Yes, urban benches can absolutely be bolted directly to a concrete slab, and it's often the preferred method for permanent, secure installation in public spaces. However, doing it correctly is crucial for safety and longevity. You cannot simply drill a hole and use a standard screw. The proper method involves using concrete anchors, also known as masonry anchors or bolts.
The most common and reliable type is the wedge anchor or sleeve anchor. The process starts with carefully marking the exact positions of the bench's mounting holes on the concrete. Using a hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit, you drill holes into the slab to the specific diameter and depth required by your chosen anchors. It's vital to blow out all concrete dust from the holes afterward. The anchor is then inserted, the bench is positioned over it, and as the nut is tightened, the anchor expands inside the concrete, creating an incredibly strong mechanical lock.
Key considerations include ensuring the concrete slab is thick and structurally sound enough to handle the load, checking for any embedded utilities or rebar before drilling, and using corrosion-resistant, tamper-resistant hardware for public areas. While bolting provides maximum security, it is a permanent solution. For temporary or flexible installations, alternative methods like using freestanding weighted benches or surface-mounted base plates might be considered. Properly executed, bolting a bench directly to a concrete slab creates a vandal-resistant and safe fixture for any urban environment.