How to install a chemical anchor for concrete: ampoule, injection or do it yourself

Many structures depend on the installation of chemical anchors for concrete to ensure their strength and stability. It can save you time and effort to install these anchors correctly and reliably, whether you’re an experienced builder or a do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Chemical anchors can be installed in three different ways: do-it-yourself (DIY), injection systems, or ampoules. Every approach has benefits of its own and works well in certain circumstances. Choosing the right approach and applying it correctly are essential to getting the best results.

Pre-measured capsules called ampoule chemical anchors are placed into a concrete hole. They provide a simple, mess-free solution. In contrast, injection systems provide flexibility and precision by using a special gun to inject a chemical adhesive into the hole. The do-it-yourself (Do It Yourself) method offers personalized solutions with easily accessible materials for those who want to work hands-on.

We’ll guide you through each technique in this post, emphasizing the actions and factors to take into account for a successful installation. You can find the information you need to secure railings, install fixtures, or anchor heavy machinery so that you can make an informed choice and achieve a stable, long-lasting hold.

Design and types

A unique binder, a metal sleeve with a thread cut inside, a regular reinforcing rod, or a metal stud with an external thread are all parts of the design of a chemical anchor. Chemical anchor metal components are typically made of stainless or galvanized steel, with varying strength parameters depending on the fastener’s intended use and operating environment.

This kind of dowel’s primary characteristic is the way the glue is poured into a hole created in a porous or hollow material, which, once dry, ensures the stability of the joint. It is now feasible to perform fastening with a chemical anchor that can withstand a high load-bearing load and provides maximum strength in situations where using conventional anchors is impractical or unfeasible (they fall into voids and become loose or do not fasten at all in the porous structure).

Manufacturers typically don’t reveal the exact composition of their adhesives, but they typically use a variety of synthetic resins for bonding, a filler for strength, and a hardener that controls the substance’s quality and rate of hardening into a long-lasting polymer. It is necessary to combine all the ingredients right away before the intended installation.

Types of adhesive composition release for chemical anchors:

1) One anchor is installed using epoxy and hardener-filled ampules whose height and diameter match the bolt hole’s measurements. To begin the process of mixing the components, an ampoule is first placed into the hole, followed by a pin, which crushes the glass of the capsule and, if there are two components, the partition inside between them.

2) Tubes and cartridges: these contain a two-part container with glue and hardener that is used with a specialized dispensing gun to install a large number of chemical anchors. After mixing the parts and forcing them into the hole with a gun, a metal bolt is inserted.

There are several ways to install a chemical anchor in concrete, including injection, ampoule, and do-it-yourself techniques. Every approach has benefits of its own and works best with particular kinds of projects. Knowing these techniques will assist you in selecting the best one, guaranteeing your fixtures a sturdy and dependable hold. The installation process will be simple and efficient thanks to this guide, which will take you step-by-step through the considerations and procedures for each method.

Application areas

Concrete chemical anchors are typically utilized in situations where a strong, long-lasting fastener fixation is required in porous, loose bases. The viscous mass of glue fills all the pores in hollow brick, foam concrete, or aerated concrete, and when it hardens, it creates a strong, dependable bond between the metal bolt and the monolith of the structure it is attached to.

As of right now, there is no reliable alternative to a chemical anchor for creating a secure fastening to hollow structures of heavy, large-diameter objects. In concrete, aerated concrete structures with a small cross-section of the material, fastening anchor bolts is effective because the glue does not expand during the hardening process and does not cause bursting or wedging loads.

Because chemical anchors are among the most dependable fastening materials, they are utilized in the construction of bridges and balconies. When working with foam concrete, cinder concrete, cellular, and slotted concrete where heavy loads are present, such as during the installation of fences, wall lamps, supports, staircases, ceiling lights, plumbing, canopies, suspended air conditioners, boilers, etc., injection anchors are important.

Road signs, radio masts, advertising banners, and antennas can all withstand dynamic loads when anchor bolts are fastened. The fastening’s resistance to moisture and water is also crucial, which is why hydraulic and underwater structures like piers, big and small pools, water parks, dams, and other structures actively employ it.

Advantages and disadvantages

Understanding the main benefits and drawbacks of these kinds of connections is essential to comprehending what a chemical anchor for concrete is, when it can be useful, and when it will eventually become the only fastening option available.

The chemical anchor’s primary benefits are:

• Maximum strength of the connection
• Safety and environmental friendliness (provided that non-toxic components are used in the production of the adhesive), no unpleasant odor
• Wide range of application – on land and in water, inside and outside the building, in dense materials and porous
• Does not provoke tensile load, does not expand, does not give expansion stress, due to which the chemical anchor can be used directly at the edge of the structure
• Simple, quick and easy installation – regardless of whether the chemical anchor is used in an ampoule or cartridge
• Ability to withstand serious tensile stresses
• Tightness – complete sealing of the hole where the anchor and bolt are inserted
• Service life is 50 years or more
• Resistance to atmospheric negative factors, corrosion, chemical, physical impact
• Impact and vibration resistance
• A wide range of temperatures at which the anchor can be used – some manufacturers offer fasteners for installation at -18 and up to +40C
• Ability to use any fastener – smooth and ribbed reinforcement bars, threaded bolts, bushings, pins and other metal elements

Among the disadvantages of chemical anchors, it is worth noting the high cost, short shelf life in packaging (regardless of whether it is open or closed), the impossibility of using all brands in frost. Most anchors harden in 20 minutes to 6 hours, but if the temperature drops below -5C, not every glue can provide the required strength. But, for example, some Hilti chemical anchors can be installed at a temperature of -23C.

When using cartridges, which call for filling the hole with composition up to two thirds of the way, there could be some challenges. It is difficult for novices to figure out right away how much of the hole has been filled, which allows the glue to escape. There isn’t any such drawback when using ampoules.

Types of chemical-based anchors, installation

Depending on how the adhesive is delivered, there are two basic categories for chemical anchors: ampoule (which can contain both a single and a double component) and capsule (which comes in tubes and cartridges). This distinction has a direct bearing on the installation and raises the possibility of using a different anchor installation technology.

Installation of ampoule anchors

When the adhesive is exposed to air directly after being sealed inside a glass cylinder, the viscous mixture solidifies. The installation process is quite easy: first, mark the location of the fastening and drill a hole. Next, clean the area to remove any construction dust. Finally, insert an adhesive-filled ampoule into the hole with the necessary depth and size. Finally, screw a pin or reinforcement into the ampoule. When screwing, the ampoule splits, allowing the glue to enter the hole, harden, and create a strong bond (glass pieces also strengthen the fasteners).

If the glue is composed of two components, then two ampoules are used, one of which contains styrene; otherwise, the ampoule is simple. Adherence to the air temperature and chemical anchor type instructions directly affects how quickly the substance sets. When maximum strength is required (fastener strength class is 5.8) and in high humidity conditions, two-component chemical anchors are most frequently used in water.

This kind of fastener has the drawback that the resin may not fill a large hole if the incorrect anchor is used, which will reduce connection reliability.

Installation of injection anchors

The adhesive mixture is squeezed out of the cartridge, which is a tiny container with a spout. Tube: a 400–800 milliliter compact reservoir used in conjunction with a construction gun. Such a chemical anchor is less expensive per mount than ampulus, and a larger variety of filler is offered. It is possible to create an adhesive anchor out of polyurethane, acrylate, or synthetic resin.

The installation process entails marking the fastening location on the concrete surface, drilling a hole, cleaning the area, squeezing out the glue, and inserting the dowel. For walls composed of materials with internal voids, the glue solidifies into a dependable, strong fastener.

To prevent the resin from spreading too much over the monolith’s inner surface, a perforated plastic or metal sleeve is frequently inserted before the glue is squeezed into the material. As of right now, there are no additional fastening techniques for hollow materials. Several fastenings can be completed with a single cartridge or tube charge, depending on the size and depth of the hole.

DIY

Making your own concrete anchors can sometimes be more cost-effective than purchasing costly chemical anchors. The exact same anchor cannot be duplicated since glue manufacturers keep the recipe a trade secret. However, current adhesives can be used to create dependable and long-lasting fasteners.

Epoxy resin is commonly used as glue because it is a reasonably priced, long-lasting substance with good adherence to a variety of structures and can be used to install metal fittings, bushings, studs, and other components.

How to make anchor glue with chemicals:

• Take a certain amount of epoxy resin (ED-20), mix with a plasticizer in a volume of 5-10% of the total mass (DEG-1, DBP and other additives).
• Mix with filler (gypsum or cement) in sufficient volume to obtain the desired consistency.
• Add hardener (UP-583) to the composition in a ratio of 1:8 to 1:10, mix thoroughly and use the mixture.

Such a homemade chemical anchor’s primary benefits include low shrinkage coefficient during the hardening process, strong construction, high wear resistance, and temperature stability (-10 to +35C). The mixture only becomes stronger after 12 hours and hardens in 2 hours. Only thoroughly dried surfaces may be utilized with these chemical anchors. It should be mentioned that phenolic compounds are released into the atmosphere in trace amounts by the composition.

When done correctly, installing a chemical anchor in concrete can be simple and efficient. Using an injection, ampoule, or do-it-yourself approach, each has specific benefits. Ampoule anchors are perfect for quick and hassle-free installations because they are simple to use and pre-measured. With the flexibility and accuracy that injection anchors provide, you can regulate the adhesive’s amount and guarantee a solid bond. If you’re more of a hands-on person, the do-it-yourself method offers an affordable fix with easily accessible materials.

Regardless of the approach you take, careful planning and attention to detail are essential for a successful installation. To guarantee that the glue adheres to the concrete properly, thoroughly clean the hole and remove any dust or debris. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions as incorrect application can result in weak anchors and possible safety risks. When applying any load to the anchor, make sure the adhesive has had enough time to fully cure and reach its maximum strength.

You can get dependable and long-lasting results by being aware of your options and taking the required precautions when preparing and applying the anchors. Chemical anchors are a strong and adaptable way to secure large objects in concrete, and they can be installed easily and confidently with the correct technique. These strategies will assist you in producing results that are of a professional caliber, whether you’re working on a building project or a home renovation project.

Video on the topic

Installation and operation of a chemical anchor in an expanded clay concrete block

How to make a chemical anchor with your own hands. Grandfather"s chemical anchor #Stroyhack

How to tie reinforcement to concrete using chemical anchors? ✔

How to use a Chemical Anchor / Tips for selection and operation