Foundation L-Bolts loose / wiggle in the concrete – Solutions??!!
I was at the job site yesterday prepping for back-fill, drainage and grading work when I noticed that some of the L-bolts that were installed were loose. I can wiggle them side to side a bit but not up and down. The mason’s boss is coming out today to have a look and hopefully a plan to fix them but I don’t want a half a** solution or one that isn’t structural so I am posting here for suggestions. FYI, my foundation walls are brick / block.
I did a bit of research online regarding this issue and it seems to occur occasionally and is attributed to either the bolts being placed too late without the concrete being fully consolidated around them or they are simply bumped after being set but before the concrete is cured.
What are my options for fixing this situation that won’t result in collateral damage?
Thanks!
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Replies
Bruno-
If it were me I'd cut them off and use Titan anchors or something similar at a different location. Maybe try to seal the cutoff ones with something.
You could try to inject epoxy into the gap next to the bolt. Simpson Strong-Tie has some products that would work. But like Steve, I'd be inclined to cut them off (or keep them in place) and add Simpson Titen HD anchors.
My guess is that it would be difficult to get enough epoxy deep enough in the hole to really make a structural improvement. You’re more likely to make the bolt feel secure when it’s really not, so the epoxy would probably only give you false security.
I also think the best way to go here is to cut off the loose bolts and set some suitable anchors nearby (but not too close to the old weak anchors).
Bill
Bill, I agree that the epoxy won't add to uplift resistance, but the hook on the J-bolt should still be well-embedded so as long as the bolt isn't flopping around in the hole, I don't think it's a major issue. I don't work in seismically active zones, though; anyone who does should take extra precautions.
I tend to agree, but most of the time when I’ve been involved with anchor bolts set in concrete, it’s been at telecommunications sites where the bolts are holding up 100+ foot high cellphone towers — a rather more demanding application than a mud sill! :-) projects like that and the structural engineers involved make you paranoid about this kind of thing.
Bill