Tapcon anchors Vs Wedge Anchors
Tapcon anchors Vs Wedge Anchors
(OP)
Hi,
Is there a reason for the wedge anchor to be more commonly used than the "Tapcon" for example:
LDT (large diameter tapcon) by RED HEAD with 5/8" diameter and 3.5" embedment has an ultimate cap. of 7972 Lbs on tension and 10224 Lbs on Shear.
Vs
Trubolt (Wedge Anchor) by RED HHEAD with 5/8" diameter and 5-1/8" embedment(note that it is 1-5/6" more) has a ultimate capacity of 6580 Lbs. in Tension and 9600 Lbs. in shear.
Both are on 2000 psi concrete
Comparing the two I question why is the wedge anchor still being used if tapcons are easier to install? Where would you install a wedge anchor instead of a tapcon?
Please comment..
Is there a reason for the wedge anchor to be more commonly used than the "Tapcon" for example:
LDT (large diameter tapcon) by RED HEAD with 5/8" diameter and 3.5" embedment has an ultimate cap. of 7972 Lbs on tension and 10224 Lbs on Shear.
Vs
Trubolt (Wedge Anchor) by RED HHEAD with 5/8" diameter and 5-1/8" embedment(note that it is 1-5/6" more) has a ultimate capacity of 6580 Lbs. in Tension and 9600 Lbs. in shear.
Both are on 2000 psi concrete
Comparing the two I question why is the wedge anchor still being used if tapcons are easier to install? Where would you install a wedge anchor instead of a tapcon?
Please comment..






RE: Tapcon anchors Vs Wedge Anchors
For direct shear, either is fine. For tension, the capacity depends greatly on the skill of the installer. For a large diameter Tapcon, a lot of torque is required to install the fastener. Once the fastener engages at the head for clamping, it is quite easy to overtorque the fastener and end up with little or no tension capacity.
RE: Tapcon anchors Vs Wedge Anchors
My guess is that they may not be as "reliable" as wedge anchors with years of history behind them. But that seems to be a perception??!!
Also - a bit harder to install - you definitely need an impact drive to get them in.
RE: Tapcon anchors Vs Wedge Anchors
RE: Tapcon anchors Vs Wedge Anchors
RE: Tapcon anchors Vs Wedge Anchors
This experience would make me nervous specifying Tapcons for significant tension forces for the reason Ron and Hokie state.
Tapcons are often not installed correctly.
Large diameter Tapcons are also pretty hard to install using typical field equipment.
RE: Tapcon anchors Vs Wedge Anchors