Nowadays, thanks to innovative technological developments, new materials are constantly appearing that can facilitate and speed up construction work and significantly increase the strength and durability of the structures being created. One of these new products is a chemical anchor, which recently appeared on the market.
So, chemical anchor - what is it and how to use it? A similar question probably arises among many home craftsmen, those who first encountered such a “curiosity” or simply heard about it. The material is relatively new and has not yet gained widespread popularity, but, probably, to a greater extent - only due to insufficient information. Therefore, in this publication we will try to fill this gap to some extent, consider the types and characteristics of chemical anchors, and the main technological methods of their use.
What is a chemical anchor?
A chemical anchor is essentially a two-component adhesive mass made on the basis of synthetic resins. In technical literature and in the colloquial slang of builders, it has many other names - “gluing anchor”, “injection mass”, “system that glues the anchor”, “liquid dowel or anchor”, and “chemical anchor”.
For the first time, this type of fastener was used in the mining industry - for the installation of structures with fastening to loose rocks. Over time, it spread to the entire construction industry.
Unlike traditional anchors with spacer elements, chemical materials can provide high reliability of fixation on unstable, low-strength or complex material.
Chemical anchors are not just an ordinary tube of glue, but a high-tech fastening system. Typically, in addition to the compositions, devices for drilling holes, mixing guns, mass dispensers, special scrapers and brushes for cleaning holes and other necessary tools and devices are supplied for sale.
The compositions of chemical anchors are selected for a specific task, taking into account the conditions of use, including, of course, the specifics of the material from which the base is constructed.
The proportions of various substances used in the manufacture of chemical anchors are a trade secret of each manufacturer. The only thing that can be said with some degree of confidence is that the composition includes such components as:
- Synthetic resins made from polyurethane, acrylic or polyester.
- Quartz fine sand.
- Cement composition - used as a filler and a binder component that provides the strength characteristics of the adhesive composition.
- Hardener.
The principle of operation of a chemical anchor is to fasten a metal rod (stud) using a synthetic adhesive in concrete (including porous concrete), brick and many other structures. The chemical mass penetrates deeply into the base material, filling its pores. The synthetic resins then cure to form a monolith that holds the anchor piece securely in the base.
The technology of fixation using a chemical anchor is simple - the prepared hole is filled with an adhesive mass (using a special dispenser gun or installing a special capsule). After this, a metal element is inserted into it (most often a pin, but it can also just be a corrugated reinforcing rod). The chemical composition seems to envelop the metal, filling even narrow gaps between the turns of the thread.
These anchor connections are significantly superior to conventional anchors or dowels in their ability to withstand pull-out loads. And at very high loads - they have no analogues at all.
It should be noted that the strength of connections made using chemical anchors is so high that the material is used even on canopies of buildings, bridges, and in their underwater parts, etc.
The use of this material is especially important in cases where traditional anchors and dowels are not able to provide a reliable connection between the fastener and the base. For example, if metal elements need to be fixed in a “weak” base, it can be hollow brick, shell rock, limestone, sandstone, expanded clay concrete, or cellular concrete. Therefore, recently the popularity of this material has been steadily growing.
Different adhesives have different periods of setting and complete hardening. It can vary from several hours to days.
Types of chemical anchors
As mentioned above, chemical anchors are usually two-component formulations. Their components are mixed together immediately before use. They are produced and sold in three forms: an ampoule version, formulations packaged in two cartridges, as well as in one cartridge, divided inside into two compartments.
Materials packaged in cartridges have one operating principle. However, different types of such packages require different tools designed to dose the composition into the drilled holes (holes).
- Ampoule anchors are produced for a specific hole diameter. One ampoule is purchased for each attachment point. This type of anchor is generally used for anchoring in the base, which can guarantee high precision and cleanliness when drilling a hole.
The capsule version is more convenient to use in that there is no need to control the filling level of the hole. The slight difference in the diameter of the hole and capsule is well compensated by the expansion of the adhesive mass as it hardens.
The ampoule consists of two capsules - with an adhesive mass and a hardener, which are connected by screwing in a threaded metal element, for example, a hairpin. In this case, the mixing of the hardener and the base substance occurs more evenly than when using cartridges.
However, this version of a chemical anchor is not suitable for use on a cellular base of a vertical structure, since the mass will flow down without having time to harden.
- Two cartridges having different volumes and connected to each other at the outlet, containing an adhesive composition and a hardener. This version of the chemical anchor requires a special gun for simultaneous portion feeding of components into the guide mixer spout. By the way, it is clearly visible that a special spiral is installed inside this mixer, ensuring the most uniform mixing of the components even before feeding them into the drilled hole.
- One cartridge, but also consisting of two sections, which also contain the adhesive mass and hardener. They are connected to each other and hang in a similar guide spout during extrusion. But for work you can use a regular construction syringe gun, which is convenient for home use.
The last two varieties are divided into universal and intended for gluing metal parts into concrete bases. Both the first and second options are called injection anchors.
Universal anchor options are especially popular. This can be explained by the fact that there is no need to pre-calculate the number of capsules. In addition, such anchors are convenient for use when filling cone-shaped holes that expand into the depth of the base.
Anchors designed for gluing studs or reinforcing rods into a concrete base usually have a thick consistency. They include corrosion inhibitors and deoxidizers, which are especially important when installing reinforcing parts in concrete.
Some anchors designed for concrete require special chemicals to treat the reinforcement and drilled holes, as well as tools to press the pins or rods into the holes.
Chemical anchors packaged in cartridges have a common drawback - it is quite difficult to control the filling of the hole. Often the mass begins to drain under the influence of gravity if the base is hollow or porous.
It is quite possible to reduce material consumption and achieve uniform distribution in all directions of the hole by using mesh bushings. These elements can have different sizes and are selected individually in each case.
It’s difficult to talk about the cost of chemical anchors - the price of different products can differ literally tens of times. This largely depends on the configuration of the system and, of course, on the manufacturer.
Each of the mentioned varieties of material is represented on sale in a very considerable number of items, since chemical anchors are produced by many companies. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account that application technologies can differ significantly from each other.
What to look for when choosing a chemical anchor?
An important task is to ensure that the chemical anchor meets its characteristics and the conditions of its use. To choose the right material, before purchasing it, you must carefully study the instructions located on the packaging or included with it.
The manufacturer indicates in its recommendations the types of structures and materials for their manufacture, the recommended location of drill holes and their sizes, methods of fastening, range of humidity and temperature, as well as permissible loads for different bases. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to possible restrictions on operating conditions and on the rate of hardening of the composition - this is especially important for chemical anchors of atmospheric hardening.
Advantages and disadvantages of chemical anchors.
Chemical anchors, like all building materials, have their own positive and negative characteristics. It is necessary to have information about them so as not to encounter unpleasant moments when using fasteners and during operation of the finished structure.
TO merits This specific material includes the following:
- Tightness of blocking the hole after installing the anchor.
- No tensile stress in the concrete base.
- Wide scope of application.
- Simplicity of installation work, which does not require experience or special training.
- High strength of the anchor when it hardens, significantly exceeding this parameter of traditional spacer elements.
- The ability to withstand heavy loads and tensile stress, that is, high load-bearing capacity.
- A chemical anchor is a material that is resistant to external atmospheric influences, corrosion processes, and inert to chemical influences.
- There are special anchor compounds with characteristics that allow their use in conditions of high humidity and on waterlogged surfaces, as well as in general for structures created under water.
- The service life of such a connection is comparable to the durability of the base itself and is usually at least fifty years.
- Manufacturers produce adhesives that do not contain toxic substances. These options are selected for interior work. Therefore, when choosing a material, special attention must be paid to this factor.
- The coefficient of thermal expansion of anchors is in the same range as that of base materials. Thanks to this quality, during the operation of structures there is no unnecessary internal stress due to temperature changes.
Particular attention must be paid shortcomings chemical anchors, since they cause a lot of trouble:
- Unlike traditional anchor elements, chemical compositions require a fairly long period of time until the installed fastening element is fully ready to bear the load. The fastening readiness period depends on the ambient temperature:
At a temperature of +20 degrees, the curing time will be 25÷40 minutes;
At 5 degrees - 5.5÷6 hours;
If the temperature is lower, then hardening (polymerization) of the compositions practically does not occur.
- Short shelf life of unopened packaging. As a rule, it is no more than one year.
- Short lifespan of the composition after opening the cartridge. Therefore, if the packaging is opened, it must be used immediately.
- The high cost of the material, which scares off many potential consumers.
Manufacturers of chemical anchors
A considerable number of both domestic and foreign manufacturers present their products on the Russian market. In practice, materials produced by well-known European companies have proven themselves to be impeccable.
The table below presents the leading manufacturers and a short overview of their product range. In fact, the variety of products they produce is much wider.
| Company `s logo | Anchor type | Scope and Features of Chemical Anchor |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer: Fischer (Germany) | ||
 | R.M. | “Reaktionsanker” is an ampoule with an adhesive mass, inside of which there is a compartment with a hardener. The manufacturer produces ampoules of different sizes - M8 (10×80), M10 (12×90), M12 (14×110), M16 (18×125), M20 (24×170), M30 (30×280). |
| FHP | “Hammerpatrone” is an ampoule with glue and hardener for installing metal elements into a concrete base. Produced in the following sizes - 10 (13×90), 12 (15×110), 16 (18×125), 20 (24×180). | |
| FIS V 360S | “Injections-Mortel” Double cartridge, requires a special gun to operate. Main cartridge with a volume of 360 ml and two mixers. | |
| FIS V S 150 C | "Injections-Mortel" One standard size cartridge. To work, you will need a regular construction gun for standard cartridges. The kit includes a 150 ml cartridge, two mixers and an adapter. | |
| Manufacturer "Hilti" (Liechtenstein) | ||
 | HVU | "Adhisitive Capsule Anchor". Ampoule with meta-acrylic polyurethane resin, quartz sand and hardener. Capsules have the following volume: M8 (10×80), M10 (12×90), M12 (14×110), M16 (18×125), M20 (24×170), M30 (30×280), M33 (37 ×300), M36 (40×330), M39 (42×360). |
| HIT-HY150 | "Fast Curinq Injection System". These are two dual cartridges with acrylic resin and hardener. A special gun is required for operation. Cartridge volume 330 ml and two hardeners, HIT-HY20 has one hardener. | |
| HIT-HY50 | ||
| HIT-HY20 | ||
| Manufacturer: Mungo (Switzerland) | ||
 | MSP | "Schlagpatrone". Ampoules with resin and hardener. Capsule volume: M8 (10×80), M10 (12×90), M12 (14×110), M16 (18×125), M20 (24×170). |
| MYA | "Verbunanker". Ampoules with two components. Volume: M8 (10×80), M10 (12×90), M12 (14×110), M16 (18×125), M20 (24×170), M30 (30×280). | |
| MIT-P | One cartridge. A standard construction gun is used for the job. Cartridge volume 150 ml, two mixers. | |
| MIT-P | Double cartridge. Set: 235 ml and two mixers. | |
| MIT-SF | Double cartridge. Volume 380 ml and two mixers. | |
| MIT-EA | Double cartridge. Volume 825 ml and two mixers. | |
| Manufacturer: Sormat (Finland) | ||
 | KEM | “Kemiallinen ankkuri” - ampoules with polyester resin and hardener, volume M8 (10×80), M10 (12×90), M12 (14×110), M16 (18×125), M20 (24×170), M30 ( 30×280). |
| KEMLA | “Kemiallinen lyontiampulli” - ampoules with polyester resin and hardener, volume M8 (10×80), M10 (12×90), M12 (14×110), M16 (18×125), M20 (24×170). | |
| ITH | "Injektointitekniika". Cartridge with injection mass based on polyester resin, volume 380 and 150 ml | |
| Manufacturer "TOX" (Germany) | ||
 | TVA | "Verbund-Anker". Ampoules with resin and hardener, having a volume of M8 (10×80), M10 (12×90), M12 (14×110), M16 (18×125), M20 (24×170), M30 (30×280). |
| THP | "Hammerpatrone". Ampoules with resin and hardener, volume M8 (10×80), M10 (12×90), M12 (14×110), M16 (18×125), M20 (24×170). | |
| TVM-K | "Verbundmortel". Cartridge with injection mass, volume 380 and 150 ml. | |
The labeling of capsule products indicates their dimensional parameters. For example, M10 (12×90): the letter “M” is the metric thread of the stud, “12” is the diameter of the stud in cross-section, “12 and 90” is the diameter of the hole and the depth of seating of the metal fastener in the base.
Particularly noteworthy are Hilti chemical capsule anchors - this is a modified material adapted to the temperature range during installation from -18 to +40 degrees. The manufacturer supplies products for holes from 8 to 30 mm in diameter, so they can be used for installation of powerful reinforcing bars into the base.
Is it possible to make a chemical anchor yourself?
Ready-made chemical anchors have a fairly high cost, as well as a short shelf life after opening the cartridge. Therefore, many beginning construction workers have a question about making such a composition on their own.
Indeed, it is quite possible to make an analogue of a chemical anchor. The mixture is made on the basis of epoxy resin. The physical and technical characteristics of this component are quite capable of providing excellent adhesion of materials. Epoxy resin has increased adhesive properties with base materials such as concrete, brick, shell rock, etc., so it can easily serve as the basis for creating your own composition.
To make a homemade chemical anchor you will need:
- Epoxy resin - ED-20.
- The hardener for it is UP-583.
- Cement or gypsum, you can add a little fine sand as a filler.
- Plasticizer DBP or DEG-1.
When preparing such a mixture, you should adhere to the following instructions:
- It is necessary to add a plasticizer to the epoxy resin, 5÷10% of the total volume of the resin, and then mix thoroughly.
- Next, the filler - gypsum, cement - is poured into the mass and mixed well. Its amount is also small, and should be 5÷10%.
- The hardener is added to the mixture last; it is taken in a ratio of 1:10 or 1:8 of the total volume.
After thorough mixing, you get a ready-to-use composition that must be used immediately. Its hardening time is one to two hours, depending on the ambient temperature. Therefore, a homemade anchor must be prepared in portions in order to have time to work it out. The epoxy anchor takes a long time to dry - 12÷24 hours, but the reaction of the resin and hardener begins immediately after mixing the components. The plasticizer increases the lifespan of the composition. If gypsum is added to the mass as a filler, the setting and hardening time is reduced.
Homemade epoxy has its advantages and disadvantages
TO benefits The following qualities can be attributed to it:
- High strength characteristics of the hardened composition.
- Minimal shrinkage during curing.
- Good adhesive properties.
- Can be used at temperatures from -10 to +35 degrees.
Disadvantages These composition can be considered:
- Sufficiently long curing time.
- The compound can only be used for dry and well-cleaned holes.
- During operation of the structure, a small amount of phenol may be released from the epoxy anchor.
Preparing holes and using chemical anchors
In order for a chemical anchor to “work” properly, you must not only use these compounds correctly, but also carefully prepare the holes for the fasteners being mounted.
Rules for drilling and preparing holes
Three methods are used to create boreholes for installing metal parts using chemical anchors. Two of them are used for fastening load-bearing elements and complex structural units. The difference between the foundation drilling methods lies in more accurate drilling of holes intended for critical fasteners. The accuracy of the arrangement guarantees a reduction in the consumption of chemical anchors and its uniform distribution along the walls of the hole. It is clear that the diameter of the hole must exceed the diameter of the stud or reinforcement. And when studying the instructions from the manufacturer, you need to pay attention to its recommendations, since they may differ for different compositions.
Important fasteners include connections between parts of load-bearing structures, for example, fixing frame walls to a concrete base. Or the installation of cantilever frames of hanging systems, which are subject to significant static or dynamic loads.
The third drilling method is intended for non-critical fastening in the load-bearing walls of a building made from materials with a strength grade of M100 or less. The load-bearing capacity of such materials does not make it possible to install critical fasteners in them. Therefore, a chemical anchor under the created conditions can only withstand the static load of a hanging system of a certain weight.
Drilling holes is carried out by installing a drill of the required size. In any case, regardless of the type of material, the finished hole requires high-quality cleaning from dust. The cleaning process is best carried out with air supplied under pressure. It is necessary to carefully free the pores of the material inside the hole so that when the anchor composition spreads, it penetrates into them.
For purging, special pumps or cylinders with carbon dioxide are used. If these devices are not at hand, then cleaning at home can be done using a rubber blower. At the same time, they are not limited to just one blowdown. It is recommended to carry out cleaning operations in shifts using a brush-brush and compressed air at least three to four times.
- Straight jig - this device eliminates drill beating and ensures a perfectly perpendicular location of the hole to the wall surface.
- The swinging jig allows you to expand the internal space of the hole to a cone-shaped shape, while maintaining the diameter of the hole at the entrance.
When constructing such a hole, part of the load from the anchor holding the metal element is transferred to the base (wall) material. That is, the fastening is more reliable, which is especially important for walls made of materials with low strength.
- Hollow drills are convenient for drilling - they make it easier to clean holes from construction dust.
Thorough cleaning of the hole is a necessary condition when using a chemical anchor, since adhesion between materials depends on this. Dust remaining in the pores will be a serious obstacle to the quality contact of the adhesive mass with the base material.
In order for dust to be removed efficiently using blowing, it is first necessary to treat the hole with a special metal brush, which can free the pores of the material. After this, it will be easy to remove by blowing out the hole.
If holes are drilled into closed-cell materials, they are flushed. For this purpose, special water-based solutions of surfactants (surfactants) are used. When they wash the holes with them, a large amount of foam is formed, which is then removed from the holes using compressed air.
It should immediately be noted that for almost all types of chemical anchors, the prepared holes are suitable for fastening only immediately after cleaning.
Sequence of work when gluing the anchor
As mentioned above, it is easiest to work with a chemical anchor made in capsule form. After installing the ampoule into the prepared hole of the required diameter, a pin is screwed in. During this procedure, the resin is evenly mixed with the hardener.
When introducing the mass using a gun, it is necessary to take into account some subtleties:
- If the installation of metal elements is planned on a base built from a porous or hollow material, then a mesh sleeve must be used for the holes. This element is installed in the hole before the glue is introduced and promotes uniform distribution of the composition over all surfaces.
- When using a two-component chemical anchor, the use of a mixer is necessary. Through this guide spout, the compositions are supplied in the proportions established by the manufacturer, while simultaneously mixing with each other. For each chemical composition, a special mixer is used, which comes complete with the cartridge.
- In order for the hole to be filled efficiently, a special dispensing gun should be used. This element allows the mass to be squeezed out under pressure, due to this, air is well displaced from the hole, while the adhesive mass takes its place.
- If insertion into a hole of reinforcement or studs longer than 500 mm will be done manually, then it is recommended to use a special jig for this purpose, capable of mechanically feeding a metal element under a certain pressure and maintaining the perpendicularity of the position.
- If ampoule anchors are selected, then after installing them in the hole, the reinforcement or stud is often clamped into the chuck of an electric drill and inserted into the hole, turning on medium speed.
- Once the metal fastener is installed in the hole, it must remain stationary until the chemical composition has completely cured. The hardening time for different compositions is different, but at a temperature not lower than 15÷20 degrees it averages 35÷40 minutes. At sub-zero temperatures the process can take 8÷12 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out installation work at a temperature not lower than -5 degrees. If work must take place at lower temperatures, then you should choose special compounds, which can also be found on sale.
- Let us note one more nuance. Chemical anchors do not always provide proper tightening fixation of a depressed rod or pin. Due to the lack of initial tension in the metal element, deformation of the fastening may occur. Therefore, when hanging or attaching any device (heavy piece of furniture, etc.) to an external structure, it must be positioned close to the supporting structure. Thus, there will be no stretchable “neck” of the bracket that is outside the range of action of the chemical anchor, that is, protruding from the wall. In any case, the pin must be recessed into the base by at least half its length.
In order not to overload the reader with verbal information, we invite him to watch a video that talks about the Hilti HFX cartridge-type chemical anchor and shows the process of its use.
Video: Purpose of the Hilti HFX chemical anchor and how to work with it
Appendix: How to calculate the consumption of chemical anchor?
It has already been said that the material is very expensive and requires careful use. How can you at least roughly calculate how much compound is needed to fasten one pin (rod)? And how much will it take for the entire upcoming amount of work?
To do this, we suggest using the capabilities of the online calculators below.
There are two calculators.
- The first of them calculates the composition consumption for a straight cylindrical hole, which is usually used on structures with a high load-bearing capacity of the material.
- The second is for a conical hole, expanding deeper into the shape, drilled using a swinging jig. This approach is typical for walls made of materials with low strength (less than M100).
You can compare how much higher the consumption of the adhesive composition becomes in the second case, with all other parameters being equal (depth of the hole, diameter of the hole at the entrance to the wall, diameter of the stud).
Everywhere on the anchors the operating conditions are written “dry indoors”, but what about the facades?
Anastasia222
October 24, 2014 at 07:54 Bought for a construction site to build a store. Used to install trusses. The material is high quality and reliable. The price is nice - it doesn't bite. The store pleased me with its assortment and low prices.
Anastasia22
October 24, 2014 at 07:50 Bought for a construction site to build a store. Used to install trusses. The material is high quality, reliable. The price is reasonable.
We decided to transform our dacha a little, namely, to put columns in front of the entrance. I looked for an anchor on the Internet, and eventually settled on a Hilti chemical anchor. Excellent item, no smell, easy to install, holds firmly. Thanks also to your store for the great price! competitors are much more expensive!
October 22, 2014 at 09:05 What can I say? There are many products for different needs, prices and capabilities. Of course, everything here is incomprehensible to me, except for the fasteners and some other known details. But I was able to find this same Hilti anchor by searching on Google. My son asked me to save time. Not in stores, we decided to look on the Internet. So now everyone is happy. With my help, my son found the right thing, and I enjoyed the shopping, although I didn’t spend a penny on myself. It turns out that you can also enjoy shopping in an online store of construction tools! October 21, 2014 at 08:22 My husband rarely uses the Internet. But he needed a Hilti anchor. He asked me to find it so that it would be inexpensive. I found your site and showed it to my husband. I ordered it, everything was fine: both price and quality. Now he uses your site all the time. October 20, 2014 at 07:13
Probably the best solution for foam concrete. And not only... Moreover, I advise you to take it from Hilti, since the quality will definitely not let you down. Convenient, simple and tight. And the price is not bad. October 19, 2014 at 1:36 pm We are building, I accidentally came across your site on the Internet, a very interesting site, let’s say it’s necessary! I think my husband will appreciate my find. October 18, 2014 at 09:11 Safety is the most important criterion when constructing different houses/sites. At the moment, the construction of the dacha is in full swing. The architecture is such that there are a couple of columns at the facade of the building. You can't do without an anchor. A very reliable tool, I advise you to take it, otherwise a lot of stones will pop up during construction.
October 17, 2014 at 08:46 pm I am renovating a house and accidentally came across your page. I read, thought, and decided to try a chemical anchor. The prices are very reasonable, the service is top notch. The goods were received very quickly. It’s a pleasure to work with, most importantly there is no smell. Thanks to the store for quality goods and service
I am renovating a house and accidentally came across your page. I read, thought, and decided to try a chemical anchor. The prices are very reasonable, the service is top notch. The goods were received very quickly. It’s a pleasure to work with, most importantly there is no smell. Thanks to the store for quality goods and service
I am renovating a house and accidentally came across your page. I read, thought, and decided to try a chemical anchor. The prices are very reasonable, the service is top notch. The goods were received very quickly. It’s a pleasure to work with, most importantly there is no smell. Thanks to the store for quality goods and service
Recently, chemical anchors have been increasingly used to fasten building elements, structures and equipment to concrete. Their popularity is due to a number of advantages over mechanical analogues. They are characterized by a higher load-bearing capacity, do not create stress in the base material and make it possible to securely attach to materials with pores and voids.
How does the chimanker work?
A chemical anchor fastener consists of a steel rod element and a binding adhesive composition, with the help of which it is held in the hole and forms a single unit with the base material. The “liquid anchor” penetrates deep into the pores, resulting in a strong bond with the base. The structures are then attached to the protruding end of the rod. It is no longer possible to dismantle the steel element, unless it is torn out along with a piece of the building foundation.
To achieve the required fastening strength, the chemical composition must completely fill the cavity between the metal element and the walls of the hole. In accordance with technical regulations, the hole is filled with injection mixture to 2/3 of its volume. With the correct dosage of the composition, after inserting the rod, excess glue should protrude to the surface.
The consumption of an injection anchor per fastening depends on the size of the hole (diameter and depth), the diameter of the rod and the type of base (with or without voids). For the convenience of calculating the volume of the adhesive mixture, the Krepcom company recommends using the chemical anchor calculator https://krepcom.ru/calc/kalkulyator-raskhoda-ankerov/.
To find out the consumption of injection mass for creating chemical anchors, you must first select the type of base (solid, hollow), and then fill in just two fields of the online calculator:
- diameter of hardware used
- number of attachment points
The geometric parameters of the hole are already entered into the program. They are taken from the technical documentation for metal products. So, for example, for an M12 stud, the recommended hole diameter is 14 mm (stud d + 2 mm), and the depth is 120 mm (stud d x 10).
The injection mass calculator will allow you to instantly calculate the number of cartridges required for installation, including all standard volumes (300, 345, 400, 410 ml), and will also allow you to find out how many holes one cartridge will be enough for. The obtained result is applicable to all chemical anchors made on the basis of synthetic resins and hardeners.
About the composition
Chemical anchors used in the installation of any structures have a composition that we will discuss below.
So, the composition:
- Special glue.
- Metal fastening insert. It is a bushing that has a thread, a stud and a reinforcing rod inside. The insert is made of galvanized or stainless steel.
The adhesive composition itself must be very strong. After all, chemical anchors are used when working with concrete elements, for example. Naturally, the fixing force of the anchors must be significant.
As a rule, the adhesive composition is prepared using the following components:
- Artificial resins based on polyurethane, polyester or acrylic.
- Quartz sand and cement-type binders. They are used as fillers and additionally provide the strength characteristics of the adhesive.
- Hardener. It is necessary for the glue to dry quickly and retain its properties for a long time.
Now that everything is clear about the composition of chemical anchors, it’s worth understanding what types of anchors there are.
About the types
All adhesives for anchors are produced as two-component ones. They need to be prepared immediately before the process of installing the anchors themselves begins.
In most cases, the adhesive composition goes on sale in two forms:
- In ampoules that are used for a certain hole size.
- In cartridges and tubes, which come in different sizes. They consist of two compartments. One compartment contains glue, and the other contains a special hardener.
If the anchors are mounted using ampoules, then you must first insert it into the hole. After this, you can insert the rod. It crushes the ampoule containing the adhesive composition. Due to this, the glue polymerizes, providing a strong connection between the anchor and the structure.
When the anchor is installed using a cartridge or tube, it happens as follows. First, glue and hardener are squeezed into the preliminary chamber in equal proportions. There they are mixed and then squeezed into the prepared hole. After this, an anchor is inserted into it.
Cartridges and tubes are convenient to use in cases where anchors are attached to a porous or hollow surface. This can be foam concrete, hollow brick, ceramic block with increased porosity, and so on. Only in this case, you must first insert perforated sleeves into the surface. They will not allow the glue to leak out through the voids. In general, fastening hollow structures using chemical anchors is strong and reliable. No analogues to this method have yet been invented.
It is worth noting that the adhesive composition of chemical anchors does not have a bursting or wedging effect. Therefore, they are recommended for use with materials that have a small cross-section.
About the advantages and disadvantages
Like any other material or fastening element used in construction, chemical anchors have their advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages include the fact that chemical anchors do not cause tensile stress in the concrete surface during the installation of the fastener. When the anchor is installed, the hole under it will be hermetically sealed with glue.
In general, the installation process is simple. Even a novice builder can cope with the task. Moreover, no special equipment is required to install the fastener. The entire process is done manually.
The scope of application of chemical anchors is quite large, since this fastening element is characterized by increased strength and the ability to withstand high tensile stress. In other words, chemical anchors have a significant load-bearing capacity. Moreover, their adhesive composition has the following properties:
- chemical resistance;
- corrosion resistance;
- weather resistance.
It is worth mentioning separately that there are anchors that are designed for installation on surfaces with high humidity levels. Moreover, there are even mounts that can be used underwater. In general, chemical anchors have a service life of up to fifty years or more.
As for the disadvantages, these include the high cost of chemical anchors. In addition, the shelf life of open packaging with adhesive is very short. Even in closed packaging, glue can be stored for no longer than twelve months.
As for the time it takes to harden, it all depends on the ambient temperature. At a temperature of twenty degrees, the glue will harden in up to forty minutes. If the temperature drops to five degrees below zero, the glue will harden for up to six hours. If the temperature is lower, the hardening process will not occur at all.
Video. How to choose a chemical anchor | TsKI
Anchors are one of the most reliable ways of fixing embedded elements in reinforced concrete foundations, walls, brickwork and other structures. In this way, columns, racks, equipment, gate and door frames are attached, consoles, awnings, canopies, lamps, and so on are fixed. The main types of anchors used are mechanical and chemical.
When selecting anchors, the characteristics of the base into which they are mounted are taken into account, static and dynamic calculations are performed for given loads, the type and shape of studs, installation area, edge and axial distances are taken into account. When using a chemical anchor, the characteristics of its polymer base are additionally taken into account.
The documents regulating the installation of anchor parts are SNiP 2.09.03-85 “Structures of industrial enterprises”, a manual for this SNiP, Eurocode ETAG 001 “Metal Anchors For Use in Concrete”, as well as enterprise standards developed by leading manufacturers of mechanical and chemical anchors. For example, the standard “Anchor fastenings to concrete”, developed by the Research Center “Construction” together with specialists from the Hilti company and a number of other recommendations.
In addition, to help design engineers, manufacturers of anchor systems are developing proprietary calculators that allow them to quickly select the necessary fastening systems, taking into account specific installation conditions and regulatory requirements. Some calculation programs can be used online, others work only in desktop mode and require installation on a computer.
Let's consider the most popular software systems:
- Program for calculating anchors Hilti Profis Anchor
- Online calculator for chemical anchor consumption Tech-KREP
- Fischer chemical anchor volume calculator
- Calculation of the volume of chemical anchor HIMTEX online
- Desktop program for calculating Mungo anchors
- Desktop program for calculating MKT anchors
- Foundation bolt weight calculator
1. Program for calculating anchorsHiltiProfisAnchor
Desktop program ProfisAnchor developed by the company Hilti to perform calculations and select mechanical and chemical anchors produced under this brand. The program allows you to calculate anchors of various types, shapes and sizes.
The operation of the calculation complex is based on innovative design solutions that take into account all the unique parameters of Hilti anchor systems. Using this service, the user gets access to all the company’s products, as well as the ability to quickly and correctly apply the appropriate technical solution for any specific case.
The program requires installation on your computer. You can download the installation file from this link .
2. Online chemical anchor consumption calculatorTech- KREP
On the Russian website of a famous manufacturer Tech-KREP(UK) a proprietary payment program is available online. The calculator allows you to determine the consumption of chemical anchors for the following items:
- Eco Stirol anchor - for all types of bases;
- Easf - for concrete structures of all types;
- Persf - for embedding into hollow bricks and similar structures;
- Arctic - used for work at temperatures below zero;
- Pure Epoxy Solvent Free - used for increased loads on the anchor.
3. Volume calculator for fischer chemical anchors
The fischer company is a world-famous manufacturer of chemical anchors using a unique formulation of its own design. Fischer technology eliminates the possibility of serious shrinkage of the composition during the curing process. The curing process can occur over a wide temperature range. The experience of using fischer chemical anchors in the climatic conditions of Russia has more than 10 years.
For the convenience of calculating its products, the company provides a free desktop program. To use it you need to download the installation file via this link and install it on your computer.
4. Calculation of the volume of chemical anchor HIMTEX online
Free program for calculating the volume of chemical anchors produced HIMTEX presented on company website .
Chemical anchor calculation HIMTEX carried out in accordance with the installation regulations. In this case, the hole is filled to 2/3 of the volume.
Correct installation implies that the polymer composition should protrude slightly from the hole when pouring. In the case of installation in a hollow base using a mesh-type sleeve, it is completely filled, so the volume of the composition increases by 30%.
5. Desktop program for calculating Mungo anchors
Company Mungo offers to use a free desktop program for calculating branded anchors. Service Mungo has the following advantages:
- friendly, intuitive interface;
- working with the program is based on a sequence of understandable actions with prompts;
- Data entry can be carried out both digitally and graphically;
- Multilingual support available;
- Availability of flat and three-dimensional display modes, convenient switching of views;
- personal data can be saved in the service with the ability to access it during subsequent calculations;
- a simple and convenient way to print, the ability to display the necessary information;
- periodic program updates.
In order to download and install the program for calculating anchors, you must follow the link and register on the website Mungo .
6. Desktop program for calculating MKT anchors
Company MKT, a well-known German manufacturer of anchors, presents a free program for calculating the parameters of its products.
The result of the desktop program is a ready-made installation of anchors MKT, both mechanical and chemical types. The interface is intuitive. Calculation is made for all products MKT, approved for use in accordance with regulatory regulations in force in Europe.
The program is distinguished by the presence of comprehensive information when issuing results, as well as the convenience of printing it out. In order to download and install the program you need to go link to the official website of the company.
7. Foundation bolt weight calculator
Great free online calculator calculating the weight of anchor bolts for the foundation. The program, based on the given parameters of the bolts (diameter, length) and their required quantity, determines the weight of all elements (nuts, washers, anchor plates, studs), as well as assembled bolts of various types for filling out the specifications in the drawings. It is also possible to convert the weight of the bolts back into pieces. All calculations are performed in accordance with GOST 24379.1-2012.
Quite often during construction there is a need to mechanically connect various structural elements (window frames, door frames, and so on). Until recently, the simplest hardware was used for this: plastic or metal dowels. However, their use is only possible on solid substrates (concrete, brick, stone). Nowadays, the so-called adhesive or chemical anchor is successfully used for these purposes. One of the leading manufacturers of such products is the company “Hilti” (Liechtenstein). Hilti chemical anchors are produced in the form of capsule products (for installing one pin) and injection systems (cartridges with a capacity of 330 and 500 ml). The products of this company allow you to perform almost any fastening work: from fastening a heavy shelf on a wall made of cellular concrete to gluing additional load-bearing reinforcing bars in heavy concrete structures.
Hilti chemical capsule anchors
This type of chemical anchor is clearly dosed for the installation of only one fastening element. It is a cylindrical polyethylene container filled with an adhesive composition. The two components of the adhesive mixture are separated by an impenetrable partition. Mixing of the mixture components occurs at the time of installation. Products of this type are marked with the letters HVU, indicating the thread of the anchor pin and the depth of the mounting hole for it. For example, the marking “HVU M16X125” means that this capsule is intended for fastening an anchor rod with an M16 thread, a hole depth in concrete of 125 mm. The line of capsules is presented quite widely: from M8 to M39.
The technology for installing a stud using an adhesive capsule is quite simple:
- We drill a hole of the required diameter and depth in the base. The manufacturer recommends choosing a drill or drill diameter 2 mm larger for studs M8÷M16, and 3÷4 mm larger for M20÷M39. For example, for the “HVU M12X110” capsule you will need a drill with a diameter of 14 mm and a hole depth of 110 mm.
- Carefully clean the hole from dust using air or a brush.
- Insert the capsule into the hole.
- We twist the pin into the hole clockwise: the lower end of the pin breaks the capsule and when screwed in, the components of the adhesive composition are mixed.
The final hardening time of the adhesive composition, after which maximum loads can be applied to the stud, depends on the ambient temperature: from 20 minutes at a temperature of +20˚С to 5 hours at a temperature of -5˚С.
For studs experiencing increased dynamic loads, the company has developed special “HVU-TZ” capsules. The line of these types of capsules is designed to install studs from M10 to M20.
Hilti injection anchor systems
This type of chemical anchor (marked with the letters HIT) is a plastic cartridge with two sealed foil containers (one with adhesive filler, the other with a hardener). Today the company presents 7 varieties of this type of chemical anchor. The price of such anchors depends on the capacity of the cartridge (there are two types: 330 and 500 ml), the components of the composition, the area of application and the load that the stud installed with its use can withstand.
For example, the universal hybrid composition “HIT-MM-Plus” is a budget-class chemical anchor (the cost of one 330 ml cartridge is 650÷900 rubles). The two-component adhesive is made on the basis of urethane methacrylate. Recommended for installation of threaded rods in the range M6÷M16 in basic building materials such as brick (solid and hollow), lime-sand blocks, concrete, blocks made of cellular types of concrete, artificial and natural stone. For fastening studs in hollow blocks and bricks, the company offers specially designed perforated plastic sleeves, which increase the fastening strength and reduce the consumption of adhesive.
And the composition “HIT-RE-500-V3”, which closes the line of injection anchors, already costs 2700–3300 rubles for a package with a capacity of 330 ml and is intended for gluing the releases of working load-bearing reinforcement of floors, columns, foundations and flights of stairs. A composition based on epoxy adhesive with additives that allow the installation of studs and reinforcing bars with a diameter of 10÷55 mm even in holes completely filled with water.
We extrude the glue components using a mechanical hand dispenser. For chemical anchors with a capacity of 330 ml, the dispenser “HDM-330” is intended, for 500 ml - “HDM-500”. We insert the capsules into the plastic cassette of the dispenser (it is included in the kit), screw the mixer onto the threaded part of the cartridge (in which the components of the adhesive composition are mixed) and through its conical tube the glue enters the drilled hole. Parallel pistons are connected to the dispenser handle, and when it is pressed once, one portion of the adhesive composition (about 5 ml) is supplied.
Video about using the “HIT-MM-Plus” composition and the “HDM-330” dispenser:
For professional use in large volumes of anchoring work, the pneumatic dispenser “P-8000-D” and the battery dispenser “HDE-500-A22” are used.
Chemical anchor calculation
For reliable and correct installation of the stud, in accordance with the technical regulations, the hole must be ⅔ filled with adhesive (the excess should protrude beyond the edges of the hole only after installing the stud). It is easy to calculate the consumption of chemical anchors for installing one product yourself using the following formula:
V₁ = ([(π·h·D²):4]:1000)·0.67, where
V₁ – volume of adhesive required to install one anchor (ml);
π – number “PI” (3.14);
h – hole depth (mm);
D – diameter of the drilled hole (mm).
For example, we use the composition “HIT-MM-Plus” and an M12 hairpin. Recommended by the manufacturer: drill diameter – 14 mm, hole depth for reliable fixation of the stud – 85 mm. We substitute our values into the formula and get:
V₁ = ([(3.14·85·14²):4]:1000)·0.67 = 8.762 ml ≈ 9 ml
Since one press on the dispenser handle squeezes out about 5 ml of adhesive, for our example, two presses are enough to install one pin.
Advice! Since the manufacturer recommends replacing the dispenser after using the injection system, it is advisable to drill and clean the required number of holes in advance, and then install all the pins with a chemical adhesive composition.
Chemical anchors from various manufacturers are available on the modern market: Hilti, Himitex, Fischer, Sormat, MKT, Mungo. The choice of one type of anchor or another depends on the base material in which the stud will be installed, and on the planned load on it. Before purchasing, you must carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions, then your choice will be correct both technically and materially.