Hilti X-HVB shear connectors

[cdowney4]

Does anyone have experience using Hilti X-HVB shear connectors as an alternative to traditional welded shear studs for composite flexural members? Or have an opinion on their suitability and/or code-compliance in the U.S.?

They seem like a reasonable alternative, with data to justify their shear capacity, but the AISC code seems clear on the definition of a "steel anchor" as a "headed stud or hot rolled channel welded to a steel member..."

The wording of the AISC definition would seem to preclude the Hilti anchors since they are not welded (attached with powder-actuated fasteners) and are not hot-rolled (cold-formed).

I'm not necessarily an engineer that follows the letter of the code when I am confident in my engineering judgement, but am having my doubts on these due to the code language and seeming lack of statements by the AISC or others on their acceptability.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[bones206]

I don't have any experience with these or insight into the code path, but I am aware of Vulcraft Ecospan joists, which have a screwed in shear stud. Probably a similar situation as far as code compliance.

 

[OldDawgNewTricks]

AISC 360 doesn't preclude using other fasteners. In that case, section A1 applies:

However, most U.S AHJ's require that alternative designs have a current ICC-ES evaluation report. From scanning the website, it doesn't appear that the Hilti connectors have an ICC-ES report yet. They may be able to provide you with some literature or reports that the AHJ will accept.