Anchor Bolt Tolerances

Misplaced or misaligned anchor bolts are a common field problem

Out-of-position anchor bolts occur when the measured deviation or variation from the specified location
or alignment exceeds the specified construction tolerance. To avoid schedule delays and costs
associated with out-of-position anchor bolts, you must understand what tolerances your work will be
judged by and take the necessary actions to position, align and secure the anchor bolts.

Industry-standard Tolerances

The concrete and steel industries both provide anchor bolt tolerances. Unfortunately, the tolerances are
not compatible. Tolerances provided by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) are more
restrictive than anchor bolt tolerances provided by the American Concrete Institute (ACI).

For the steel erector, Division 5 of the specifications references AISC 303 “Code of Standard Practice for
Steel Buildings and Bridges” while Division 3 of the specifications for the concrete contractor typically
references ACI 117 “Specifications for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials”.(1,2) Even
though the architect/engineer should clarify and resolve these tolerance differences, concrete
contractors sometimes become involved in construction disputes because of the non-compatible
tolerances.

As shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, AISC tolerances place limits on the variation between centers of any
two bolts in a group (Item 1), centerlines of bolt groups (Items 2 & 4), and centers of anchor bolt group
from column lines (Item 5). ACI 117 only specifies elevation (Item 3) and a location tolerance for the
centerline of individual anchor bolts (Item 6). As shown for (Item 7), AISC has a very strict or zero plump
tolerance for bolts whereas ACI does not specify a plumb tolerance. The only compatible tolerance
between AISC and ACI is the top elevation of the bolts (Item 3). AISC’s tolerances combined with
oversize holes in the base plates ensure the steel structure can be easily erected without modifying the
structure.

For anchor bolts to satisfy both AISC and ACI’s tolerances, Suprenant and Malisch claim anchor bolts
must be located within ± 1/16 inch of their specified location.(3) A tolerance of ± 1/16 inch is neither
realistic nor achievable. Therefore, it is critical for concrete contractors to understand what tolerance
applies to the concrete work – AISC or ACI tolerances? AISC recommends that Division 3 of the
specifications require anchor bolts to be set in accordance with the AISC 303 “Code of Standard
Practice”.(4) Even using plywood or steel templates to position, align and secure anchor bolts, it is highly
unlikely the concrete contractor can satisfy the AISC tolerances shown in Table 1. AISC’s tolerances are
too restrictive for standard anchor-bolt placement techniques.

Using AISC’s recommended oversize base plate holes and ACI’s anchor bolt tolerances should allow for
easy erection of the steel structure without modifying the structure for 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 1-3/4, 2 and 2-
1/2 inches diameter bolts. However, that may not be the case for 3/4 and 7/8 inch diameter bolts.(3) As

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shown in Table 2, AISC’s recommended oversize-hole diameters for 3/4 and 7/8 inch bolts are too small
as compared to oversize hole sizes suggested by ACI.(3,5)

Concrete contractors seldom control the size of the base plate holes. So, don’t rely on oversize holes to
mitigate out-of-position anchor bolts. Always take care when positioning, aligning and securing anchor
bolts regardless of the bolt size but extra care may be required for 3/4 and 7/8 inch diameter bolts.

Where and How to Measure

Adding to the complexity of anchor bolt tolerances is the difficulty in accurately measuring the location
of individual and groups of anchor bolts. It is standard practice to layout the location of anchor bolts
along the top of the concrete. However, anchor bolts locations are commonly verified by measuring to
the top of the bolt. If the anchor bolt is not perfectly plumb, the location of the top of the bolt will not
be the same as along the concrete. For a bolt tilt of 5 degrees and a 6 inch bolt projection, the difference
between bolt location as measured from the top of the bolt and top of the concrete can be as much as
1/2 inch.(3)

As shown in Table 1, tolerances are measured from centers of anchor bolts (individual or groups) and
centerlines of bolts. Using these measuring points require estimating the centers which introduce more
measuring errors and uncertainties. Also, the accuracy of the anchor bolt location depends on the
accuracy of the measuring tape and the layout or reference lines. Too improve layout accuracy, make a
plan on where and how to measure and double check your layouts.

How to Position, Align and Secure Anchor Bolts

Use one or two anchor bolt templates securely attached to the formwork to position, align and secure
anchor bolts. Dennis Purinton with Purinton Builders, Inc. located in East Granby, Conn. makes plywood
anchor bolt templates in the shop as shown in Photo 2. Purinton says it is just important to mark the
template alignment relative to the foundation as measuring and drilling the bolt holes in the correct
location. For a template to work correctly, use two nuts per bolt with the template sandwiched in
between.

For tall bolt projections and to minimize anchor bolt variations from plumb, use two templates. The
bottom template should be located close to the concrete and the top template located near the top of
the anchor bolts. Similar to a single template, use two nuts per bolt per template.

If necessary, reposition steel reinforcement that interferes with anchor bolt location or alignment. If the
reinforcement cannot be repositioned or will not meet tolerances after repositioning, contact the
architect/engineer. Be sure templates are stiff enough not to deflect and securely attach templates to
the formwork. After installing, recheck the location and alignment of the anchor bolts.

Mitigating misplaced or misaligned anchor bolts

Of course, the type of repair depends on how much the anchor bolt or group of bolts are out of position
or how much an individual bolt is out of plumb. Below are some repair options for different conditions:

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a) For anchor bolts misplaced by less than one bolt diameter, field cutting to enlarge or slot the
corresponding holes in the steel base plate is the best option.

b) For anchor bolts misplaced by more than one bolt diameter, consider cutting off the misplaced
bolts, drill new holes in the correct location, and set new anchor bolts with epoxy. Drilling new holes can
be difficult due to existing steel reinforcement and reinforcement should not be cut unless approved by
the architect/engineer. In lieu of drilling new holes and epoxying new anchor bolts, consider welding a
new bolt to the side of the projecting bolt stub.(6)

c) Depending on the situation, it may be possible to cut off the base plate from the column and install
a new base plate that accommodates the misplaced anchor bolts.

d) For misaligned or bent anchor bolts (Photo 3) that will not allow the base plate to fit over the bolts,
consider bending the bolts into position. Chip away concrete to allow for an “S” bend and cold bend the
bolt. Typically, only Grade 36 bolts should be cold bent and the bend should be limited to 45 degrees or
less. Bolt diameters up to about one inch can be cold bent and bolts exceeding one inch can be heated
as directed by the architect/engineer to make bending easier. After bending, bolts should be inspected
for cracks. If needed, bolts can be load tested to verify tensile strength.

All methods for relocating, realignment anchor bolts or base plate modifications require the approval of
the architect/engineer. The Code of Federal Regulations, 29-CFR Chapter XVII, Section 1926.755 (B) for
column erection stability, states:

a) Anchor rods (anchor bolts) shall not be repaired, replaced, or field modified without the approval of
the project structural engineer of record.

b) Prior to the erection of a column, the controlling contractor shall provide written notification to the
steel erector if there has been any repair, replacement or modification of the anchor rods (anchor bolts)
of that column.

In closing, be sure to understand what anchor bolt tolerances apply to your job, use either single or
double templates with double nuts to position, align and secure the anchor bolts. Before placing
concrete, recheck the anchor bolts for proper location and alignment.

References

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