Using the Strength of Concrete to Fasten Objects
to Your Walls, Ceilings and Floors
Once we all got used to concrete tilt-ups and block wall construction we wanted to attach this and that to their large blank surfaces. Big time anchoring products have been around for many years from the original Sanko products developed for the World Olympics some years ago to the modern day Rawl Drive System, and similar products from Simpson, Red Head and BNProducts.
The basic concept is simple. With a masonry bit, drill a hole into the concrete surface to the specifications necessary and then drop in a metal sleeve with a special design that will expand and grip the sides of the hole leaving either a tapped receptacle or post at the exposed end for attaching another object. The whole process is a wedge system that actually uses the resilience of the concrete to form a strong attachment anchor.
The product that you are typically looking for is a drop-in, wedge, weld, hammer drive, drill, or bolt type anchors. Anchors are usually available in 304 or 316 stainless steel or carbon steel. The latter type is usually finished in zinc dichromate, trivalent blue chromate, or straight galvanized. They are all pretty much designed for permanent installation although some can be slightly counter sunk if they are only going to be used for a short amount of time.
A great example of this is when you decide to put a window in a concrete tilt-up. You will need to anchor a concrete saw to the surface you will be cutting. A drop-in wedge with a counter sink of a 1/16” is perfect for the job. Once the window is cut and the saw is removed you can patch over the anchor leaving it in place.
|
So once again, the standard drop-in anchor is an internally threaded, controlled expansion anchor. Built to a .03mm tolerance in expansion differential, it is designed to be used with a setting tool to ensure full anchor expansion. This type of anchor is recessed in the concrete so if it is no longer needed simply plug or fill with cement to make the surface smooth again.
The wedge anchor is also an expansion type fastener that is hammered into place then the nut is tightened to create expansion. It is the workhorse of the industry and has many different applications. These anchors include a separate nut, lock washer, and flat washer. The nut is tightened till lock washer is flattened for full expansion. You can find this type of anchor system on the seats of your local sporting arena.
The weld type anchor has an external bottom bearing expansion plug. It is designed to be hammered in and attachment to equipment is done by direct welding to the post. Great for window, door framework and shutter installations.
The hammer drive anchor features a hardened center pin that is driven in to expand the anchor in the concrete surface. These anchors also include a nut and washer that can be set for various depths. They are easy to install, because the depth of the hole is not critical and no special tool is required. Just hammer the pin in and the anchor tensions itself automatically. The anchor is set when the center pin is flush with the top of the bolt making it easy to inspect.
The drill anchor is a non expansion anchor that can simply be drilled into the concrete with an impact wrench or conventional hand socket. It can be installed at a fraction of the time it would take for other types and is removable. These fasteners do not require as much spacing between anchors as other expansion types.
The bolt type is an anchor that is hammered into place. The external bottom bearing expansion plug expands when hammered in. The bolt and washer are included and can be removed and used to hold material in place.
From the standpoint of supply for these specialized products, we suggest that you contact Benner-Nawman, Inc. based in Wickenburg, Arizona (email: mail@bnproducts.com). This is a company known for quality products engineered with intelligence and imagination. They have been the prime supplier of portable rebar cutters and benders used throughout the construction industry. With their experience in the construction industry, concrete anchoring was a natural progression. Benner-Nawman is offering numerous varieties and sizes that are guaranteed to fill your jobs requirements. You can also expect the same level of quality that you have come to know from the rest of Benner-Nawman’s product lines. All of the Concrete Anchors are manufactured at ISO9000, ICBO certified facilities.
