Titen HD vs. Strong-Bolt 2

[medeek]

I've used Titen HD anchor bolts in the past on certain interior applications but now I'm looking for a good post-install anchor bolt for ABU type post bases in exterior applications. Epoxy solutions sometimes trigger special inspections even with certain residential building departments so I am trying to avoid those. I'm looking at Simpson's Strong-Bolt 2 anchor bolt as a possible solution. Does anyone have any experience with these both good and bad?

A confused student is a good student.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE

http://www.medeek.com

 

[sandman21]

A Titen HD is only permitted for interior dry conditions section 5.17 of the ICC. This applies to all screw style anchors in the US.

 

[medeek]

That is why I am looking for post-install anchor that is not a Titen HD but does not require expoxy.

A confused student is a good student.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE

http://www.medeek.com

 

[wannabeSE]

Medeek,
You probably already figured this out. For exposed exterior locations, specify the stainless-steel Strong-Bolt 2 anchors. The zinc-paled carbon steel are for interior dry locations only.

 

[XR250]

You can buy hot dipped galv. wedge anchors. That is what I generally spec.

 

[BSVBD]

Why can't we use galvanized Simpson Titen HD?

sandman, what does ICC 5.17 say?

The code we follow is IBC, published by ICC. Therefore, i am not familiar with a set of codes or guideline literature that we need to research at the ICC level. Does this make sense?

Thank you!

 

[medeek]

On page 43 and 44 of Simpson's Wood Construction Connector catalog there is a brief summary of their more popular anchoring systems. Note that the Strong-Bolt 2 does not come in a galvanized version whereas the Wedge-All does. Any thoughts on the differences between these two products, they look very similar, granted their ratings etc... may differ, I have investigated that in enough detail yet. I'm surprised that the Strong-Bolt 2 does not come in a galvanized version. I've seen in called out in numerous structural plans at ext. locations but the stainless steel option was not specified, perhaps assumed?

The last time I called out stainless steel for hardware it was a disaster. Typical joist hangers costing less than $1.50 per unit were as much as $9.00 and the column cap was nearly $400.00, versus $45.00 for the Zmax version, I don't know who can afford to build with stainless, the prices are ridiculous. In the end I had to issue a letter, retracting my stainless only call out for something more reasonable.

A confused student is a good student.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE

http://www.medeek.com

 

[sandman21]

BSVBD, the ICC report for products has a condition of use section, this section is 5.0. ICC-ES ESR-3037 for Titen HD, says "Use of zinc-plated carbon steel anchors is limited to dry, interior locations." The same allpies to the Wegde-All (ICC-ES ESR1396), section 5.10, zinc-plated anchors must be limited to dry, interior locations.

If you are asking about the specific reason that screw anchors are limited to dry locations, this is a result of the installation process the coating cant withstand installation. This is why they are developing a stainless tipped version which is available in the EU, last time I looked.

 

[BSVBD]

ICC-ES ESR-3037, 5.17 says, "Use of zinc-plated carbon steel anchors is limited to dry, interior locations."

So, why not use the galvanized Simpson Titen HD?

 

[sandman21]

Galvanized and zinc-plated are the same thing, zinc is mechanically deposited on the bolt.

 

[BSVBD]

sandman,

Why, then, does Simpson offer a Zinc Plated Titen HD and a Mechanically Galvanized Titen HD?

Two different products on the same page?

 

[hawkaz]

Back to the original premise- Titen HD and Stongbolt 2 both require special inspections (as do epoxies) per their ICC reports. What do you mean by "Epoxy solutions sometimes trigger special inspections"
It was my understanding that these inspections were mandatory

 

[sandman21]

Its what I get for responding early in the morning. ICC 3037 is for strong bolt 2, 2713 is for Titen HD, and it states Use of anchors is limited to dry, interior locations"

 

[medeek]

I don't know about Titen HD but I've seen numerous instances where Strong Bolt 2 are specified for porch and deck posts where the conditions are anything but dry. I'm looking for the appropriate anchor to call out for ABU44 and ABU66 post bases where the conditions are possibly wet. Some of my contractors prefer the Red Head wedge anchors since they are more readily available in the stores.

A confused student is a good student.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE

http://www.medeek.com

 

[sandman21]

If a stainless anchor should be used, if they are being used the owner is being ripped off. Red Head Trybolt has the same restrictions, interior dry unless stainless.

 

[BSVBD]

For the record:

From the Portland Bolt web-site:

How does hot-dip galvanizing differ from electrogalvanizing?

Hot-dip galvanizing is a process of applying a protective zinc coating by dipping product in bath of molten zinc. Galvanizing is a favored method of protective coating due to its low cost, ease of application, and long maintenance-free service life. Generally applied at 830 to 870 degrees, the zinc will bond with the steel. It is the most common outdoor protective coating in use. When used on bolts, due to the thickness of the zinc coating, all galvanized nuts must be tapped oversize.

Zinc plating or electroplating is a process where zinc is applied by using a current of electricity. It is a thinner coating than hot dip galvanizing making it unsuitable for outdoor applications. Its advantages are its brightness and uniform color making it more aesthetically appealing.

medeek, I don't know if the Titen HD head would fit within the ABU44 and ABU66 post bases, but, it still seems to be an option. Otherwise the Red Head Trubolt Wedge Anchor is available HDG. Is HDG readily available is retail stores???

 

[XR250]

You can buy HDG Red Head's at Lowes. I don't see a problem with it.

 

[sandman21]

Per ICC-ES ESR-2251 for Red Head Trubolt has zino plate and is only approved for interior dry conditions. Red Head Trubolt+ (ICC-ES ESR2427) has zinc plated and stainless, zinc are limited to dry interior only, stainless for only applications. If you allow or specify products which do not comply with ICC or IAPMO reports, fails of those products is your sole responsibility.

 

[medeek]

Should I be specifying stainless for all outdoor applications, Red Head and Simpson? Pretty soon I won't have anymore residential customers...

A confused student is a good student.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, PE

http://www.medeek.com

 

[XR250]

Per ICC-ES ESR-2251 for Red Head Trubolt has zino plate and is only approved for interior dry conditions. Red Head Trubolt+ (ICC-ES ESR2427) has zinc plated and stainless, zinc are limited to dry interior only, stainless for only applications. If you allow or specify products which do not comply with ICC or IAPMO reports, fails of those products is your sole responsibility.

Zinc plating is not hot dipped galvanized. They likely did not test those.

Should I be specifying stainless for all outdoor applications, Red Head and Simpson? Pretty soon I won't have anymore residential customers...

Correct, you will not. Hot dipped is your friend.