Static field route #19063

What do I do if my anchor drill hits steel or rebar in a post-tension slab?

Hanger Systems, Rods, Straps, Trapeze & Anchors🟥 STOP / VERIFYV190 answer-gap expansion

📖 Verified core answer

Stop drilling immediately. Do not force the bit through steel in a post-tension or structural slab. Mark the location, protect the hole, and get direction before relocating anchors or scanning the slab.

Open in Field Rescue Open category

Field verification checklist

Stop drilling and keep the bit from chewing deeper into the obstruction.
Mark the hole location, gridline/room, deck elevation, and affected hanger or trapeze.
Check whether the slab is post-tensioned, structural concrete, metal deck, or has embedded services.
Look for project rules requiring scanning/GPR before drilling.
Ask before shifting anchors, abandoning holes, or changing the support layout.

Ask foreman

I hit steel while drilling the anchor for this trapeze at [location]. I stopped right away, marked the hole, and checked whether this slab needs scanning. Do you want me to hold for GPR/structural direction or shift to an approved anchor location?

Text to foreman

Route options

AMake the field correction only if it is within your assignment and the approved method.

BHold and document the condition if the fix affects airflow, access, life safety, pressure class, rated assemblies, equipment, or another trade.

CBring the foreman/detailer the location, what you checked, and what decision you need before cover, startup, or rework.

Do not do this

Do not force a hammer drill through steel in a structural slab or guess that it is “just rebar.”

Why this matters

Damaging a tendon, structural steel, conduit, or embedded system can create a major safety, structural, electrical, or liability problem.

Verification basis

Approved drawings/specs, project coordination drawings, manufacturer instructions/submittals, shop standards, foreman/detailer direction, employer policy, and AHJ/code requirements.