Wedge Anchor Specifications
Published by Robert Carlisle on May 2nd 2011
Specifications for wedge anchors include the diameter, length, type, holding values and minimum embedment depth. Each manufacturer has its own wedge anchor specifications that can be found on their website. The wedge anchor specifications for the wedge anchor sold by Concrete Fasteners can be found at:
Wedge Anchor Specifications
wedge-anchor-technical-specifications
Base Material
Solid concrete is the only base material in which the wedge anchor can be used. Wedge anchors are not designed to be used in other base materials, such as brick or block.
Diameter
Wedge anchors come in 9 different diameters ranging from 1/4” to 1-1/4”. Many manufacturers do not carry all diameters. For example, Hilti, Inc does not have a 5/16” or a 7/8” diameter wedge anchor and the hot-dipped galvanized are not manufactured in a 1/4” or a 5/16” diameter.
The diameter of the wedge anchor is one factor in determining the shear value and the pullout values that will be obtained. The larger the diameter than the higher the shear and pull out value will be in any given concrete. The diameter of wedge anchor used in any particular application is determined by the holding value requirement for the particular application and the size of the hole in the item being fastened.
Diameter of Wedge Anchors |
1/4” |
5/16” |
3/8” |
1/2” |
5/8” |
3/4” |
7/8” |
1” |
1-1/4” |
Length
Each diameter of wedge anchor comes in a number of different lengths. The length of the wedge anchor is measured as an overall length, including the threaded section. Wedge anchors come in different lengths to accommodate different thickness of materials being fastened and embedment depths. The minimum length wedge anchor to be used for any application is determined by adding the thickness of the material being fastened, plus the minimum embedment for the diameter of wedge anchor being installed, plus space for the nut and washer. Embedments deeper than the minimum will generally provide
better pullout values as the depth is increased; the shear values remain the same independent of embedment depth.
Diameter x Length |
Diameter x Length |
|
1/4” |
5/8” |
|
1-3/4” |
8-1/2” |
|
2-1/4” |
10 |
|
3-1/4” |
12” |
|
3/8” |
3/4” |
|
2-1/4” |
4-1/4” |
|
2-3/4” |
4-3/4” |
|
3” |
5-1/2" |
|
3-1/2” |
6-1/4” |
|
3-3/4” |
7 |
|
5” |
8-1/2” |
|
1/2” |
10” |
|
2-3/4” |
12” |
|
2-3/4” |
7/8” |
|
3-3/4” |
6” |
|
4-1/4” |
8” |
|
5-1/2” |
10” |
|
7” |
12” |
|
8-1/2” |
1” |
|
10” |
6” |
|
12” |
9” |
|
5/8” |
12” |
|
3-1/2” |
1-1/4” |
|
4-1/2” |
9” |
|
5” |
12” |
|
6” |
|
|
7” |
|
Types
Types of wedge anchors are based on the different types of materials from which the wedge anchor is manufactured. Each type of wedge anchor is suitable for different types of applications that are dependent upon the environment.
Zinc - manufactured from low carbon steel that is zinc plated, these low carbon zinc plated wedge anchors are for indoor applications where moisture is not present.
Hot-Dipped Galvanized – also manufactured from low carbon steel, but are hot-dipped galvanized for extra rust resistance and are suitable for outdoor applications where moisture may be present.
303/304 Stainless Steel – manufactured from a 303 or 304 stainless steel, depending on the manufacturer, are used in wet environments with excellent rust resistance.316 Stainless Steel – manufactured from 316 stainless steel, provides superior rust resistance in wet, submerged and in some types of chemicals, such as chlorine.
Holding Values
The holding values of wedge anchors in concrete are dependent upon a number of factors:
Strength of Concrete – The strength of concrete is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The higher the psi, then the harder the concrete and the better the holding values that will be obtained by the wedge anchor. A wedge anchor will only hold as well as the strength of the concrete into which it is installed.
Diameter of Wedge Anchor- The larger the diameter of the wedge anchors then the better the holding values. For example, a 5/8” diameter wedge anchor has more holding strength than a 3/8” diameter wedge anchor installed in the same concrete at the same embedment depth.
Depth of Embedment – The deeper the wedge anchor is embedded into the concrete then the better the holding values will be.
Minimum Embedment - Each diameter of wedge anchor has a minimum depth that it must be installed in order to meet minimum holding values.
Wedge Anchor Diameter |
Minimum Embedment Depth |
1/4” |
1-1/8” |
5/16” |
1-1/4” |
3/8” |
1-1/2” |
1/2” |
2-1/4” |
5/8” |
2-3/4” |
3/4” |
3-1/4” |
7/8” |
3-7/8” |
1” |
4-1/2” |
1-1/4” |
5-1/2” |