Which chemical anchor is best for my construction project?

A chemical anchor is an anchor or plug formed by a chemical reaction after mixing two injected substances (hardener and resin). Immediately after the injection, a threaded end, bolt or reinforcement is screwed into the still soft mass. When the chemical reaction has finished, the product has cured, creating a very strong connection with the substrate.

There are many different types of chemical anchors available, including under the same brand. But what are actually the species that can be distinguished in this? How do they differ in composition and possible application? And what are concrete examples of these products?

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Chemical anchoring falls under four main groups
Just over 200 different injection anchors are available in the Netherlands and Belgium. Hilti® alone already has eight different types in the package. Yet in that forest of chemical anchors four main groups can be distinguished. In ascending order of price and quality these are:

1. Polyesters / epoxy acrylates
2. Vinyl esters
3. Hybrid mortars
4. pure epoxies

Polyesters / epoxy acrylates are fast curing mortars. In terms of substrate, these mortars are especially suitable for solid and perforated stone and less heavy fixings in the pressure zone* of concrete. Polyesters are generally not suitable for humid conditions, epoxy acrylates can be.
Check out the epoxy acrylate chemical anchor .

Vinyl esters are fast-setting mortars and true 'all-rounders'. In terms of substrate, these mortars are suitable for both solid and perforated stone, but the tensile and compression zone* of concrete are also usually covered in an approval. The load capacity is higher than with polyesters, so that the anchor can also withstand heavy loads. Vinyl esters are usually suitable for humid conditions, such as water-filled boreholes.
Check out the C100-Plus Vinylester Chemical Anchor .

Hybrid mortars are usually fast-setting vinyl esters, to which an additional cementitious component has been added. This creates a stronger bond between the chemical anchor and the concrete base; which is expressed in the approval certificates in a higher so-called bonding strength. As a result, the load capacity in concrete is usually even higher than with a vinyl ester.

However, the disadvantage is that the product is less versatile. Usually only anchorages in concrete (both the tensile and compression zone*) are allowed, and not in masonry or (lime-lime) stone. Hybrid mortars can be suitable for damp conditions, but also completely unsuitable. That depends on the chosen formulation. Consult the ETA approval certificate for this.

Pure epoxies are slow curing injection anchors. In terms of substrate, these injection anchors are only suitable for concrete (just as is the case with hybrid mortars). Because a pure epoxy does not discolour, it is also used for gluing in marble or natural stone. The viscosity of the product is usually somewhat lower, and virtually no shrinkage occurs during slow curing. It is precisely these properties that make the product suitable for the most common application: anchoring in diamond-drilled holes. Because a pure epoxy does not shrink and also has a more 'sticky' function, good adhesion also takes place to the smooth drill shank of a diamond-drilled hole.
Check out the Pure Epoxy Chemical Anchor.

It is also widely used for relatively deep bonds. After all, injecting into a deep borehole takes time, and the chemical reaction already occurs during the injection. The slow curing makes it possible to place the stud or rebar in the deep borehole, while the injected mass is still soft and pasty. Pure epoxies are usually also suitable for humid conditions, such as water-filled boreholes.

What are the uses of chemical anchors?
Below you will find a brief overview of the four formulations. A number of examples also provide insight into which brands fall into a category.

* You can read more about the meaning of the tensile and compression zone of concrete in another blog.

Would you like to know more about Sympafix's chemical anchors?
We are known for our smart, innovative and unique solutions at competitive rates. See our product overview for more information about our chemical anchors . For all your technical and logistical questions you can reach us at sales@sympafix.com or 072 - 303 0500 .