Titen concrete anchors

[PostFrameSE]

I'm wondering if others have experience with post-installed concrete anchors for EXTERIOR environments? I'm frustrated enough with the dismal success of concrete contractors casting post-brackets in place on projects that I'm ready to go to a post-installed concrete anchor. I have used Simpson Titen HD screws and love them, and our field crews do too. However, in Simpson's literature, they recommend that these fasteners be used for interior environments or temporary exterior applications only. I know that epoxy, or other adhesives are an acceptable alternative method, but the installation steps are far more critical than with the installation of a Titen screw. Crews don't like adhesives either.

I know that there are expansion-type anchors out there, but I just don't care for that thought when placing into the top of an 8" concrete wall. Does anybody have any other products that they use that are quick to install, can handle exterior environments, and are good long-term solutions? Should I be convinced that expansion-type anchors are acceptable? Has anybody had issues with hydrogen embrittlement? I believe that is what Simpson said is a potential problem with Titen's being used in exterior environments. The tension loads that I'm after are on the order of 3-6kips for a 2-anchor solution.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[XR250]

I believe these

http://www.itwredhead.com/pdfs/RH_pdfs/62-66_LDT.pdf

are rated for exterior use if the envirex coating is specified. They might also come in stainless steel.
If you have an edge distance problem with the wedge anchors on top of the wall, epoxy or the redheads listed above may be your only alternative.

 

[PostFrameSE]

Thanks. I hadn't seen those before. That may be the answer to one of my questions.

One other question..............when it comes to "developing" the tension values in unreinforced concrete.............is that what the tension values that the manufacturers specify are based on? With concrete cover and such I guess it would be pretty hard to get any overlap of anchor / rebar. So am I correct in assuming that if I meet my edge distance minimums (or take the appropriate reductions) that the tension loads in concrete are for unreinforced concrete?

Thanks again!

 

[CANPRO]

I agree with Excel. I have spec'd the Hilti equivalent of those anchors (KWIK-HUS) successfully in the past. I have received positive reviews from the guys on site. There also seems to be much less room for error in the installation. The Hilti version definitely comes in stainless steel as well. Didn't have time to really read into your 2nd question, but you should check out the Hilti literature for this anchor...they have a lot of design related info in their manual. The below link might also help answer your question.

http://www.icc-es.org/Reports/pdf_files/ESR-3027.pdf

 

[manstrom]

The Titen's steel is hardened. The hardening process does not play well with exterior environments. I would assume that it is the same for the HUS EZ.

When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.

-R. Buckminster Fuller

 

[CANPRO]

manstrom, what are your concerns with the hardened steel and exterior use? I'm not disagreeing here, just want to know more.

The ICC report I link to for the KWIK-HUS states "5.15 Use of carbon steel anchors is limited to dry, interior locations." Which implies that the stainless steel anchor is acceptable for exterior use.

PostFrame - a call to your local Redhead or Hilti rep might be worth the time. I've always had prompt and informative replies from the Hilti crew.

 

[PostFrameSE]

I too would like to understand the exterior use issue as well. Like I posted earlier, I've heard words like "hydrogen embrittlement" but that doesn't mean a whole lot to me.

 

[CANPRO]

PostFrame, in the ICC report just above the section I quoted a few minutes ago it says

"5.14 Anchors have been evaluated for reliability against brittle failure and found to be not significantly sensitive to stress-induced hydrogen embrittlement"

I don't know if this relates to manstrom's concerns about the exterior use.

 

[sandman21]

No screw anchor is rated for exterior use, Simpson and others are working on a stainless version for the anchors. However currently none exist, you are limited to stainless expansion anchors or epoxy anchors

 

[CANPRO]

Hilti does make a stainless steel screw anchor. See link below. The anchor I linked to before, it turns out was not rated for exterior use. The stainless steel version of this anchor doesn't seem to show up on the Canadian or American Hilti website, so it may not be available in North America (PostFrameSE, I'm assuming you're American).

https://www.hilti.com.au/anchor-systems/screw-anchors/r6255

 

[PostFrameSE]

Thanks for the feedback. I can't dive into responses right now but hope to later today or tomorrow. I am American.

 

[sandman21]

No, ICC or ACI 318 screw anchor in the US.

 

[SLTA]

Try calling Simpson, and asking for their engineering department. They're super helpful and may have thoughts on this that aren't widely available.

Please remember: we're not all guys!

 

[StrucDesignPE]

What about Powers Wedge Bolt + screw anchor?

I don't have my powers book here in front of me, but it seems like it was okay for exterior use.