Anchor Bolts Key Terms

Learn some anchor bolts key terms to improve your construction vocabulary

By J. Simonetta

Every building made of concrete uses anchor bolts. These simple, but crucial devices are used to attach structures or objects to concrete surfaces. Depending on the load they are designed to bear, these bolts can range in size from something you can find at Home Depot to bolts that are 4" or more in diameter. Whether you're planning a concrete construction or would just like to know more about anchor bolts, the following terms will get you started.

Cast-in-place anchor bolts

As the name implies, cast-in-place anchor bolts are placed in the concrete as the concrete is being cast. This is the optimal way to place anchor bolts, as it's simpler than post-casting placement and typically provides greater strength.
Try: BACO Enterprises discusses the advantages of cast-in-place anchor bolts.

Embedment

Embedment is a term for how far the anchor bolts are embedded in the concrete. For lighter attachments, a shallow embedment may be adequate, but larger or more stressed attachments require deeper embedments to properly anchor the greater load.
Try: Science Direct has a discussion about embedment depth.

Wedge anchor

Wedge anchors, or wedge fasteners, are a type of anchor bolt that is attached by drilling a hole into the concrete. When the wedge anchor is tightened it expands in its hole to ensure that it is firmly wedged into place.
Try: Concrete Fastening Systems has a wedge anchor illustration and video.

Expansion sleeve

The expansion sleeve is the object that expands to ensure that sleeve fasteners are securely embedded.
Try: ConcreteNetwork.com discusses several types of anchor bolts and anchor bolt parts, including expansion sleeves.

Galvanization

Galvanization is the process by which iron or steel is coated with zinc for added corrosion resistance. Treated items are said to be "galvanized". Although galvanized items are more expensive than their non-galvanized counterparts, galvanized components are widely used because of the added corrosion and rust-resistance that galvanization imparts. This is especially true when the steel or iron object is subject to moisture or harsh climates.
Try: wiseGEEK has a clear explanation of galvanization and how the zinc coating acts to protect the underlying metal.

Right-angle anchor bolt

Right-angle anchor bolts are cast-in-place anchor bolts designed for heavy construction. They are widely used in everything from light poles to structural steel columns. Unless you're involved in heavy construction, it's unlikely that you'll come across these bolts.
Try: Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Company illustrates and describes right-angle bolts.