Lifting Anchors for Precast Concrete Accessories
Lifting anchors are a key installation component for precast concrete accessories like benches, planters, fountains, and retaining walls. The anchors provide secure attachment points, allowing the precast pieces to be lifted, positioned, and connected during installation. Anchors are embedded into the accessories while they are cast. Rigging equipment then attaches to the lifting anchors, enabling the precast concrete accessories to be moved from the casting facility, hoisted into precise locations, aligned properly, lowered safely, and secured into place. The use of lifting anchors streamlines the installation of precast concrete accessories.
Enabling Safe Lifting and Handling of Precast Pieces
The lifting anchors used with precast concrete accessories must support considerable loads when raising, moving, and placing the pieces, making load-bearing strength vital. Different anchor designs reliably handle loads ranging from 1,000 lbs for smaller accessories up to over 100,000 lbs for large precast elements. The capacity is determined by the anchor material strength and plate size. Hot-dipped galvanized steel and stainless steel are common anchor materials in precast applications, providing corrosion resistance to match the concrete. Anchor manufacturers test and certify the safe working load limits.
Applications Across Many Precast Concrete Accessories
Initially used mainly with structural building components, lifting anchor use has expanded to almost all types of precast concrete accessories:
– Planters – Anchors allow large planters to be positioned and secured where desired.
– Benches – Lifting anchors enable precast benches to be installed safely on site.
– Fountains – Water feature components can be aligned properly during installation.
– Retaining walls – Anchors make lifting and placing precast retaining wall units efficient.
– Outdoor furnishings – Precast furniture and fire pits rely on anchors for placement.
– Statutory – Lifting and orienting heavy precast statues requires anchor points.
Choosing the Optimal Lifting Anchors
Several factors guide the selection of the best lifting anchor for a given precast concrete accessory:
– Load rating – The accessory’s weight and safety margin determine capacity needs.
– Location – Anchor placement must allow balanced lifting.
– Environment – Potential corrosion influences required coatings.
– Geometry – Plate and stud designs must suit attachment and loading.
– Fit – Anchor must seat properly in concrete without hitting reinforcing bars.
– Standards – Applications may require certification to lifting standards.
Planning Anchor Use in Accessory Design
The precast accessory’s size and shape dictate the lifting loads and stresses. This determines the number, location, and capacity of anchors needed. Smaller inserts work for some planters, while large precast retaining walls may need 10-12 high-capacity anchors. Shock loading during installation and special tilt/rotation requirements also influence anchor specifications. Engineers analyze the expected forces to design an optimal anchoring scheme.
Conclusion
Lifting anchors enable the safe, efficient installation of precast concrete accessories by providing secure attachment points for lifting and handling the pieces. Understanding factors like required capacity, quantities, locations, and project requirements allows the inclusion of properly designed anchors in precast concrete accessories.
