'A wedge-anchor isn't just a wedge-anchor anymore'

As the adoption of the 2003 and 2006 International Building Code (IBC) moves across the country, the new requirements for concrete anchors are being realized by specifiers and code officials.

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'A wedge-anchor isn't just a wedge-anchor anymore' #1
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Developments and regulations put more emphasis on education and upfront information
As the adoption of the 2003 and 2006 International Building Code (IBC) moves across the country, the new requirements for concrete anchors are being realized by specifiers and code officials. These IBC codes and local codes based on the IBC have new specific requirements for both cast-in-place and post-installed anchors. For example, post-installed anchors intended to be used with the new IBC codes must undergo a rigorous testing and evaluation process to meet new standards. Anchors that have not been properly tested and evaluated to the new standards may not be allowed for many common building applications.
When an engineer specifies a particular anchor, it may be due to a specialized application that the anchor has been tested and approved for. This does not mean that all similar looking anchors are approved for the same application. Therefore, a wedge-anchor is more than just a wedge-anchor. It is a specific product with associated testing and supporting data for evaluation and design.
What's it mean to me?
What does this mean for a construction distributor? Product recommendations and substitutions will require a comprehensive understanding of the type of product and some communication with the specifying engineer. Although one product "holds more" than another as is often said, it may not be approved for the specific condition that the engineer is designing. Some examples of these conditions are:
Building code — technical literature for anchors will likely indicate what building codes the anchor is approved for use with; some existing products may not be approved for use with newer building codes
Cracked concrete — post-installed anchors may be approved for uncracked concrete applications only or both cracked and uncracked concrete
Installation through metal deck into concrete — this is a specific application that requires additional testing in addition to the standard tests
Corrosion — anchors and anchoring materials may be approved for wet environments or dry, indoor use only; adhesive anchors may optionally be approved for additional corrosive environments
Hole drilling method — it may be allowed to drill holes with a rotary hammer and standard carbide bits, a core drill or a manufacturer specific method
Seismic loading — not all anchors will be approved to resist seismic loads
Installation direction — some adhesive anchors may be approved for downward installation, horizontal installation, overhead installation or some combination of these
Temperature range — adhesive anchors in particular will have temperature ranges that each may be used with
Even if two anchors have the same specifications for the above list, it is unlikely that their performance data will be identical. It will also be necessary to perform a design check of the six possible failure conditions (steel tension, concrete breakout in tension, pullout, steel shear, concrete breakout in shear and pry-out) to ensure the products are equivalent.
An anchor distributor is not left out in the cold when these uncertainties arise and is definitely not expected to have all of the answers. Most anchor manufacturers have trained local representatives, corporate customer service representatives and engineers on call to help answer these questions for distributors, contractors and designing engineers. For any anchoring system, it is important to take advantage of this support to help ensure solid connections in the future.
author: Jake Olsen, PE
vice president of R&D
Powers Fasteners




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