ACI Post-Installed Anchor Inspector flashcards

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

Hole cleaning sequence

Blow dust from the hole, brush the full depth with the specified brush, then blow again; repeat as the manufacturer requires. Incomplete cleaning is a leading cause of adhesive anchor failure.

Drill bit verification

Confirm the bit diameter and type match the anchor system's published requirements. Worn, oversize, or wrong-type bits alter hole geometry and invalidate the anchor's tested capacity.

Embedment depth check

Measure the hole or installed anchor to confirm effective embedment meets the specified value. Shallow embedment reduces capacity and may violate the manufacturer's listed installation conditions.

Adhesive gel time

The working time after mixing during which the anchor may be inserted and adjusted. It shortens as base material temperature rises, so field temperature must be checked before installation.

Adhesive cure time

The period after insertion before the anchor may be torqued or loaded. Cure time depends on base material temperature and must follow the manufacturer's published table.

Cartridge temperature limit

Adhesive cartridges must be conditioned within the manufacturer's stated temperature range before use. Cold or overheated adhesive may not mix or cure properly.

Torque verification

Apply the manufacturer's specified installation torque with a calibrated torque wrench. Record the value; over-torque can fracture the anchor or damage concrete near edges.

Edge distance check

Compare measured edge distance to the published table for the specific anchor, diameter, and embedment. Reduced edge distance lowers capacity and requires engineering approval.

Anchor spacing check

Verify center-to-center spacing meets the manufacturer's published minimum for the anchor and embedment. Closer spacing causes overlapping stress cones and reduced group capacity.

Cracked concrete rating

Anchors in cracked or potentially cracked concrete must be qualified for that condition. Using an uncracked-concrete-only anchor in a cracked section is a nonconformance.

Adhesive lot and expiration

Record the adhesive lot number and verify it is within shelf life. Expired or improperly stored adhesive may not cure to the published strength.

Base material temperature

Measure concrete temperature near the hole, not just air temperature. It governs gel time, cure time, and the permissible installation window for adhesive anchors.

Hole condition before setting

The hole must be dry, free of debris, and at the specified diameter and depth. Standing water, dust, or an oversized hole are reject conditions for most adhesive systems.

Installation record contents

Log anchor type and size, location, drill bit, hole depth, cleaning method, adhesive lot, temperatures, installation and cure times, torque, and inspector identity for traceability.

Concrete compressive strength

Anchor capacities are published for a minimum concrete strength. Verify strength from cylinder breaks or design documents; lower strength may require reduced capacity or a different anchor.

Cracked versus uncracked section

Determine whether the concrete at the anchor location is cracked or may crack in service. This classification selects which anchor listing and capacity table applies.

Rebar scanning before drilling

Use GPR or a rebar scanner to locate reinforcement and post-tensioning before drilling. Hitting a tendon or rebar damages structure and creates a reject condition.

Anchor identification check

Confirm the installed anchor matches the approved submittal by model, diameter, length, and markings. Substitutions without approval are nonconforming work.

Go/no-go hole gauge

A gauge or caliper confirms hole diameter is within tolerance. Oversized holes reduce mechanical interlock and adhesive bond, so they are rejected rather than patched.

Mechanical anchor set confirmation

Verify setting by the manufacturer's method, such as reaching the specified torque or a visible setting indicator. An anchor that spins or will not hold torque has failed to set.

Effective embedment

The depth over which the anchor transfers load into concrete. It must meet or exceed the specified value and is verified by the setting tool or direct measurement.

Surface preparation

Concrete must be sound and free of laitance, coatings, oil, and standing water before installation. Contaminants interfere with anchor seating and adhesive bonding.

Approved submittal review

Compare field installation against the approved submittal, manufacturer's instructions, and specifications. Any deviation is documented and resolved before acceptance.

Special inspection report

The inspector documents anchor locations, installation parameters, test results, and deviations. It is the record used for acceptance and for resolving later questions.

Tension versus shear loading

The anchor's published capacity differs for tension, shear, and combined loading. Verify the installed anchor is qualified for the load direction shown on the design.

Seismic qualification

Anchors in seismic-force-resisting or seismic-relevant applications must be qualified for seismic loading. Verify the product listing covers the seismic category specified.

Lightweight concrete effects

Lightweight or low-density concrete can reduce anchor capacity relative to normal-weight concrete. Verify the published data applies, or obtain engineering direction.

Hollow or thin slab condition

Anchors in thin slabs or hollow-core sections may require through-bolts or special systems. Confirm the anchor type suits the actual slab condition and thickness.

Proof load testing

When specified, apply the required proof load to a sample of installed anchors and record deflection. Failed anchors trigger investigation of the installation method.

Drill stop and depth mark

Set the drill depth stop or mark the bit to the specified hole depth. Consistent depth control prevents shallow embedment and bottoming of adhesive capsules.

Concrete age at installation

New concrete may not have reached design strength when anchors are installed. Verify age and strength criteria from the specification before proceeding.

Nonconformance documentation

Record any deviation, such as wrong anchor, shallow embedment, or poor cleaning, with location and corrective action. Undocumented deviations cannot be resolved at closeout.