Adhesive Anchor Installation Inspection
What the inspection is for
Installation inspection verifies that the anchor as built matches the design basis: correct product, correct hole, correct cleaning, correct cure, correct proof load. The inspector is a verifier of process, not a designer. Know the sequence: verify product and expiration, verify hole location/diameter/depth, watch drilling method, watch hole cleaning, watch adhesive mixing and dispensing, verify embedment and cure protection, then witness testing if required.
Core concepts
- Hole diameter and depth are product- and diameter-specific. Depth is measured to the bottom of the drilled hole, not to the top of debris.
- Drilling method matters. Hammer drilling leaves a roughened bore that most adhesives rely on; core drilling produces a smooth bore that may require roughening per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Hole cleaning is the number-one field failure mode. Typically brush, blow, brush, blow in the specified order and count. Brush diameter must match hole diameter; a worn brush is a nonconformance.
- Hole condition: free of standing water, ice, oil, and dust. Water-saturated or frozen concrete may require a specific product or is prohibited.
- Adhesive handling: nozzle and static mixer correct, discard the first portion of dispensed adhesive per instructions, no partially cured or skinned adhesive, observe gel time before loading, full cure before torque or proof load.
Traps
Questions often swap brush/blow order, quote a depth without noting it must be measured, or imply that a proof test excuses poor cleaning. Another trap: assuming a passing torque test proves full design capacity.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot document it, it did not happen: every critical step needs a record (hole depth, cleaning count, product batch, cure time, test result).