Epoxy Dowel and Post-Installed Anchor Special Inspection

Epoxy dowels are post-installed reinforcing-bar connections

“Epoxy inspection” commonly means special inspection of reinforcing bars or threaded rods installed into hardened concrete or masonry with an adhesive system. The work may be described on the plans as epoxy dowels, adhesive anchors, post-installed reinforcing bars, chemical anchors or post-installed anchors.

The exact term matters less than the approved detail. It identifies what is being connected, the specified product, bar or anchor diameter, embedment and installation requirements.

Adhesive anchors and mechanical anchors are inspected differently

Adhesive anchors and epoxy dowels are bonded into prepared holes with an approved adhesive. The special inspector may verify the hole, cleaning procedure, adhesive condition and dispensing, bar or rod insertion, embedment and required cure time.

Mechanical anchors develop their hold by expanding, undercutting or otherwise engaging the concrete or masonry. The special inspector may verify the anchor type and size, location, spacing, edge distance, hole and embedment, installation method and required installation torque. Torque verification is ordinarily performed after installation. The approved plans and product evaluation report control the exact procedure.

Can the holes be drilled and cleaned before the special inspector arrives?

Yes, for work that permits periodic special inspection. The holes may be drilled and initially cleaned before the special inspector arrives if they remain empty, open and accessible. Before epoxy installation, the special inspector must verify that the holes are the correct diameter and depth and are properly cleaned. The special inspector must also observe the epoxy installation as required by the approved plans and product evaluation report. Continuous special inspection requirements still apply where specified.

What the special inspector may verify

• Approved adhesive or mechanical anchor product and current evaluation report.
• Concrete or masonry base material and installation location.
• Anchor, threaded rod or reinforcing-bar type, diameter, spacing and edge distance.
• Drill type, bit diameter, hole depth and drilling orientation.
• Hole-cleaning tools and the manufacturer’s required cleaning sequence.
• Adhesive expiration date, storage condition, dispensing and installation temperature.
• Required embedment, gel and cure time, and protection from movement or loading during cure.
• Required installation torque for mechanical anchors.
• Separately specified proof loading or other testing when required by the building official or approved documents.

Common reasons the work cannot be accepted

• The installed product is not the product specified in the approved documents.
• The hole diameter, depth or drilling method does not match the approved system.
• Dust or debris remains because the required cleaning sequence was not completed.
• The adhesive is expired, improperly stored or installed outside its permitted temperature range.
• The bar or anchor lacks the required embedment, spacing or edge distance.
• The connection is disturbed or loaded before the required cure time.
• Critical installation steps were completed before the required special inspection.

What ASI needs to confirm the assignment

1. Project address and jurisdiction. Special-inspector qualifications and approval requirements vary.
2. Permit number and approved plans. Include the applicable anchor or dowel detail and Statement of Special Inspections.
3. Specified product and evaluation report. Send the approved adhesive or mechanical anchor system—not an alternative product.
4. Installation information. Provide the anchor, rod or bar size, approximate quantity, base material and drilling orientation.
5. Date and start time. Schedule before adhesive or mechanical-anchor installation begins.
6. Site contact. Provide the field contact’s name and mobile number.

Frequently asked questions