Types of Anchors – How to Choose the Right Anchor
Anchors create secure connections between components and base materials such as concrete, masonry or hollow construction materials. Choosing the right anchor depends on the application, the loads involved, the substrate and the conditions in which the fixing will be installed.
From lightweight fixings through to structural anchoring in concrete, different anchor types are designed to meet different performance requirements. Understanding how they work and where they should be used is the first step towards selecting a reliable anchoring solution.
Understanding the main types of anchors
Anchors can be broadly grouped by intended application and performance. The categories below provide a useful starting point, but actual anchor suitability and load capacity must always be verified against the relevant product approval and application conditions.
Light-duty anchors
Light-duty anchors are typically used for applications where relatively low loads are transferred into the base material. Common examples include lightweight fixtures, cable management, signs and non-structural components.
The correct fixing depends heavily on the substrate, particularly when working with hollow materials, masonry or lightweight construction.
Medium-duty anchors
Medium-duty anchoring solutions are used where greater load capacity and reliability are required. Typical applications can include brackets, supports, handrails, services and equipment fixed to concrete or masonry.
Mechanical expansion anchors, concrete screws and other approved systems may be suitable depending on the load, substrate and installation requirements.
Heavy-duty and structural anchors
Heavy-duty anchors are designed for demanding applications where higher loads or structural performance requirements apply. Examples include steel columns, structural frames, machinery, barriers and other safety-critical connections to concrete.
Mechanical and chemical anchoring systems may both be used for structural applications. Selection should be based on the relevant approval, design requirements and actual project conditions rather than load category alone.
Important: Load categories are intended as general guidance only and should not be interpreted as design capacities. Actual anchor performance depends on the anchor, base material, concrete condition, installation geometry, spacing, edge distances, embedment depth and relevant product approval.
Anchor types at a glance
The categories below provide a general comparison of common anchoring applications. Always verify the appropriate solution for a specific application against the relevant technical documentation, product approval and design requirements.
Light-duty anchors
Typical applications
Signs, cable management, lightweight fixtures and non-structural components.
Common anchor types
Plugs, lightweight fixings and anchors for hollow materials.
General performance
Designed for relatively low-load applications.
Medium-duty anchors
Typical applications
Brackets, handrails, supports, services and equipment.
Common anchor types
Expansion anchors, sleeve anchors and concrete screws.
General performance
Suitable for applications requiring increased load capacity and reliability.
Heavy-duty and structural anchors
Typical applications
Steel structures, machinery, barriers and safety-critical connections.
Common anchor types
Wedge anchors, heavy-duty mechanical anchors and chemical anchoring systems.
General performance
Used for demanding and structural applications requiring engineered selection.
Mechanical or chemical anchors?
Mechanical and chemical anchors can both provide reliable connections to concrete, but they transfer loads into the base material differently. The correct choice depends on the application, substrate, loading conditions and installation requirements.
Mechanical anchors
Mechanical anchors transfer load into the base material through mechanisms such as expansion, undercutting or mechanical interlock. Common examples include wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, drop-in anchors and concrete screws.
They can provide a fast, practical solution where the substrate, load requirements and installation conditions are suitable.
Chemical anchors
Chemical anchoring systems use a resin to bond a threaded rod or reinforcing bar into a drilled hole. They can provide high load capacity and offer flexibility in applications where edge distances, spacing or embedment depth are important considerations.
Correct hole preparation, cleaning, resin installation and curing are essential to achieving the specified performance.
Learn more about mechanical and chemical anchors >
How to choose the right anchor
1. Understand the applied loads
Determine whether the anchorage will be subjected to tension, shear or a combination of both. Loads may also be static, dynamic or influenced by other project conditions.
Learn more about anchor loads >
2. Identify the base material
Concrete, masonry, hollow materials and lightweight substrates behave differently. The strength and condition of the base material directly influence which anchoring systems you can use.
Explore anchoring base materials >
3. Consider cracked or non-cracked concrete
Structural concrete can experience tensile stresses that lead to cracking. Anchors used in cracked concrete must be approved and designed for those conditions.
Understand pressure and tension zones >
4. Check installation and environmental conditions
Edge distance, anchor spacing, embedment depth, hole preparation, corrosion exposure, temperature, fire requirements and installation method can all affect anchor performance.
Explore anchoring conditions >
Calculate the right anchor for your application
Choosing the anchor type is only part of the design process. For structural fastenings in concrete, an anchor's suitability also depends on the interaction between loads, concrete condition, anchor geometry, spacing, edge distances and embedment depth.
The Fabory Anchor Calculator helps you design post-installed anchors for structural use in concrete in accordance with EN 1992-4. Enter your project conditions to identify suitable anchoring solutions and understand why alternative anchors may not meet the design requirements.
- Design post-installed anchors in accordance with EN 1992-4
- Calculate for cracked and non-cracked concrete
- Assess fire and seismic design conditions
- Generate calculation reports for project documentation
Use the Fabory Anchor Calculator >
Anchor standards and approvals
For structural anchoring applications in Europe, anchor selection and design should be based on the scope and performance data provided by the relevant European Technical Assessment (ETA), together with the applicable design requirements.
EN 1992-4 provides the European design framework for fastenings for use in concrete and covers factors including tension and shear loading, concrete failure modes, edge distances, spacing and anchor-group behaviour.
Depending on the market and application, additional standards or approvals may also apply. Always check the technical documentation and approvals for the specific anchoring product and application.
Explore more anchoring guidance
Continue exploring Fabory's technical anchoring guidance:
- Understanding anchor loads >
- Anchoring base materials >
- Cracked and non-cracked concrete >
- Anchoring conditions >
- Practical anchor design >
- Explore all anchoring technical guidance >
Need help selecting an anchor?
Anchor selection can become complex when structural loads, unusual substrates or demanding environmental conditions are involved. Fabory's technical specialists can help you assess your application requirements and identify suitable anchoring solutions.
Contact our technical specialists >
Frequently asked questions about anchor selection
Find answers to common questions about anchor types, selection and structural anchoring applications.
What is the difference between mechanical and chemical anchors?
Mechanical anchors transfer load into the base material through expansion, mechanical interlock or a similar mechanism. Chemical anchors use a resin to bond a threaded rod or reinforcing bar into a drilled hole. The appropriate system depends on factors including the load, base material, edge distances, spacing and installation conditions.
How do I choose the right type of anchor?
Start by considering the applied loads, base material, concrete condition, installation method and environmental conditions. For structural applications, verify anchor suitability against relevant product approvals and applicable design requirements.
Can anchors be used in cracked concrete?
Yes, but anchors used in cracked concrete must be suitable and approved for those conditions. Cracking can affect anchor performance, so the concrete condition should form part of the anchor selection and design process.
When should I calculate an anchoring application?
Design structural and safety-critical fastenings using the applicable design method and relevant product approval. For post-installed fastenings in concrete in Europe, EN 1992-4 provides the design framework used alongside performance data from the relevant European Technical Assessment.
Can the Fabory Anchor Calculator help me select an anchor?
Yes. The Fabory Anchor Calculator helps you design post-installed anchors for structural use in concrete in accordance with EN 1992-4. It evaluates project conditions and identifies suitable anchoring solutions based on the information you enter.