Metal anchors and their importance in the construction industry

What are metal anchors used for?

Metal anchors, executed with bolts, bars or screws, are used to fix different types of elements to a base, which can be made of concrete, stone, brick…

At Molins, we have different solutions for the execution of metal anchors depending on the characteristics of the support and the necessary performance to be achieved, which are mainly differentiated into anchors made with cement-based or resin-based mortars.

Each one of them is designed for specific functions according to its characteristics, for example, for filling machine beds, levelling bridge supports, general anchoring of machinery, fixing of structural steel bars, connections in floor slabs, anchoring in ventilated facades, fixing of posts, through pipes, etc.

Therefore, anchoring mortars are used in the construction sector in a wide range of options, providing high adhesion to different substrates and to the metal anchor itself, which is usually made of steel or stainless steel, while at the same time filling gaps as in the case of the installation of slabs with fluid anchoring mortars.

For example, we have a range of cement fillers and anchors such as PROPAM® GROUT, PROPAM® 110 SERENA, PROPAM® 140 SERENA, PROPAM® 180 SERENA, PROPAM® 140 STANDARD, PROPAM® 180 STANDARD, PROPAM® 810 R, PROPAM® 840 R, PROPAM® 810 R and PROPAM® 840 R.

We also have resin fillings and anchors with very specific materials such as PROPAM® NF VINYL, PROPAM® NF EPO, BETOPOX ANCLAJES and PROPAM® NF POLI.

What are metal anchors?

Metal anchors are used in construction for the attachment of structural or non-structural metal plates to a base, typically concrete or brick. They allow the transfer of loads between these elements.

Properties of metal anchors

Like all construction products, they have a series of properties that need to be known in depth before use. They are resistant, easy and quick to install and widely used in construction. As a result, they have become an essential element in construction.

Very high mechanical strength

Metal anchors transmit the load between different elements and therefore the material with which they are anchored must have adequate performance.

Mechanical resistance is the capacity of bodies to resist certain applied forces without breaking. Bearing this in mind, we can say that anchoring and filling mortars are materials that have high mechanical resistance, which is one of their most characteristic properties.

High fluidity

Another of the properties of this type of mortar for backfilling and anchoring is that it can be easily pumped or applied by pouring. It allows complete filling of the free space between the installed metal plate and the concrete support. Favouring an adequate transmission of forces to the substrate.

No shrinkage

Shrinkage is the process that causes shrinkage in a cement mortar due to a decrease in volume, during setting and early hardening. This is caused by the loss of excess water after hydration of the mortar. Cement backfill and anchoring mortars are shrinkage-free, thus guaranteeing full backfill and bearing capacity over the entire surface.

Very high adhesion to steel and concrete

This type of mortars are materials that must have a high adhesion to steel and concrete.

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Care to take into account when placing metal anchors in concrete

Regardless of whether we are going to use a cement or resin mortar, the first step to be taken before starting is to check that the anchoring support meets all the technical specifications necessary for the application of the material. In the event that it does not, we must first focus on solving this problem in order to then be able to anchor correctly.

It should also be taken into account that the area where the mortar is going to be applied must be clean of dirt and weak parts so that there is a better adherence and it does not cause any type of problem.

Molins’ advice on the installation of metal anchors

Using any of these products is simple, as long as the established instructions are followed. Likewise, at Molins, we have almost one hundred years of history and we are a leading company in the mortar manufacturing sector. We have experts who always put customer satisfaction first and to this end, they take into account a series of tips for cementitious mortars:

• Any cement mortar must be applied attemperatures between +5 °C and +30 °C.
• It is essential not to add any extra substances that may deteriorate the properties of the material.
• Once the mortar has the right consistency, do not add more water, always use the measures specified by the manufacturer.
• During the first few days, protect the reform area from direct sunlight or wind gusts.

Similarly, they also have recommendations for resin fillings and anchors:

• Apply at temperatures between +10 °C and +35 °C.
• The temperature of the resin must be at least +20 °C.
• Each time the cartridges are reused, a new mixer must be used.

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