post and beam construction

[dukie]

We are trying to build a 12 x32 screen porch (shed roof design) on an existing concrete slab, and then coming back and roof the entire house with a metal roof.  We are gong to use 4x6 posts spaced 8 feet apart. Living in Florida, we were going to use galvanixed 5/8 x 6 wedge anchors to attach the simpson brackets.  However, galvanized 5/8" wedge anchor aren't available locally - 1/2" are all over the place!  Would you recommend using 1/2" wedge anchors or to use the epoxy system to set the bolts in concrete- or special order the 5/8"?  We are leaning toward epoxy - has anyone used this product and can tell us the pros and cons? Thanks for any information!!

[glenn kangiser]

I assume no inspections.

Epoxy requires special inspection if it requires permits most of the time.  They want to make sure you have a 1/8 (sometimes 1/16 but not common) oversized of proper depth - usually around 4" minimum embedment- that you blow - brush and blow out the hole again -- that you understand that you must start filling from the bottom and that you twist and install the andhor - that epoxy pushes up out of the hole indicating you put enough in.

1/2 inch wedge anchors should be more than sufficient assuming 2 per post minimum unless an engineer or architect has noted otherwise.  

Welcome to the forum.

[sdextereo]

Hey Glenn,
I do this epoxy bit all of the time at my day job.
I usualy have to dowel into concrete where rebar was left out
do to inconvenience to the concrete formwork, or was overlooked
during forming. We have a special inspector who watches the process.

[glenn kangiser]

Yup -Special Inspector is required when they care.  I have been on jobs where they don't care as long as it's done right.

I prefer Hilti HY150.  Sets fast and holds and I can move on.  Hung about a thousand lb beam on the side of a shopping center about 20 feet up and the Hilti was what I was depending on to keep it there.  That and shear on the bolts.

You work on the big stuff?