Fixing Misaligned Anchor Bolts

What do I do if I poured my anchor bolts in the wrong position?

This is a common problem, and one that can be very

difficult to remedy once the concrete is cured. As with most job-site fixes, the repair method depends
on the nature of the problem and when in the construction process it is first noted. The repair method
may be different if one bolt is out of place or if the entire anchor pattern has been misaligned. If the
error is discovered before the column base plate has been fabricated, it might be possible to use a
different pattern or even a different base plate.

If one or more rods in a pattern are out of alignment after the column has been fabricated, the easiest
and most common repair is to slot the base plate, and use a plate washer to span the slot. If the entire
bolt pattern is off uniformly, it might be possible to cut the base plate off and offset it on the column to
accommodate the out of place bolts.

If the anchor rod or rods are more than a few inches out of position, the best solution may be to cut off
the existing rods and install new drilled-in epoxy-type anchor rods. When using such rods, carefully
follow the epoxy manufacturer’s installation recommendations, and provide inspection as required in
the applicable building code. Take care to locate the holes to avoid any reinforcing steel in the concrete
foundation. If any reinforcing steel is cut, a check of the effect on foundation strength should be made.

More detailed information can be found in section 2.11.1 of AISC Design Guide 1. It is also
recommended that your project engineer should be consulted before any of these repairs are
undertaken to make sure the best method for the specific application is chosen.

Andrew MacKinnon

February 24, 2018 at 9:26 am

Hi Dane,

First of all, always good to cross paths with one of the clan! I am a MacKinnon from Lochaber in
Scotland.

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The query is regarding several sets of cast in bolts out that are slightly out of alignment, some 60mm
some 25mm. The contractor wanted to use slotted holes I the baseplate to rectify, but this has been
knocked back, so the proposal is to cut the cast in bolts and grout them in. We will then position the
baseplate in the correct position and fix using resin anchors.

My concern is that the pilot hole for the resin anchors may be clipping the grout used to encase the cast
in bolts, is this acceptable?

Reply

Dane McKinnon

February 26, 2018 at 12:27 pm

@Andrew- I read through the section of AISC Design Guide 1 that discusses foundation repair, and I did
not see anything that addresses drilling into or close to the grout pocket, so I can’t really make any
recommendations. Apologies.

Reply

Sai

November 10, 2016 at 2:13 am

HI

The anchor bolts are not properly fitting to base plate due to execution error. i am willing to cut my base
plate bu using gas welding and keep set right of base plate. Is this method preferrable o? can you please
suggest any other cutting method.

Reply

Dane McKinnon

November 10, 2016 at 1:45 pm

@Sai- I believe cutting the base plate either mechanically or with gas is acceptable but you should
consult with the project engineer to make certain it will be acceptable in your application.

Reply

Emad Hassan

March 9, 2016 at 9:14 pm

dear Mr. Dane,

very nice explanation while considering all issues

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suppose we plan to replace one anchor bolt or more by make a concrete core around then put new
anchor bolt and grouting

if during core cut some reinforced steel bars of foundation, what is suitable solution to repair? is epoxy
grouting can help for this issue ? or other type of grouting?

Reply

Dane McKinnon

March 11, 2016 at 12:24 pm

@Emad- Apologies, but I am not sure how to repair cut rebar. You may need to contact an engineer with
experience with that problem.

Reply

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