When selecting the strongest masonry fixing for a project, various factors such as load requirements, environmental conditions, and the type of masonry (brick, concrete, stone, etc.) need to be considered. Here are some of the strongest and most reliable masonry fixings available:
- Expansion Bolts (Wedge Anchors):
- Usage: Ideal for heavy-duty applications in solid concrete or stone.
- Strength: High load-bearing capacity.
- Installation: Requires drilling a hole and inserting the anchor, which expands as the bolt is tightened.
- Chemical (Resin) Anchors:
- Usage: Suitable for both solid and hollow masonry, including brick and block.
- Strength: Extremely high load-bearing capacity, often stronger than the base material.
- Installation: Involves injecting a resin into the hole before inserting a threaded rod or rebar, which sets and bonds to the masonry.
- Sleeve Anchors:
- Usage: Good for medium to heavy-duty applications in solid materials like concrete and brick.
- Strength: Strong, though generally less than wedge anchors.
- Installation: Inserted into a pre-drilled hole; the sleeve expands as the bolt is tightened.
- Through Bolts:
- Usage: Effective for heavy-duty applications, especially where the back side of the material can be accessed.
- Strength: Very high load-bearing capacity.
- Installation: The bolt goes through the material and is secured with a nut on the opposite side.
- Drop-in Anchors:
- Usage: Used for heavy-duty applications in solid concrete.
- Strength: High load-bearing capacity.
- Installation: A setting tool is required to expand the anchor once it is placed in the drilled hole.
- Concrete Screws (Anchor Screws):
- Usage: Suitable for medium to heavy-duty applications in concrete, brick, and block.
- Strength: Strong, with high shear and tensile strengths.
- Installation: Screwed directly into a pre-drilled hole, with no additional expansion or setting required.
When considering which fixing to use, keep the following in mind:
- Load Requirements: Calculate the expected load and choose a fixing rated for that load.
- Base Material: Ensure the fixing is compatible with the type of masonry (solid or hollow).
- Environmental Conditions: For outdoor or corrosive environments, choose fixings made from stainless steel or with corrosion-resistant coatings.
