ACI Post-Installed Anchor Inspector cheat sheet

Hole cleaning is decisive: blow, brush, and re-blow per the anchor manufacturer's written instructions; dust left in the hole reduces bond and is a common cause of adhesive anchor failure.

Drill bit diameter and type must match the anchor system (e.g., carbide hammer bit vs. diamond core bit); oversize or worn bits change hole geometry and invalidate the published capacity.

Hole depth is verified with a depth gauge or the drill's depth mark; anchors set too shallow reduce embedment and capacity, and too deep can bottom out adhesive capsules.

Adhesive anchors require the base material temperature and cartridge temperature to be within the manufacturer's stated range; gel time and cure time are temperature-dependent.

Curing time must elapse before torqueing or loading; premature loading shears the adhesive bond and is not detectable after the fact.

Torque values come from the manufacturer's installation instructions and the approved submittal, not from field judgment; over-torque can fracture the anchor or split concrete near an edge.

Edge distance and spacing are checked against the published tables for the specific anchor, diameter, embedment, and concrete condition; reduced values require engineering approval.

Inspection records should capture hole cleaning method, drill bit, embedment depth, adhesive lot and expiration, installation and cure times, torque applied, and ambient temperature.

Concrete condition governs anchor behavior: cracked vs. uncracked sections, lightweight vs. normal-weight concrete, and compressive strength at time of installation all affect capacity.

Verify the anchor is listed/qualified for the application (e.g., cracked concrete, seismic, tension or shear loading) and that the product is the specified model and size.

Anchor location must avoid rebar and post-tensioning; use scanning or GPR before drilling, and stop drilling if steel is encountered.

Hole diameter is checked with a go/no-go gauge or caliper; a loose or oversized hole is a reject condition for mechanical and adhesive anchors.

Mechanical anchor setting is confirmed by the manufacturer's method (torque value, setting indicator, or number of turns); a spinning or non-tightening anchor indicates a failed set.

Embedment depth is measured after installation where visible or verified by the setting tool; it must equal or exceed the specified effective embedment.

Concrete surface must be sound, free of laitance, coatings, and standing water; adhesive anchors generally require a dry or manufacturer-approved condition.

Documentation review includes the approved submittal, manufacturer's installation instructions, anchor certifications, and the special inspection report.

Anchor location must avoid rebar and post-tensioning; use scanning or GPR before drilling, and stop drilling if steel is encountered.

Hole diameter is checked with a go/no-go gauge or caliper; a loose or oversized hole is a reject condition for mechanical and adhesive anchors.

Mechanical anchor setting is confirmed by the manufacturer's method (torque value, setting indicator, or number of turns); a spinning or non-tightening anchor indicates a failed set.

Embedment depth is measured after installation where visible or verified by the setting tool; it must equal or exceed the specified effective embedment.

Concrete surface must be sound, free of laitance, coatings, and standing water; adhesive anchors generally require a dry or manufacturer-approved condition.

Documentation review includes the approved submittal, manufacturer's installation instructions, anchor certifications, and the special inspection report.