How to Design Anchor Bolt Embedments

Create an anchor bolt design based on how the anchor will be installed. Review the design plans for the building to be constructed. Choose a cast-in bolt for anchor bolts that are placed into the building's construction before the concrete is poured. Use a post-installed expansion anchor when installing the anchor bolt in a hole drilled into concrete. Choose preloaded anchor bolts for use with equipment supports where the anchor bolts might elongate over time.

Develop the anchor bolt sleeves as either partial-depth or full-depth designs. Manufacture partial-depth sleeves from high-density polyethylene with a corrugated appearance. Design full-depth sleeves by welding a steel bearing plate to a steel pipe. Create the sleeve diameters at four times the anchor bolt diameter. Size the bearing plate to prevent the anchor from pulling out and secure the anchor plate with a nut at the bottom.

Install shear lugs to transfer the shear of the structure to the concrete. Design the lug for at least 50 millimeters embedment into the concrete. Decide on wide-flange lugs for large-load structures. Apply a fillet weld to the lug to secure it to the anchor attachment plate. Place the shear lug between the embedment and concrete for full effectiveness.

Account for the tension load of the structure. Weld the anchor bolt directly to the attachment to transfer tension to the bolt. Secure anchors to common base plates with nuts and washers instead of welding.