How should embedded items, such as anchor bolts, be anchored into fresh concrete?

• A. Secure embedded items with mechanical anchors after the pour.
• B. Use epoxy anchors or chemical anchors, installed in the form before or during pour as specified.
• C. Secure with duct tape after curing.
• D. Weld anchors after the concrete has hardened.

Answer: (B)

When embedding items in fresh concrete, the proper method is to use epoxy or chemical anchors installed in the form before or during the pour, exactly as the manufacturer specifies. This approach bonds the anchor into the concrete as it cures, creating a strong, integral connection that can carry the intended loads. Epoxy or chemical anchors fill the anchor hole and form a chemical bond with the surrounding concrete, so the load is transferred through the adhesive into the concrete rather than relying on after-the-fact drilling or mechanical grip. Following the specified installation procedure and cure times ensures the anchor achieves its rated strength.

Other options don’t provide a reliable structural connection: securing anchors after the pour would require drilling into hardened concrete, which weakens the concrete and may not meet load requirements; duct tape offers no structural restraint; welding anchors after the concrete has hardened is not feasible or safe for this purpose.