Wedge Anchors

Wedge anchors are used for many different concrete applications, such as the following:

Fence Post	Sign	Light Post
Shelving	Racking	Electric Pipe
Water Pipe	Fire Sprinklers	Exit Sign
Railing	Roof Flashing	TV Antenna
Windows	Hose Real	Television
Elevator	Steps	Light Fixture
Duct Work	Conduit	Car Lift
Man Door	Overhead Door	Escalator
Desk	Park Bench	Bike Rack

How thick is the item that is being fastened by the wedge anchor?

This is an important consideration because the length of the wedge anchor is in part determined by this factor. To determine the length of wedge anchor to use for any particular application, add the thickness of the material being fastened to the minimum embedment for the diameter of wedge anchor being used plus space for the nut and washer. The final number will equal the minimum length wedge anchor to use for any application.

What diameter of wedge anchor is being used?

The diameter of the wedge anchor is determined in a number of different ways. The general rule is that the heavier the object being fastened then the larger the diameter of wedge anchor that must be used. The diameter of the hole in the item being fastened will provide information regarding the largest diameter that can be used; i.e. the 5/8” hole in the fixture will require a wedge anchor diameter less than 5/8”. An engineer may specify both the diameter and the embedment depth of a wedge anchor to be used. When an engineer specifies a specific wedge anchor, then that exact wedge anchor should be used.

Wedge anchors for specific diameters have a minimum embedment depth that the anchor must be installed in order for the wedge anchor to obtain minimum holding values. The minimum embedment is the depth at which the wedge anchor must be installed into the concrete after it has been expanded. This minimum embedment is different for each diameter of wedge anchor and is critical to the performance of the wedge anchor. The wedge anchor can be installed at deeper depths of embedment with deeper embedment depths usually creating higher holding values. Embedding wedge anchor at deep embedments of 8”, 10”, or 12” should not be attempted because problems will arise. One such problem would be whether or not the hole would be straight enough to insert a wedge anchor without the wedge anchor hitting the sidewalls of the hole in the concrete. The longer length wedge anchors are designed for different thickness of the material being fastened but not necessarily for deeper embedments.