Commercial Building Inspector B2Footings and FoundationsMedium
A structural steel column is to be anchored to a concrete foundation. The plans indicate that anchor bolts are to be embedded in the concrete. What is the primary method for ensuring the specified embedment depth and proper alignment of these anchor bolts before concrete placement?
- AWelding the bolts directly to the formwork.
- BUsing a hammer drill to install post-installed anchors after concrete sets.
- CTying the bolts to the reinforcing steel cage or templates.
- DManually pushing the bolts into freshly poured concrete.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Tying the bolts to the reinforcing steel cage or templates.
Anchor bolts for structural steel columns are typically held in place by tying them to the reinforcing steel cage or by using templates that are rigidly secured to the formwork. This ensures they maintain their exact position, embedment depth, and alignment during concrete placement and consolidation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Welding bolts to formwork is not a standard method and could compromise the formwork or the bolt itself; proper methods involve securing to rebar or templates.
- B. Post-installed anchors are used in existing concrete, not for initial placement of cast-in-place anchor bolts for structural columns.
- D. Pushing bolts into wet concrete is unreliable for precise positioning and embedment depth, and can disrupt concrete consolidation.
Anchor Bolt Placement
Techniques used to accurately position and secure anchor bolts in concrete forms prior to concrete pour.
- Tying to rebar is common.
- Templates ensure precise alignment.
- Critical for structural connection accuracy.
Memory trick: Anchors must be set just right, use templates or rebar, make them tight!