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Component Manufacturing dverti$ dverti $ er
By Mark Jarvinen
Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
Adverti$$er
November 2021 #13268 Page #116
Providing Performance Data for Shallowly Embedded Anchors
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n the last few years, Simpson Strong-Tie has heard from a number of structural engineers expressing frustration with the lack of performance data for shallowly embedded, post-installed anchors (shallow anchors). Engineers of Record (EOR) have identified a common application for shallow anchors as those related to attachment of sill plates for structural and nonstructural wallto-podium slab connections. One dilemma faced by the EORs originates in their desire to prevent damage to concrete podium slab reinforcement, especially where reinforcement is located close to the slab’s top surface to resist negative bending moments. EORs further indicate that shallow anchors are frequently needed for the following attachments: hanging MEP fixtures; attaching nonstructural components associated with tenant improvements; and anchoring light equipment. Problem solving is in the DNA of Simpson Strong-Tie. Our engineering team didn’t hesitate to see this as an opportunity to develop a solution. We investigated how to address this apparent deficiency in post-installed anchor performance data. We reviewed relevant test and qualification standards for post-installed anchors and polled the specifier community for critical details related to the challenge. Questions such as “What is the limit of acceptable embedment depth?”, “What type and magnitude of loading need be accommodated?”, and “What type of post-installed anchor is most desired?” required answers. Our team polled structural engineers across the United States for answers to these questions. The largest percentage of respondents indicated they most frequently encountered the need for shallow anchors in concrete-on-metal-deck and elevated, post-tensioned slab construction. Over 70% of respondents indicated they were comfortable specifying drill depths not greater than 1″ and that they either preferred mechanical screw anchors or had no preference regarding post-installed anchor type. Fifty-three percent of respondents desired tension performance and shear performance within the range of 200–500 lb. per anchor. Finally, a significant majority of respondents believed that inclusion of shallow-anchor performance data in an Evaluation Report issued by an accredited agency was mandatory.
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