Wherever steel meets concrete, something has to hold the two together. Examples include:
- embed plates in foundations
- connection points in precast panels
- equipment bases on plant floors
In many of these applications, the answer is the headed concrete anchor stud. It is a simple fastener that does a critical job, and stud welding is one of the most efficient ways to install it.
What Is a Headed Anchor Stud?
A headed anchor stud is a round steel stud with an enlarged head at one end. The other end is welded to a steel plate or member. Once the assembly is cast into concrete, the head locks into the surrounding concrete and resists pullout, while the shank resists shear. Together, they transfer load between the steel and the concrete.
Why Weld Studs for Concrete Instead of Other Methods?
Welding headed anchors with a drawn arc stud welder offers clear advantages over bent bars, manual welding or bolted assemblies:
- Full base fusion. The entire end of the stud is welded, creating a strong, consistent connection.
- Speed. Each weld takes well under a second, which adds up quickly on plates with many anchors.
- Consistency. The machine controls the weld, so results don’t depend on one operator’s technique.
- No holes. The plate stays intact, with no drilling or through bolts.
Where Headed Concrete Anchors Are Used
Headed anchor studs show up across construction and industry, including:
- embed plates for beams, columns and stairs
- precast and tilt up concrete panels
- bridge and infrastructure work
- equipment and machinery foundations
Headed studs are also used as shear connectors in composite floor construction, where they tie steel beams to the concrete slab.
Mild Steel or Stainless Steel Anchors?
Mild low carbon steel anchors are the standard choice for most embedded applications, where the concrete protects the steel.
Stainless steel anchors make sense where corrosion is a real concern. Examples include:
- exposed connections
- wet or chemical environments
- structures that face road salt and freeze thaw cycles through Canadian winters
Davis Stud Welding supplies both mild low carbon steel headed concrete anchors and stainless steel headed concrete anchors.
Getting the Installation Right
- Use the correct ferrules. Headed anchors are drawn arc welded with ferrules that shape and protect the weld.
- Match stud size to plate thickness. The plate must be thick enough to support the weld without burning through.
- Clean the weld area. Heavy mill scale, paint, rust or moisture on the plate can compromise the weld.
- Test before production. Structural work is usually governed by the welding code your project specifies, such as CSA W59 or AWS D1.1. Test welds and bend checks confirm your setup before full production.
- Inspect every weld. Look for a complete, even fillet around the full base of each stud.
What to Confirm Before You Order
Have these details ready when requesting headed anchors:
- stud diameter
- length (studs get slightly shorter during welding, so confirm whether your drawing lists the length before or after welding)
- head size
- material
- quantity
- matching ferrules
Headed Concrete Anchor FAQ
What is a headed concrete anchor used for?
It connects steel plates or members to concrete by resisting pullout and shear once cast in place.
How are headed anchor studs installed?
They are welded to steel using a drawn arc stud welder and ferrules, then cast into concrete.
When should I use stainless headed anchors?
Use them where the connection faces moisture, chemicals or road salt.
Do headed anchors get shorter when welded?
Yes. A small amount of length is consumed during the weld, so plan for it.
Are headed studs the same as shear connectors?
They are very similar. Headed studs used in composite floors are often called shear connectors.
Order Headed Concrete Anchors from Davis Stud Welding
Planning an embed plate or concrete connection project? Davis Stud Welding can supply the right headed anchors, ferrules and welding equipment for the job. Call 1 (855) 720-2977, contact our team or request a quote today.