How Do Anchor Bolts Work?

Anchor bolts are a fundamental part of construction and industrial engineering, used to connect structural and non-structural elements to concrete. Whether you’re securing steel columns, equipment bases, or light poles, anchor bolts provide the critical connection that holds everything in place. At Neelkamal Fasteners, we manufacture precision-engineered anchor bolts that meet both Indian and international standards for quality and safety.

In this blog, we explain how anchor bolts work, their types, and where they’re used in real-world applications.

🔩 What is an Anchor Bolt?

An anchor bolt is a fastener designed to attach objects or structures to concrete. It typically consists of a threaded portion that protrudes from the concrete and allows for nuts and washers to be used for securing components.

Anchor bolts are crucial for:

Fixing machinery and structural frames
Securing base plates of columns
Attaching railings, signs, and heavy equipment
Supporting dynamic loads like wind or vibration

⚙️ How Do Anchor Bolts Work?

1. Embedded Strength in Concrete

Anchor bolts are installed into wet concrete or drilled into cured concrete using special adhesives or mechanical expansion systems. The embedded end creates a mechanical or chemical bond with the concrete.

2. Load Transfer

Once the concrete sets, the anchor bolt transfers loads (tension, shear, or a combination) from the attached structure into the concrete base. This includes vertical loads (e.g., a column weight) and lateral loads (e.g., wind pressure).

3. Threaded End Secures Fixtures

The protruding threaded part allows for nuts and washers to fasten the component in place. This connection can be adjusted or maintained over time as needed.

🛠️ Types of Anchor Bolts

🔹 L-Shaped Anchor Bolts

Bent at 90°, ideal for embedding in fresh concrete. Common in columns and heavy-duty structural applications.

🔹 Sleeve Anchor Bolts

Used for fastening into existing concrete. They expand when tightened, gripping the concrete surface securely.

🔹 Wedge Anchor Bolts

Feature a clip that expands when pulled into the concrete, used for high-load static and dynamic applications.

🔹 Straight Rod with Plate

A straight threaded rod with a steel plate at the embedded end for superior load transfer.

🏗️ Where Are Anchor Bolts Used?

Anchor bolts are essential in:

Building Foundations: Holding steel columns and frames in place
Bridges and Tunnels: Supporting railings and infrastructure supports
Industrial Equipment Mounting: Fixing machinery and base plates
Telecommunication Towers: Withstanding wind and seismic forces
Pre-engineered Buildings (PEB): Securing prefabricated steel parts

Neelkamal Fasteners ensures all anchor bolts are made to exact IS, ASTM, and DIN standards, including ASTM F1554, IS 5624, and more.

✅ Why Choose Neelkamal Fasteners?

At Neelkamal Fasteners, we offer:

✔ High-strength anchor bolts in carbon steel, stainless steel, and galvanized finishes
✔ Custom manufacturing as per drawings and specifications
✔ Rust-proof surface treatment for long-term performance
✔ On-time delivery for large infrastructure and industrial projects
✔ Stringent quality checks at every production stage

Whether you need anchor bolts for highways, airports, factories, or metro rail systems — we’re your reliable partner.