Field Testing for Epoxy Anchors 1

[STR04]

All,

Can anyone recommend a testing procedure for testing epoxy anchors? I spoke with Hilti and they said there is no real standard used for this procedure. They did say 1.5 x Allowable load is the goal for pullout strength, not to exceed 2.0. Does anyone have any other suggestions or know of a documented procedure?

TIA

 

[PEinc]

I don't know of any specific testing procedure. However, the test should consider three failure modes: 1. tensile or shear strength of the anchor bolt, 2. strength of the epoxy bond, and 3. the capacity of the base concrete or masonry for pull out or shear.

 

[henri2]

A lot of Hilti epoxy anchors have ICC-ES approvals based on AC 58

http://www.icc-es.org/criteria/pdf_files/ac58.pdf

and one of the testing methods utilized is ASTM E 488 Standard Test Methods for Strength of Anchors in Concrete and Masonry Elements. For the scope of ASTM E 488

http://engineers.ihs.com/document/abstract/SFMDDBAAAAAAAAAA

For Hilti ICC-ES evaluation reports check this link

http://www.icc-es.org/reports/index.cfm

The city of Los Angeles dept of Bldg and Safety uses this for evaluation of epoxy anchors in the field

http://www.ladbs.org/faq/info bulletins/building code/IB-P-BC 2002-092 Drilled-in Anchors.pdf

Consider discussing this with a construction materials testing lab in your area.

 

[Lutfi]

I attended once a workshop sponsored by Simpson. During the seminar it was stated that certain building codes require that epoxy bolt allowable capacities be cut in half if the holes are not inspected. You may want to contact them for guidance.

If I was to inspect, I would look for the following:

1. Proper hole size, as recommended by manufacturer for certain application.
2. The hole is clean from dust and foreign matter.
3. The hole depth is as required
4. The hole is dry and free from moisture.




Regards,
Lutfi

 

[CUBUFF]

I know a contractor who installed the anchors without having a building inspector on site in a commercial building. He was required to hire a testing lab to test them on site. They all checked out okay but it did cost. I believe PSI was the testing lab.

Jim

 

[woodengineer]

I attended a seminar put on by Powers at the end of last year. I remember asking the question regarding pullout strength and testing procedures. Contact them:

http://www.powers.com

There was also a lot of discussion regarding factors of safety, and un-cracked concrete provisions in the new ACI code.

Jordan