How soon after installation can anchor rods be subjected to service loads?

The recommended practice for subjecting anchor rods to service loads is typically based on the strength and curing characteristics of the concrete in which they are embedded. The preferred standard is to wait until the concrete reaches its specified 28-day strength. This timeframe ensures that the concrete has cured adequately and achieved the maximum compressive strength, which is essential for supporting the anchor rods under service conditions.

Waiting for the concrete to attain its full 28-day strength is particularly important in applications where safety and structural integrity are paramount. At this point, the concrete will have developed the necessary properties for load-bearing capacity and the risk of cracking or failure due to inadequate strength is significantly minimized. This ensures that the anchor rods can perform effectively, support the structure as intended, and reduce the potential for excessive deflections or failures.

While other options suggest using a percentage of the 28-day strength or earlier strength metrics, the full 28-day strength is widely accepted as the most reliable benchmark for ensuring the solid performance of the concrete and the safety of the entire structure.