Why Rack Is Anchored
Anchors hold the footplate to the slab so a bumped frame stays plumb. Every upright gets anchored.
The Parts
What the Engineer Specifies
| Item | Set by | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor size | Rack maker or engineer | Pull-out and shear rating |
| Embedment | Anchor maker's spec, into sound concrete | Shallow anchors pull out |
| Slab | Thickness and strength checked against the load | Thin or cracked slabs need engineering |
| Edge distance | Anchor maker's spec, from slab edges and joints | Anchors near an edge split the concrete |
| Anchors per plate | The engineered anchor schedule | Set by the rack engineer |
| Plumb | 1/2" in 10' max out of plumb | Beyond that, have the frame checked |
In seismic zones and on tall rack, the engineer sizes anchors and may ask for a slab test.
How We Install
- Lay out rows and laser-plumb the first frame.
- Drill, clean, drive and torque.
- Shim before tightening.
- Avoid joints and cracks.
- Spot-check torque for the inspector.
Floor Problems We See
Thin slabs, radiant heat, post-tension cables, chipping epoxy. Each has a fix if we know before install day. Send a floor photo.
Common questions
Does pallet rack have to be anchored?
Yes. The rack standard requires every upright column anchored, and inspectors check.
What size anchors are used for pallet racking?
Whatever the rack maker or engineer specifies for your frames and slab. Tall, heavy or seismic jobs get bigger anchors, deeper embedment and more per plate.
Can rack be anchored on a floor with radiant heat or post-tension cables?
Yes, after scanning so holes miss the lines, sometimes with adhesive anchors. Tell us before install.
What if my floor is not level?
Shims keep the column plumb, within the maker's shim limits. Past those limits, the engineer needs to know.
