On the construction site of precast concrete buildings, when huge wall panels or floor slabs are steadily hoisted, few people notice the inconspicuous metal anchors on the components. However, the two key components, "installation anchors" and "lifting anchors," although similar in appearance, play completely different roles. Confusing them can lead to serious safety hazards.

I. Lifting Anchor: The Starting Point of Lifting

Lifting anchors are key devices used for lifting precast concrete components during the production stage. They are typically pre-embedded or installed on the component during production, primarily used to lift the component from the precast site and transport it to the installation location. The design focus of lifting anchors is to withstand the vertical tensile forces during lifting, ensuring the component remains stable and preventing damage due to uneven lifting forces.

Features

- Load-bearing capacity: Lifting anchors need to have sufficient load-bearing capacity to cope with the weight of the component and the dynamic loads during lifting.

- Installation location: Usually installed near the component's center of gravity to ensure balance during lifting.

- Single-use: After the component is installed in place, lifting anchors are usually no longer used; their main function is to facilitate transportation from precast to the installation location.

II. Erection Anchors: The Key to Precise Positioning

Installation anchors are primarily used for fixing and positioning precast components at their installation locations. After the component is hoisted to the designated position, the installation anchor, through its connection with the main structure, ensures the component remains stable during installation and ultimately achieves a secure connection with the main structure. The design focus of installation anchors is to provide sufficient tensile, shear, and pull-out resistance to ensure the safety of the component during installation and use.

Features

- Connection Method: Installation anchors are typically connected to the main structure using bolts, welding, or chemical anchors.

- Long-Term Use: Installation anchors continue to function after the component is installed, ensuring the stability of the component throughout its entire service life.

-  Precision Requirements: Installation anchors require high precision in their installation position and connection to ensure accurate positioning of the component.

III. Differences between the two

Why is strict differentiation necessary?

Safety Risk: If a temporary anchor intended only for lifting is mistakenly used as a permanent installation anchor, its load-bearing capacity and durability cannot be guaranteed, potentially leading to connection failure and posing a serious safety hazard.

Functional Mismatch: The location of the installation anchor is determined through precise structural calculations. If it is incorrectly subjected to force at a non-designed lifting point during temporary lifting, it may cause component cracking and damage.