ACI Adhesive Anchor Installer flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Effective embedment depth (hef)

Distance from the concrete surface to the deepest point of the adhesive bond, excluding the anchor tip. It sets the bond area and drives tension capacity.

Blow-brush-blow cleaning

The standard hole-cleaning sequence: blow out dust, brush the full hole depth, then blow again. The specified number of cycles must be completed exactly.

Gel time

The working time after mixing during which the adhesive remains flowable and the anchor can still be inserted and adjusted. It shortens as temperature rises.

Cure time

The period after insertion during which the adhesive must remain undisturbed before torque or load is applied. It lengthens as concrete temperature falls.

Discard first extrusion

The initial adhesive pushed from a new cartridge may be incompletely mixed. It is discarded until the extruded material shows uniform color and consistency.

Critical edge distance

The minimum distance from the anchor center to a free concrete edge at which full capacity can be developed. Closer spacing reduces capacity.

Minimum anchor spacing

The smallest center-to-center distance between adjacent anchors that avoids overlapping stress cones. It is usually expressed as a multiple of embedment depth.

Hole diameter tolerance

The allowable range of drilled hole diameter for a given anchor. Oversized holes reduce bond and may disqualify the installation.

Drill depth allowance

Extra hole depth drilled beyond the required embedment to accommodate dust and debris, ensuring the anchor reaches full embedment.

Torque verification

Application of the specified installation torque after full cure to confirm the anchor is properly set and the adhesive bond is sound.

Rotary hammer drilling

A drilling method producing a rougher hole wall with more dust than diamond coring. Cleaning requirements may differ by drilling method.

Diamond core drilling

A drilling method producing a smooth, precise hole. Some adhesive systems specify different cleaning or hole preparation for cored holes.

Two-part adhesive mixing

Resin and hardener are combined through a static mixing nozzle. Proper mixing is essential; incomplete mixing prevents curing and causes anchor failure.

Embedment verification

Confirming the anchor reaches the design depth using a marked rod or depth gauge before adhesive cures, since short embedment reduces capacity.

Hole cleanliness inspection

Visual and tactile check that the hole is free of dust, debris, and standing water before adhesive injection. Cleanliness is the top field variable.

Adhesive injection method

Injecting adhesive from the bottom of the hole upward to avoid trapping air pockets, then inserting the anchor with a slight twisting motion.

Cracked concrete qualification

Testing that demonstrates anchor performance in concrete with active cracks. Anchors qualified only for uncracked concrete require reduced capacities in cracked conditions.

Concrete breakout capacity

The tension capacity governed by a concrete cone failure around the anchor. It increases with embedment depth and decreases near free edges.

Bond strength failure

A failure mode where the adhesive-to-concrete interface gives way. It depends on hole cleaning, concrete strength, and embedment depth.

Steel strength limit

The maximum tension or shear capacity of the anchor itself. In deep embedments in strong concrete, steel often governs over bond or breakout.

Splitting failure

Concrete fracture caused by anchor expansion or proximity to edges and other anchors. Adhesive anchors reduce this risk by avoiding expansion forces.

Overhead installation

Installing anchors in a soffit or ceiling. Requires an adhesive formulated to resist flow-out before cure and rated for that orientation.

Water-filled hole procedure

A manufacturer-approved method for installing in wet or submerged holes, using specific cleaning and adhesive suited to water exposure.

Seismic qualification

Testing and design provisions confirming an anchor can resist earthquake loading, including crack cycling and load reversals in tension and compression.

Fire-resistance rating

Evaluation of anchor capacity at elevated temperature. Adhesives may lose strength above their glass transition temperature, affecting design.

Rebar location scanning

Using ground-penetrating radar or a magnetic locator to find reinforcement before drilling, avoiding cutting rebar or post-tensioning strands.

Post-tensioning strand avoidance

Post-tensioning cables carry high stress. Drilling into them can cause structural failure and is generally prohibited; locate them before drilling.

Proof load testing

Field application of a specified test load to a sample of installed anchors to verify installation quality, per the project specification.

Concrete compressive strength

The specified strength (f'c) of concrete at installation, which affects bond and breakout capacity. Lower strength reduces anchor capacity.

Anchor spacing effect

Anchors installed closer than the minimum spacing share stress cones, reducing group capacity compared to isolated anchors.

Edge distance effect

Anchors installed near a free edge have reduced breakout and splitting capacity. Minimum edge distance is specified in absolute units.

Installation record keeping

Documenting hole cleaning, embedment depth, adhesive lot, temperature, and cure time provides traceability and supports quality control.

Temperature at installation

Concrete and ambient temperature determine gel and cure times and may require heated or cooled adhesive handling per manufacturer instructions.