Nelson Shear Studs

[CWIC]

Are Nelson Shear Studs approved for use other than for composite decking? I had always assumed they could be used for many applications such as embeds, tying in columns to grade beams, etc. I have inspected and welded (per approved plans) these back in my rod burning days.

The ICBO ES report ER-2614 only recognizes these for use in composite decking. Recently, several building depts. have rejected these for use other than that listed in the scope of the ES report. ICBO ES concurs with this conclusion.

Questions or Comments?

 

[JedClampett]

I've noticed this. I don't know why Nelson doesn't perform the tests and have an ICBO report prepared for anchorage uses. I hope it's just an oversight.
You can use Section 1923 in the 1997 UBC to design anchorages using headed studs. I realize it's a major pain, but I don't think any building department would have a problem with it.

 

[CWIC]

Hi Jed:
As I noted previously, building depts. are rejecting these for use other than what is recognized in the ES report. The design is not rejected, only the single element (stud) as it is not considered an "approved" product.

I used be a consultant to ICBO ES, Nelson has never submitted any data other than use for composite decking applications. Additional applications can be listed in one report if satisfactory test data is submitted and approved by ES.

I think this is the opening of a can o' worms.

 

[JedClampett]

I guess my response to the building department would be "A W8x18 doesn't have an ES report. Neither do #5 rebars or 3/4 in. A325 bolts." I consider these commodities that are produced to certain requirements and can be depended on to work to an acceptable reliability.
What do you think?

 

[CWIC]

Jed:
The more I think about this, the more I tend to lean towards the following thought; The Engineer can specify whatever component, element or system in his/her design they feel will be adequate for the intended service or loading. In our case, to specify a stud that complies with a specific criteria (i.e.: ICBO ES) does not mean it cannot be used.

An A490 may be used in place of an A307 fastener, if that is specified. An approved adhesive may be specified for an application other than what was tested for in an evaluation report. Approval in an ICBO, NES, BOCA, etc. report does not LIMIT the use of any product.

 

[Ron]

JedClampett...well put! I have relied on such provisions to design "odd elements", including studs as anchorage. There is a company call "StudRail" that does a few different things with stud combinations. They might have some data.

Sometimes though, if ya can't dazzle 'em with brilliance.......

 

[rowe]

In 1999, PCA published "Strength Design of Anchorage to Concrete" which includes the use of "nelson" studs for shear and tension. I can't recall exactly, but I believe the publication cost about $10-$15.

 

[epr]

Nelson headed studs and deformed bar anchors have been used in precast concrete elements for years, and the question had never arisen.