1910A.5 Tests for post-installed anchors in concrete

When post-installed anchors are used in lieu of cast-in place bolts, the installation verification test loads, frequency, and acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with this section.

Test loads or torques and acceptance criteria shall be shown on the construction documents.

If any anchor fails testing, all anchors of the same type shall be tested, which are installed by the same trade, not previously tested until twenty (20) consecutive anchors pass, then resume the initial test frequency.

The test procedure shall be as permitted by an approved evaluation report using criteria adopted in this code. All post-installed anchors shall be tension tested.

Exception: [OSHPD 1 & 4] Torque-controlled post-installed anchors shall be permitted to be tested using torque based on an approved test report using criteria adopted in this code.

Exception [DSA-SS]: Torque-controlled post-installed anchors and screw type anchors shall be permitted to be tested using torque based on an approved test report using criteria adopted in this code.

Alternatively, manufacturer's recommendation for testing may be approved by the enforcement agency, based on an approved test report using criteria adopted in this code.

When post-installed anchors are used for sill plate bolting applications, 10 percent of the anchors shall be tested.

When post-installed anchors are used for other structural applications, all such anchors shall be tested.

When post-installed anchors are used for nonstructural components, such as equipment anchorage, 50 percent or alternate bolts in a group, including at least one-half the anchors in each group, shall be tested.

The testing of the post-installed anchors shall be done in the presence of the special inspector and a report of the test results shall be submitted to the enforcement agency.

Exceptions:

1. Undercut anchors that allow visual confirmation of full set shall not require testing.
2. Where the factored design tension on anchors is less than 100 lbs and those anchors are clearly noted on the approved construction documents, only 10 percent of those anchors shall be tested.

3. Where adhesive anchor systems are used to install reinforcing dowel bars in hardened concrete, only 25 percent of the dowels shall be tested if all of the following conditions are met:

   a. The dowels are used exclusively to transmit shear forces across joints between existing and new concrete.

   b. The number of dowels in any one member equals or exceeds 12.

   c. The dowels are uniformly distributed across seismic force resisting members (such as shear walls, collectors and diaphragms).

   Anchors to be tested shall be selected at random by the special inspector/inspector of record (IOR).

4. Testing of shear dowels across cold joints in slabs on grade, where the slab is not part of the lateral force-resisting system shall not be required.
5. Testing is not required for power actuated fasteners used to attach tracks of interior non-shear wall partitions for shear only, where there are at least three fasteners per segment of track.

Required test loads shall be determined by one of the following methods:

1. Twice the maximum allowable tension load or one and a quarter (1¹/₄) times the maximum design strength of anchors as provided in an approved evaluation report using criteria adopted in this code or determined in accordance with Chapter 17 ofACI 318.

   Tension test load need not exceed 80 percent of the nominal yield strength of the anchor element (= 0.8 A_se f_ya).

2. The manufacturer's recommended installation torque based on an approved evaluation report using criteria adopted in this code.

Acceptance criteria for post-installed anchors shall be based on an approved evaluation report using criteria adopted in this code. Field tests shall satisfy the following minimum requirements.

1. Hydraulic ram method:

   Anchors tested with a hydraulic jack or spring loaded apparatus shall maintain the test load for a minimum of 15 seconds and shall exhibit no discernible movement during the tension test, e.g., as evidenced by loosening of the washer under the nut.

   For adhesive anchors, where other than bond is being tested, the testing apparatus support shall not be located within 1.5 times the anchor’s embedment depth to avoid restricting the concrete shear cone type failure mechanism from occurring.

2. Torque wrench method:

   Torque-controlled post-installed anchors tested with a calibrated torque wrench shall attain the specified torque within ¹/₂ turn of the nut; or one-quarter (¹/₄) turn of the nut for a ³/₈ inch sleeve anchor only.

   [DSA-SS] Screw-type anchors tested with a calibrated torque wrench shall attain the specified torque within one-quarter (¹/₄) turn of the screw after initial seating of the screw head.