The term embeds usually refers to anchor bolts, weld plates, sleeves or any item that is set in wet concrete or grout for later connections by the general contractor or any subcontractor. Many times the concrete contractor is required to set embeds within the forms for other contractors at the site, pipe sleeves for plumbing or electrical sub. Why do you ask?
This usually refers to items EMBEDded into concrete. They can take the form of cast in place anchor bolts or other mechanical anchorages such as steel plates with studs. In addition it also refers to non structural items such as electrical conduit or pipe sleeves.
The embeds are items set into the foundation footing or wall. They are also set in precast columns, beams, plant, double tees, slabs and wall panels for connections. They are really not defined as part of the individual item they are embeded in, but are part of the overall structural system when they are used for connections. If they are used to ease the installation of mechancial or electrical systems they could be defined more accurately as an accessory.
When a contractor or manufacturer sees embeds on the design drawings they count them up as individual pieces and assign a labor cost for setting them in place. The cost has to cover the layout (to get them in the right place) and the fastening of the embed to keep it from moving during the placing. Sometimes the embeds are priced on the basis of their weight. For example, in waste water treatment plants some of the pipe sleeves that get set in wall forms as embeds can weigh up to a few hundred pounds, so the contractor might need 2-3 men and a crane or forklift to set the embed in the form and brace it in place.
The costs can vary from $8-$20 per bolt for column anchor bolts to $500 - $1,000 per pipe sleeve or more for large sleeves.
