What is a common failure mode for adhesive anchors?

Pulled-out failure due to inadequate bonding is a well-documented concern in the use of adhesive anchors. This failure mode occurs when the adhesive does not adequately bond the anchor to the substrate, leading to the anchor being pulled out under load. This can result from a variety of factors including improper installation, contamination of the surfaces being bonded, or the use of an adhesive that is not suitable for the particular substrate or conditions.

To achieve reliable performance of adhesive anchors, it is critical that the bonding surface is clean, dry, and prepared according to the manufacturer's specifications. Proper mixing of the adhesive and understanding the curing time are also crucial to avoid scenarios where the anchor may not reach its designed load capacity, thus resulting in a pulled-out failure.

Understanding this failure mode helps to emphasize the importance of following best practices during adhesion surface preparation and installation to ensure safety and effectiveness in anchoring applications.