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Motivated by the lack of testing and consensus among published specifications and guidelines, American Electric Power (AEP) sought to identify appropriate methods and assumptions when designing anchor bolts (rods) that support substation and transmission line structures with un-grouted base plates. This paper examines various guidelines and standards for designing cast-in-place anchor bolts, highlighting the differences and similarities across multiple industries including telecom, petroleum, electrical, building, and transportation. It delves into specific aspects of anchor design, such as tensile, shear, and bending strength, while emphasizing the inconsistencies and conservatism found in methodologies relevant to substation and transmission line structures. The paper explores the implications of these varying methods, particularly under combined loading conditions, where the interaction of shear, tension, and bending stresses is complex and not uniformly addressed. Most available research and testing on the combined interactive loading behavior of anchors has been driven by the transportation industry, where testing primarily focuses on the predominant application of shear loading. Anchors supporting substation and transmission line structures are often dominated by axial demands because of the need to resist overturning moments. Due to the lack of relevant anchor testing in this application, finite element models were created to determine the most appropriate methods, assumptions, or combinations thereof, for designing un-grouted standoff anchors in these contexts. The paper concludes by proposing a design methodology that strikes a balance between reliability and economy, aligns with current practices, and is validated through finite element analysis.