Column Anchor Bolts
Column Anchor Bolts
(OP)
Hey folks,
I've got a project whereby I am relocating an existing building to a new location. It seemed to me the best way to do this is to pour the foundations(and piers) without anchor bolts, and then match-drill the concrete once the columns are in place via crane as required. I just wanted to make sure that there weren’t any big issues with this... I've called out chemical anchors which are sized as are needed, but from a construction feasibility point of view, what would be a big downfall with this way of setting columns?
For a new construct, I would call out standard anchor bolts as there will be play earlier on, and the error/discrepancies can be made up with slots and the like.
I just think that if I try to get the anchor bolts as they were in the original building location, they would never match up close enough, and there would be problems then for field fit-up
Thanks for the comments/suggestions
DRW
I've got a project whereby I am relocating an existing building to a new location. It seemed to me the best way to do this is to pour the foundations(and piers) without anchor bolts, and then match-drill the concrete once the columns are in place via crane as required. I just wanted to make sure that there weren’t any big issues with this... I've called out chemical anchors which are sized as are needed, but from a construction feasibility point of view, what would be a big downfall with this way of setting columns?
For a new construct, I would call out standard anchor bolts as there will be play earlier on, and the error/discrepancies can be made up with slots and the like.
I just think that if I try to get the anchor bolts as they were in the original building location, they would never match up close enough, and there would be problems then for field fit-up
Thanks for the comments/suggestions
DRW






RE: Column Anchor Bolts
RE: Column Anchor Bolts
Assuming that your chemical anchors have been properly designed for the forces they are to carry, the big issues to be careful about IMHO are the practical ones that always arise when using adhesive in the field.
Most structural adhesive mfgrs provide detailed instructions about how anchors are supposed to be installed, including minimum embedment depths, concrete hole diameters, hole cleanliness, minimum set times before loading the adhesive, and maximum tightening torques. Make sure these directions are followed carefully.
If the Contractor uses compressed air to blow debris out of the holes make sure there is no oil in it. Blow some air on a test piece of cardboard to check.
If the weather is very hot or cold this will affect the set times of the adhesive.
Good luck!
RE: Column Anchor Bolts
The erectors should certainly consider the fact that the chemical anchors require about 30 minutes to come to full strength - meaning all temporary bracing, rigging, crane work must be maintained until duration is up.
SamDamon
I'm not a terrible big fan of chemical anchors, but it seems like the best alternative for this particular project (versus miss-fit of threaded rods). I'm not very keen on mechanical anchors with the wedges and the like - don't know why (worried about spalling concrete by overtorqing I think), but I put a bit more trust in the epoxy for some reason. Of course notes have been added to the effect of following manufacturers installation procedures.
Thanks for the thoughts people
DRW
RE: Column Anchor Bolts
DBD
RE: Column Anchor Bolts
RE: Column Anchor Bolts
I have done what you are suggesting (chemical anchors, after concrete placment), but only for lightly loaded structures. If you go your proposed route, make sure the holes in the base plate are properly size (large enough) to allow the drill bit to pass though - a detailer might miss this requirement. This may be somewhat larger than a standard or even an oversized bolt hole.
www.SlideRuleEra.net
RE: Column Anchor Bolts
You could also pour your foundations and the a. bolts as per the original design of the old building, and using plastic sleeves to allow some movement on the a.bolts. Check with the anchor sleeve manufacturer, the maximum permitted movement.
Erect the columns and grout the base plates, filling the sleeves. This method may need the ocassional oversize hole on the base plate.
On the other hand, your initial solution of using chemical anchor bolts is very adequate. A. bolts' length is not much of a task if you have ever installed a 16 ft. long chemical rockbolt, resin anchored on its full length. They are used extensively worldwide. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
RE: Column Anchor Bolts
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