Glossary

Chemical anchor

A threaded stud bonded into a hole drilled in concrete using a two-part epoxy or vinylester resin. The strongest retrofit anchor for steel-to-concrete fixings.

A chemical anchor (or 'epoxy anchor', 'resin anchor') is a threaded stud bonded into a drilled hole using a two-part adhesive resin. You drill the hole, blow it clean, inject the resin from a cartridge, push the stud in, wait the cure time, then bolt down. Cured pull-out strength can match or exceed cast-in anchors.

Dominant brands in Australia are Hilti (HIT-HY 200, HIT-RE 500), Ramset (ChemSet 800, EpcoSpeed), and Powers (PE1000+).

For footplate posts, gate-motor pads, and any retrofit fixing into existing concrete, chemical anchors are the structural standard. Common sizes are M12 and M16, embedded 110 to 160 mm into the concrete.

Related terms

Anchor boltA bolt or threaded stud designed to be cast into wet concrete, providing a fixed thread for a base plate to bolt down to once the concrete cures.
Dynabolt (sleeve anchor)A mechanical anchor with a sleeve that expands against the wall of a drilled hole as the bolt is tightened. Quick to install but lower capacity than chemical anchors.
Footplate postA gate post bolted to a steel base plate that's anchored to a concrete pad. Used when digging a footing isn't an option.
Hex boltA bolt with a hexagonal head, fully or partially threaded, tightened with a spanner. The universal structural fastener.

References

Hilti Australia anchor bolt range
Ramset Australia chemical anchors