coastal, submerged, pool, or aggressive-chemistry environments. {note}
+
+### Anchors in exterior, intermittently wetted, or splash exposures shall be hot-dip galvanized carbon steel or stainless steel as the exposure requires.
+
+### Anchors in submerged, marine, pool, or chemically aggressive environments shall be Type 304 or Type 316 stainless steel as classified by the Engineer of Record.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Anchor material and corrosion protection
+type: select
+options:
+ - Carbon steel, zinc-electroplated (dry interior only)
+ - Carbon steel, hot-dip galvanized
+ - Stainless steel Type 304
+ - Stainless steel Type 316
+default: Carbon steel, zinc-electroplated (dry interior only)
+```
+
+## Temperature and Moisture at Installation {toc}
+
+### Adhesive anchors shall be installed only within the ambient and base-material temperature range listed in the system's ESR, because gel time and cure time - and ultimately bond strength - depend on temperature. {note}
+
+### Concrete shall have reached the minimum age required by the adhesive ESR before adhesive anchors are installed, typically 21 days; installing into early-age concrete invalidates the capacity tables. {note}
+
+### Adhesive anchors shall not be installed in water-filled or water-saturated holes unless the ESR lists a wet- or saturated-hole category, because most systems lose 30 to 50 percent of bond capacity in wet holes. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Substrate moisture condition at installation
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Dry hole
+ - Water-saturated (damp) hole - ESR wet category required
+ - Water-filled / submerged hole - ESR flooded category required
+default: Dry hole
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Ambient temperature range at installation
+type: range
+unit: °F
+min: 14
+max: 104
+setpoints: [14, 40, 70, 104]
+default: 70
+```
+
+# Anchor Type and Selection {toc}
+
+## Anchor type shall be selected from a qualified system in the category required by the load, the substrate condition, and the installation orientation; the families below describe how each develops load and where each fits. {note}
+
+## Mechanical Anchors {toc}
+
+### Torque-controlled expansion (wedge) anchors develop load by a wedge or sleeve that expands against the hole wall as the nut is torqued; this is the workhorse structural anchor, available cracked-concrete and seismic Category 1 qualified in 3/8 in through 1-1/4 in diameters. {note}
+
+### Torque-controlled expansion anchors shall be tightened to the installation torque listed in the ESR; over-torquing near an edge can split the concrete and under-torquing leaves the wedge unset.
+
+### Displacement-controlled (drop-in) anchors are set by driving an internal plug with a setting tool to full expansion; they are shear-dominant and qualified for uncracked concrete only. {note}
+
+### Displacement-controlled (drop-in) anchors shall not be used where cracked-concrete or seismic qualification is required.
+
+### Undercut anchors develop a form-fit bearing interlock in a specially undercut hole, giving the highest ductility and the most reliable cracked-concrete and seismic performance of the mechanical families; they are typically special-order. {note}
+
+### Concrete screw anchors cut their own thread in a drilled hole and are removable; they suit light-to-medium loads and are available in cracked-concrete and seismic-qualified models. {note}
+
+### The installed hole diameter and depth for concrete screw anchors shall match the ESR exactly.
+
+## Adhesive Anchors {toc}
+
+### Adhesive anchors bond a threaded rod or reinforcing bar into a drilled hole with a two-component structural adhesive; they deliver the highest sustained-load and cracked-concrete capacity but are the most sensitive to hole cleaning and installation discipline. {note}
+
+### Epoxy adhesive systems provide the highest sustained-load, cracked-concrete, and elevated-temperature performance and are the default where sustained tension or overhead installation governs. {note}
+
+### Hybrid vinylester and polyester systems cure faster than epoxy and are cracked-concrete and seismic qualified for many conditions. {note}
+
+### Hybrid vinylester and polyester adhesive systems shall not be used in sustained-tension or overhead applications unless the specific system is ESR-listed for that condition.
+
+### Adhesive anchors with reinforcing-bar inserts (ASTM A615 Grade 60 or 75 bar) serve dowel extensions, slab-on-grade connections, and concrete repair, and shall be sized and embedded per the adhesive ESR rebar tables.
+
+### Masonry adhesive anchors in hollow CMU shall be installed with the screen tubes specified in the masonry ESR so the adhesive forms a keyed bond in the cell rather than running into the void.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Anchor type
+type: select
+options:
+ - Torque-controlled expansion (wedge) anchor
+ - Displacement-controlled (drop-in) anchor
+ - Undercut anchor
+ - Concrete screw anchor
+ - Adhesive anchor - epoxy, threaded rod
+ - Adhesive anchor - hybrid vinylester/polyester, threaded rod
+ - Adhesive anchor - epoxy, reinforcing-bar insert
+ - Masonry adhesive anchor with screen tube
+default: Torque-controlled expansion (wedge) anchor
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Threaded-rod / insert grade (adhesive anchors)
+type: select
+options:
+ - ASTM F1554 Grade 36 carbon steel
+ - ASTM F1554 Grade 55 carbon steel
+ - ASTM F1554 Grade 105 high-strength
+ - ASTM A193 B7 alloy steel
+ - ASTM A193 B8 / B8M stainless
+ - ASTM A615 Grade 60 reinforcing bar
+ - ASTM A615 Grade 75 reinforcing bar
+default: ASTM F1554 Grade 36 carbon steel
+```
+
+# Anchor Geometry {toc}
+
+## Anchor diameter, embedment, edge distance, and spacing shall match the values on the Structural Drawings and the governing ESR table; the datasheet fields below capture the schedule values and are deferred to the drawings where the Engineer of Record sets them per location. {note}
+
+## Diameter and Embedment {toc}
+
+### Effective embedment depth (hef) shall be measured and verified during installation; the installer shall mark or use a depth-stop drill so the hole reaches the embedment the schedule requires. {note}
+
+### Embedment shall not be reduced to clear reinforcing or obstructions without the Engineer of Record's written direction, because anchor capacity is roughly proportional to embedment.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Anchor diameter
+type: select
+options:
+ - 3/8 in
+ - 1/2 in
+ - 5/8 in
+ - 3/4 in
+ - 7/8 in
+ - 1 in
+ - 1-1/4 in
+ - 1-1/2 in
+default: 1/2 in
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Effective embedment depth (hef)
+type: range
+unit: in
+min: 2.5
+max: 12
+step: 0.5
+default: 4.5
+drawing_ref: "anchor schedule"
+```
+
+## Edge Distance and Spacing {toc}
+
+### Minimum edge distance and minimum spacing shall meet the values in the ESR; reduced edge distance triggers concrete-breakout capacity reductions per ACI 318 Section 17.6 that may require a larger diameter, deeper embedment, or supplementary reinforcement. {note}
+
+### Where full unconfined tension capacity is required without edge reduction, the critical edge distance (cac) of the ESR shall be provided. {note}
+
+### Anchor locations, edge distances, and spacings are set by the structural design and shall be taken from the drawings.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum edge distance provided (c)
+type: range
+unit: in
+min: 1.75
+max: 12
+step: 0.25
+default: 4
+drawing_ref: "anchor schedule"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum anchor spacing provided (s)
+type: range
+unit: in
+min: 3
+max: 18
+step: 0.5
+default: 6
+drawing_ref: "anchor schedule"
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Load direction governing the connection
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Tension
+ - Shear
+ - Combined tension and shear (interaction)
+default: Combined tension and shear (interaction)
+```
+
+# Installation {toc}
+
+## Hole Drilling {toc}
+
+### Holes shall be drilled with the bit type and diameter the ESR specifies for the anchor; carbide hammer-drill bits and core-drilled holes have different bond and expansion behavior and are not interchangeable without ESR coverage. {note}
+
+### Hole diameter shall fall within the tolerance the ESR allows - typically a tight match to the bit nominal for adhesive anchors and a small over-size for mechanical anchors.
+
+### Drilling shall not cut through embedded reinforcing.
+
+### Where reinforcing is encountered during drilling, the installer shall stop and either relocate within the tolerance the Engineer of Record permits or obtain the Engineer of Record's direction before proceeding.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Hole-drilling method
+type: select
+options:
+ - Rotary hammer with carbide bit
+ - Hammer drill with carbide bit
+ - Core drill (diamond) - only if ESR-qualified
+default: Rotary hammer with carbide bit
+```
+
+## Hole Cleaning {toc}
+
+### Holes for adhesive anchors shall be cleaned by the full brush-and-blow cycle the ESR prescribes - typically compressed-air blow, wire-brush, and repeat - because inadequate hole cleaning is the leading field cause of adhesive-anchor failure. {note}
+
+### The number of air, brush, and air cycles shall follow the system's MPII exactly; the cleaning sequence is part of the qualification, not a field option. {note}
+
+### Compressed air used to clean holes shall be oil-free.
+
+### Holes for mechanical anchors shall be blown clear of drilling dust before the anchor is set so the expansion mechanism seats against sound concrete.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Adhesive hole-cleaning regimen (per ESR / MPII)
+type: select
+options:
+ - Manual brush and oil-free compressed air, full ESR cycle count
+ - Manufacturer hollow-drill-bit automatic dust extraction
+ - Vacuum + brush per ESR
+default: Manual brush and oil-free compressed air, full ESR cycle count
+```
+
+## Adhesive Injection and Curing {toc}
+
+### Adhesive shall be dispensed only after the dispensing-tip waste bead confirms uniform two-component mixing, and the hole shall be filled from the bottom up to avoid trapping air. {note}
+
+### Overhead and horizontal adhesive anchors shall use the piston plugs and retaining caps the ESR requires to keep adhesive in the hole until the rod is inserted.
+
+### The rod or bar shall be inserted with a slow twisting motion to the marked embedment and left undisturbed until the adhesive has reached the loading cure time in the ESR temperature table.
+
+### Anchors shall not be loaded, torqued, or disturbed before the full cure time for the installation temperature has elapsed.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Adhesive cure time before loading (per ESR temperature table)
+type: range
+unit: h
+min: 1
+max: 72
+step: 1
+default: 24
+```
+
+## Torque Verification {toc}
+
+### Torque-controlled expansion anchors shall be set to the ESR installation torque with a calibrated torque wrench.
+
+### The special inspector shall witness or verify the installation torque on the inspection sample.
+
+### Anchors that spin, fail to develop torque, or split the concrete shall be rejected, removed or abandoned per the Engineer of Record's direction, and replaced at a relocated position.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Installation torque (torque-controlled anchors, per ESR)
+type: range
+unit: ft-lb
+min: 10
+max: 150
+step: 5
+default: 30
+```
+
+# Field Quality Control {toc}
+
+## Proof Loading {toc}
+
+### Where the Engineer of Record or the building official requires proof-load testing of post-installed anchors, the test load, the acceptance criterion, and the sample frequency shall be as directed and shall not exceed a load that yields or damages a production anchor. {note}
+
+### Proof-load testing shall be performed with calibrated equipment, and results shall be recorded and submitted to the special inspector.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Field proof-load testing required
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Not required (special inspection only)
+ - Required - tension proof load per EOR direction
+ - Required - torque test per EOR direction
+default: Not required (special inspection only)
+```
+
+## Anchors found nonconforming during inspection or testing shall be removed or abandoned and replaced as the Engineer of Record directs; abandoned holes shall be filled flush with the same qualified adhesive or an approved patching material.
+
+# Delivery, Storage, and Handling {toc}
+
+## Adhesive cartridges shall be delivered in unopened, labeled packaging showing the lot number and expiration date, and shall be rejected if the shelf life has expired. {note}
+
+## Adhesive cartridges shall be stored within the temperature range printed on the cartridge label; storage outside that range can shorten shelf life and alter cure behavior.
+
+## Mechanical anchors and threaded rod shall be stored off the ground and protected so that coatings and threads are not damaged before installation.
+
+## Expired or damaged adhesive shall not be used; partially used cartridges shall be reused only within the open-cartridge window the manufacturer permits.
+
+# Warranty {toc}
+
+## The Contractor shall warrant that post-installed anchors are furnished and installed in conformance with the approved submittals, the anchor ESR, and this standard, and shall correct anchors found nonconforming within the project correction period.
+
+## The anchor manufacturer's standard published warranty for the adhesive and hardware shall be transmitted to the Owner at closeout.
+
+# Spare Parts {toc}
+
+## Where the Owner's maintenance program anticipates future attachments to the same substrate, the Contractor should furnish a record of the anchor systems, diameters, and ESR numbers used so compatible anchors can be specified later. {note}
+
+## Unused, unexpired adhesive cartridges and surplus anchors that the Contract designates as Owner property shall be turned over at closeout with their packaging and lot documentation intact.