Structural Engineering · Engineering Glossary
An anchor bolt is a threaded steel fastener embedded in concrete that attaches structural elements — sill plates, column base plates, equipment bases — to the foundation or slab below. Anchor bolts must be designed to resist the tension, shear, and combined forces transferred at the connection.
Cast-in-place anchor bolts are set in wet concrete using a template before the pour; post-installed anchors are drilled and grouted or mechanically expanded into hardened concrete. The design of anchor bolts follows ACI 318 Appendix D (or Chapter 17 in recent editions), which accounts for concrete breakout, steel tensile failure, and pullout. Seismic and high-wind zones require larger or more numerous anchors, and the concrete edge distance and anchor spacing are critical to achieving full capacity. Equipment anchorage — securing RTUs, generators, transformers, and other mechanical/electrical equipment — is a common scope for Apex Grid's structural engineers.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid Engineering is licensed in 49 states — every U.S. state except Alaska. Engineering stamping and licensure are confirmed for each project jurisdiction.
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