If anchor bolts do not align with shop drawings, which field adjustment method is typically used?

• A. Re-tapping anchor bolts
• B. Replacing all anchor bolts with longer ones
• C. Using shims and re-tamping anchor bolts
• D. Relocating column location on the foundation

Answer: (C)

When anchor bolts don’t line up with the shop drawings, the typical field fix is to use shims under the base plate and re-tamp around the bolts. The bolts are embedded in the concrete, so you can’t realistically move them or retap them in place. Shims let you adjust the base plate position to match the intended bolt pattern, and then re-tamping (grout or cementitious material around the bolts) secures the alignment and ensures proper load transfer. This approach preserves the engineered connection without redesigns or costly bolt replacement, and it avoids the impractical option of moving the column or altering embedded anchors.