DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR CAST-IN AND POST-INSTALLED

ANCHORS IN AUSTRALIA

David J. Heath1, Emad F. Gad2

ABSTRACT: The Australian anchor industry is rapidly growing, however, guidance for the design of post-installed
and cast-in anchors for safety-critical applications in Australian codes of practice is minimal. The current level of
guidance has resulted in a lack of consistency for product assessment and limited guidance for design. This paper
summarises a design procedure for cast-in and post-installed anchors that has been endorsed by the Australian
Engineered Fasteners and Anchors Council (AEFAC) for adoption in Australia. The design procedure is based on
design guidelines that are intended to become a harmonised European Standard. The design guidelines are an
imperative part of a framework being developed by AEFAC to enhance quality and safety standards in the Australian
fastener industry.

KEYWORDS: Post-installed, cast-in, anchor, fastener, design guidelines

_________________________
1
David J. Heath, Department of Civil and Construction Engineering and Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchors Council,
Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology. Email: djheath@swin.edu.au
2
Emad F. Gad, Department of Civil and Construction Engineering and Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchors Council,
Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology. Email: egad@swin.edu.au

1 INTRODUCTION
Structural fasteners used in safety-critical applications
involving metal inserts into a concrete or masonry
substrate should be designed and detailed by a competent
structural engineer. Applications are defined as ‘safety-
critical’ when their failure may cause risk to human life
and/or considerable economic loss. Fasteners must be fit
for purpose; durable, robust, and possess sufficient
integrity for all design actions [1]. Structural fasteners in
anchors or masonry are commonly referred to as anchors
and form the focus of this paper.
In concrete, anchors may be grouped according to their
installation method into cast-in-place and post-installed.
Post-installed anchors may be further classified into two
groups; direct installation (power actuated) fasteners and
a much larger ensemble being drill installation fasteners
which covers chemical bonded anchors and mechanical
anchors (such as expansion and screw anchors).
The Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchors
Council (AEFAC, www.aefac.org.au) is an industry
initiative that was formed in 2012 to introduce
governance to the industry with support and guidance to
be provided for design engineers, contractors, suppliers,
installers and field engineers. AEFAC has reviewed
international best practice and resolved that the
specification and design provisions outlined by the
European Organisation for Technical Assessment
(EOTA) are the most appropriate for Australian practice.
These design provisions are underpinned by the
Concrete Capacity (CC) Method and are currently being
developed into industry guidelines for use in Australia.
This paper outlines the design provisions for cast-in and
post-installed anchors for adoption in Australia.
2 DESIGN PROVISIONS FOR CAST-IN
AND POST-INSTALLED ANCHORS
At present, guidelines for the design and evaluation of
anchors in Australia are minimal, with the anchor
industry relying on suppliers for information and
performance data. AS 3600 [2] states shallow anchorage
failure should be investigated but provides no further
guidance. AS 3850.1 [3] provides guidance on testing
and design of brace inserts for precast construction. In
New Zealand, NZS 3101:2006 [4] is a partial
reproduction of U.S. design guidelines ACI 318-11 [5]
and purports to provide design provisions for cast-in and
post-installed anchors. However, the design provisions
are incomplete and the calculations for basic concrete
breakout strength for tension failure and shear failure are
non-conservative for post-installed anchors. The
absence of suitable guidelines for anchors in safety-
critical applications overseas has contributed to
catastrophic failures [6, 7, 8]. Implementing proper
design guidelines for anchors is paramount to lifting
quality and safety standards.
2.1 CONCRETE CAPACITY METHOD
The Concrete Capacity (CC) Method is a mathematical
procedure that has been adopted in Europe and the
United States for the design of cast-in and post-installed
anchors [9, 5]. In many cases the anchor is designed for
unreinforced concrete, however, improved performance
may be achieved by including supplementary
reinforcement. The procedure estimates the strength of
an anchor set in concrete to tension forces, shear forces,
as well as combined tension and shear forces. This
paper summarises the design procedure endorsed by
AEFAC for use in Australia and published in the draft
European Standard for anchor design which has evolved
to include design for fatigue and seismic actions [9].
This endorsement is consistent with the technical
specification set by the Australian Technical
Infrastructure Committee (ATIC) for the use of anchors
in concrete [10]. The principles behind the design
procedure have been described extensively elsewhere [1,
11]. The design provisions presented in this paper cover
the following types of anchors:
• Cast-in: headed inserts and anchor channel
• Post-installed: mechanical (concrete screw anchors,
expansion anchors, undercut anchors) and bonded
(bonded anchors, bonded expansion anchors, bonded
undercut anchors)
An anchor must have been awarded a European
Technical Assessment (ETA, formerly European
Technical Approval) or equivalent, to demonstrate its
suitability for its intended use and to be compatible with
the design guidelines outlined below. An ETA requires
the product undergo a sophisticated and application-
dependent test regime, demonstrate traceability, include
factory auditing, and be independently verified.
The design of an anchor includes the design tension
action, NEd (refer Section 3), the design shear action, VEd
(refer Section 4), and simultaneous tension and shear
(refer Section 5). European design provisions adopt
partial safety factors, γi, that are the inverse of the
capacity reduction factor, ϕi, adopted in Australian
design practice such that:
ϕ = 1/γ (1)
Partial safety factors for anchors are product-specific and
are published in the ETA for a product. The conversion
from partial safety factor to capacity reduction factor for
the respective failure mode is simple.
A summary is provided in Table 1 of the design
verifications required for tension failure modes and shear
failure modes. Figure 1 illustrates an anchor in concrete
with diameter, d, anchor head diameter, dh, and effective
embedment depth, hef. Figure 2 illustrates groups of
anchors including edge distance, c, spacing, s, and
member thickness, h. A full list of the adopted notation
may be found in the Appendix.
Figure 1: Effective embedment depth of a headed
fastener.
 ETAs for trade within the European Union. An ETA is a
certification that a product has been rigorously tested and
independently confirmed to satisfy the requirements of
European Technical Assessment Guideline 001 (ETAG)
and demonstrated to be fit for its intended purpose [12].
There are 12 different Options for which a product may
be tested against depending on the application for which
Figure 2: Definition of spacing and edge distance for
it is intended. The CC Method outlined in this paper for
anchor groups.
anchor design relies on an anchor having an ETA. If an
2.2 PREQUALIFICATION anchor product has not been awarded an ETA, its quality
cannot be guaranteed by EOTA and it is not eligible to
Anchor products currently used in the market come from be designed for using the CC Method outlined below. A
various suppliers. EOTA oversees the awarding of more comprehensive summary is provided in [13].

Table 1: Design verifications for cast-in and post-installed anchors under tension or shear loading.
Mode of failure Tension Shear
Design verification Cast-in Post- Design verification Cast-in Post-
installed installed
Headed inserts

Headed inserts
Mechanicalb

Mechanicalb
Channela

Channela
Bondedc

Bondedc
Refer to AS 4100 where Refer to AS 4100
Steel failure of anchor √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
appropriate where appropriate
Connection between a
VEd ≤ φ MsVRk , s,c
N Ed ≤ φ Ms,ca N Rk ,s,c √ √
channel and anchor
Local flexure of N Ed ≤ φ Ms,l N Rk , s,l V Ed ≤ φ Ms,l V Rk , s,l
√ √
channel lip

Flexure of channel M Ed ≤ φ Ms , flex M Rk , s , flex √

Pull-out failured N Ed ≤ φ Mp N Rk , p √ √ √

Combined pull-out and N Ed ≤ φ Mp N Rk , p √

concrete failuree

Concrete cone failure N Ed ≤ φ Mc N Rk ,c √ √ √ √

Splitting failure N Ed ≤ φ Msp N Rk , sp √ √ √ √

Blow-out failuref N Ed ≤ φ Mc N Rk ,cb √ √ √

Concrete edge failure V Ed ≤ φ McV Rk ,c √ √ √ √

Concrete pry-out failure V Ed ≤ φ McV Rk ,cp √ √ √ √

Supplementary Refer to AS 3600 where Refer to AS 3600

√ √ √ √
reinforcement failureg appropriate where appropriate
a
Verification for most loaded channel bolt or anchor, considering effects of edge distance and spacing.
b
Includes concrete screw anchors, expansion anchors and undercut anchors.
c
Includes bonded anchors, bonded expansion anchors and bonded undercut anchors.
d
Not required for post-installed chemical anchors.
e
Not required for headed and post-installed mechanical anchors.
f
Required for headed anchors (including channel) and post-installed mechanical undercut anchors where c < 0.5hef.
g
Only relevant where component reinforcement for the fastener is present.
(a) General modes for tension. (b) Tension modes specific to anchor channels.
Figure 3: Modes of failure for tension.

3 DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR TENSION

0
N Rk , p = N Rk ( 0
)
, p A p , N A p , N ψ g , Npψ s , Npψ re , Nψ ec , Np
(5)
The design tensile force acting on an anchor, NEd, must
be less than the design tensile resistance, NRd, such that: The characteristic resistance of a single bonded fastener,
N0Rk,p, not influenced by adjacent bonded fasteners, may
NEd < NRd, = ϕNRk (2)
be determined as follows:
The characteristic tensile strength, NRk, and capacity
0 (6)
reduction factor, ϕ, are dependent on failure mode and N Rk , p = τ Rk πdhef
should be checked according to Table 1. Tensile failure where
modes are illustrated in Figure 3(a) and additional
anchor channel failure modes in Figure 3(b). The τRk = given in ETA
concrete is unreinforced unless otherwise noted.
= τRk,cr for cracked concrete
3.1 STEEL FAILURE OF FASTENER = τRk,ucr for non-cracked concrete
Verification of the resistance of the anchor bolt or rod Edge distance and spacing effects for bonded fasteners
against steel failure under tension (NRk,s) should be are accounted for by the ratio Ap,N/A0p,N, where:
carried out in accordance with AS 4100:1998 [14] or
where this does not apply, EN 1992-1-1:2005 [15] may A 0p ,N = scr,Np2 (7)
be used. Calculation of characteristic resistance for
anchor channel is required since this data is published in where
the ETA including the following failure modes: channel A p, N = actual bonded influence area limited by
bolt (NRk,s,a), connection failure between anchor and adjacent fasteners (s<scr,Np) and concrete
channel (NRk,s,c), local flexural failure of channel lips edges (c<ccr,Np).
(NRk,s,l), failure of the channel bolt (NRk,s) and failure by
flexure of the channel (MRk,s,flex). Verification may be scr,Np = 7.3d τ Rk ≤ 3hef (8)
performed using the design verification listed in Table 1.
τRk = τRk,ucr for non-cracked C20/25 concrete
3.2 PULL-OUT FAILURE OF FASTENER
ccr,Np = scr,Np/2 (9)
The characteristic resistance to pull-out failure, NRk,p is
given in the ETA. It is not presently possible to The group effect is accounted for by ψg,Np as follows:
calculate the pull-out resistance for post-installed
mechanical anchors. For headed fasteners, NRk,p is ψ g, Np = ( )
ψ g0 , Np − (s s cr , Np )0.5 ψ g0 , Np ≥ 1 (10)
limited by the pressure under the fastener head:
where
N Rk , p = k1 Ah f ck (3)
ψ g0 ,Np = n− ( )
n − 1 (τ Rk τ Rk ,c )1.5 ≥ 1 (11)
where
(k 8 πd ) hef f ck (12)
Ah = (π 4)(d h2 − d 2 ) (4) τ Rk , c =

k1 = 7.5 for fasteners in cracked concrete k8 = 7.7 for cracked concrete

= 10.5 for fasteners in non-cracked concrete = 11.0 for non-cracked concrete
Disturbance to the distribution of stresses due to close
3.3 COMBINED PULL-OUT AND CONCRETE proximity of a concrete edge is accounted for by ψs,Np as
FAILURE follows:
The characteristic resistance of an individual or group of
bonded fasteners to combined pull-out and concrete
ψ s, Np = (
0.7 + 0.3 c ccr , Np ≤ 1 ) (13)
failure, NRk,p is determined as follows:
Where a layer of dense reinforcement exists, the shell
spalling factor ψre,N, applies when hef < 100 mm:
ψ re, N = (
0.5 + hef 200 ≤ 1) (14)

However, ψre,N may be taken as 1.0 when reinforcement

is at a spacing greater than 150 mm, or when
reinforcement with a diameter of 10 mm or less as a (a) Cross-section
spacing of at least 100 mm.
When an eccentricity in loading exists on a group of
fasteners, the eccentricity factor, ψec,Np, accounts for the
effect on the characteristic resistance:
1
ψ ec, Np = ≤1 (15)
1 + 2e N s cr , Np

Where fasteners are present in a narrow member with

three or more edges affecting the failure surface the
above calculations are conservative. Refinements may
be made to the effective depth (hef), characteristic edge
distance (ccr,Np) and characteristic spacing for the
determination of the Ap,N/A0p,N ratio. (b) Plan view
Figure 4: Idealised surface of concrete cone failure.
3.4 CONCRETE CONE FAILURE
The characteristic resistance of an individual or group of The disturbance to the distribution of stresses on the
fasteners to concrete cone failure, NRk,c, is calculated as concrete cone failure due to the nearest edge is
follows: established via the factor ψs,N, where:
0
N Rk ,c = N Rk ( 0
)
,c Ac , N Ac , N ψ s , Nψ re, Nψ ec, N .ψ M , N
(16)
ψ s , N = 0.7 + 0.3(c c cr , N ) ≤ 1 (19)
The characteristic resistance of a single fastener remote The determination of the shell spalling factor, ψre,N is
from the effects of spacing and edge distance, N0Rk,c, is determined in accordance with Section 3.3.
determined:
When a group of fasteners exists with an eccentric
0 (17) resultant loading, the factor ψec,N may be used to modify
N Rk ,c = k 9 f ck hef1.5
the characteristic resistance as follows:
with
1
k9 = kcr,N for cracked concrete
ψ ec, N = ≤1 (20)
1 + 2 e N s cr , N
= kucr,N for non-cracked concrete
The influence of a compression force between the
kcr,N = 7.7 for post-installed fasteners and 8.9 for concrete and fixture on the characteristic resistance to
cast-in headed fasteners based on current concrete cone failure is represented by ψM,N, where:
experience. The value for cast-in channel is
ψM,N = 1 for fastenings close to edge (c < 1.5hef),
dependent on channel shape.
fastenings with c > 1.5hef loaded by a
kucr,N = 11.0 for post-installed fasteners and 12.7 for bending moment and a tension force with
cast-in headed fasteners based on current CEd/NEd < 0.8 or fastenings with z/hef > 1.5.
experience. The value for cast-in channel is
= 2 – 0.67z/hef >1 for other fastenings loaded
dependent on channel shape.
by a bending moment and tension force.
The effect of spacing and edge distance on the resistance
Where bending is present in two directions, z is
to concrete cone failure is dependent on the ratio
determined for the resultant direction.
Ac,N/A0c,N, where:
The above calculations are conservative for fasteners in
Ac,N = actual projected area limited by overlapping narrow members where three or more edges influence
concrete breakout bodies of adjacent the failure area. More precise calculations exist in [9].
fasteners (s < scr,N) and the concrete edges (c
For cast-in channel, the characteristic resistance of one
< ccr,N).
anchor in the channel to concrete cone failure, NRk,c, is
A0c,N = scr,N2 as shown in Figure 4 (18) calculated according to:
0 (21)
N Rk ,c = N Rk ,cψ ch, s , Nψ ch,e, N .ψ ch,c , Nψ re, N

N0Rk,c = calculated according to Equation (17)

The factor, ψch,s,N accounts for the effects of splitting failure and limits cracks to a width of 0.3
neighbouring anchors on concrete cone failure as mm. Determination of the required reinforcement is
follows: performed in accordance with [9].
1 (22) If the above conditions are not met, the characteristic
ψ ch , s , N = nch
≤1 resistance to splitting failure, NRks,sp is determined as
1+ ∑ [(1 − s i ]
s cr , N )1.5 (N i N 0 )
follows:
i =1 0
N Rk , sp = N Rk ( 0
)
, sp Ac , N Ac , N ψ s , Nψ re , N ψ ec , N ψ h , sp
(27)
where
where
si = distance to neighbouring anchors (si < scr,N)
N0Rk,sp = given in the ETA
scr,N = 2(2.8 – 1.3hef/180)hef > 3hef (23)
ψs,N, ψre,N, ψec,N as per Section 3.3
Ni = tension force in the influencing anchor
The influence of member thickness on the splitting
N0 = tension force in anchor under consideration resistance is taken into account via ψh,sp as follows:
nch = number of anchors within a distance, scr,N ψ h, sp = (h hmin )2 / 3 (28)
The influence of a concrete edge on the resistance of the
channels is represented by ψch,e,N as follows:   h + 1.5c  2 / 3 
   ≤ 2
max 1; 
ef 1
< 
(24)
ψ ch,e, N = c1 c cr , N ≤ 1   hmin  
where The above provisions exist to avoid splitting failure for
c1 = edge distance of anchor anchor channels, except Equation (27) is replaced by
Equation (29) to determine the resistance to splitting,
ccr,N = 0.5scr,N (25) NRk,sp, as follows:
Where multiple edges exist, the minimum edge distance 0
should be used in Equation (24). N Rk , sp = N Rkψ ch,s , Nψ ch,e, Nψ ch,c , Nψ re, Nψ h ,sp (29)
The influence of a corner on the concrete cone resistance where
of a channel is accounted for by ψch,c,N as follows:
N0Rk = min(N0Rk,p, N0Rk,c) (30)
ψ ch, c, N = c 2 c cr , N ≤ 1 (26) 0
N Rk,p = calculated according to Equation (3)
where N 0
Rk,c, ψch,s,N, ψch,e,N, ψch,c,N according to Section (3.3).
c2 = corner distance of the anchor being ψre,N according to Equation (14).
considered.
ψh,sp according to Equation (28).
If two corners influence the anchor, ψch,c,N should be
calculated for both and the product of these two values
3.6 BLOW-OUT FAILURE
inserted into Equation (21). The shell spalling factor,
ψre,N is calculated according to Equation (14). Equation A check on the characteristic resistance to blow-out
(21) yields a conservative estimate of the resistance of a failure, NRk,cb, should be performed for headed fasteners
channel to cone failure in a narrow member with the and for post-installed mechanical undercut fasteners
influence of neighbouring anchors, an edge and corners acting as headed fasteners if one edge distance, c, is less
within a distance of scr,N. More precise calculations may than or equal to 0.5hef. The characteristic resistance to
be found in [10]. blow-out failure, NRk,cb, becomes:

3.5 SPLITTING FAILURE

0
N Rk ,cb = N Rk ( 0
)
,cb Ac , Nb Ac , Nb ψ S , Nbψ g , Nbψ ec , Nb
(31)

Splitting failure during installation may be avoided for Where spacing or edge effects are not present, the
all anchor types by observing requirements published in characteristic resistance of a single fastener to blow-out
the ETA, including minimum edge distances, cmin, failure, N0Rk,cb becomes:
minimum spacing, smin, and minimum member thickness,
hmin. 0 (32)
N Rk ,cb = k 4 c1 Ah f ck
Splitting failure during loading may be avoided if one of
the following conditions exists – k4 = 8.7 for cracked concrete
a) Edge distance in all directions is c > ccr,sp for single = 12.2 for non-cracked concrete
fasteners, c > 1.2ccr,sp for fastener groups, and h >
Ah = as per Equation (4) or ETA
hmin for member depth.
b) The calculation of characteristic resistance to The effects of fastener spacing and edge distance are
concrete cone failure and pull-out failure is accounted for by the ratio Ac,Nb/A0c,Nb, where:
performed for cracked concrete, reinforcement resists
 A0c,Nb = (4c1)2 as show in Figure 5 (33) The influence of member thickness on the resistance to
blow-out failure is accounted for via ψch,h,Nb as follows:
Ac, Nb = actual projected area limited by
overlapping concrete breakout bodies of ψ ch ,h , Nb = (hef + f ) 4c1 ≤ (2c1 + f ) 4c1 ≤ 1 (41)
adjacent fasteners (s < 4c1), concrete edges
(c2 < 2c1) or member thickness. f = distance between anchor head and lower
surface of concrete member.
The disturbance to the distribution of stresses due to a
nearby edge is accounted for by ψs,Nb as follows: 3.7 STEEL REINFORCEMENT FAILURE
ψ s , Nb = 0.7 + 0.3(c 2 2c1 ) ≤ 1 (34) Supplementary reinforcement is intended to tie a
potential concrete breakout body to the concrete member
The group effect for n fasteners in a row parallel to an and to ensure a ductile failure mode. The supplementary
edge is accounted for by ψg,Nb as follows: reinforcement should be appropriately detailed in
( )
ψ g , Nb = n + 1 − n (s1 4c1 ) ≥ 1 (35) accordance with AS 3600:2009. Failure modes
including steel yielding and loss of reinforcement
(36) anchorage should be assessed. A detailed presentation
s1 < 4c1 of the topic is beyond the scope of this paper.
The effect of an eccentricity due to different loads in an
anchor group is accounted for by ψec,Nb as follows: 4 DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR SHEAR
1 (37) The design shear force applied to the anchor, VEd, should
ψ ec, Nb = be less than the anchor design shear resistance:
1 + 2e N (4c1 )
VEd < VRd = ϕVRk (42)
The characteristic shear strength, VRk, as well as the
capacity reduction factor, ϕ, is dependent on the failure
mode and should be checked in accordance with Table 1.
Shear failure modes are illustrated in Figure 6(a) with
additional failure modes specific to anchor channels
illustrated in Figure 6(b).

4.1 STEEL FAILURE

(a) Cross-section (b) Side view of member
Verification of the resistance of the anchor bolt or rod
Figure 5: Idealised failure surface for blow-out failure. against steel failure under shear should be carried out in
accordance with AS 4100:1998 [14] or where this does
not apply, EN 1992-1-1:2005 [15] may be used. The
A check of the resistance to blow-out failure for anchor characteristic resistance of a single fastener to steel
channel is not required if the side surface of the concrete failure, VRk,s is given in the ETA. For anchor channel,
member exceeds c = 0.5hef. If verification is required, the ETA includes the following characteristic
the resistance, NRk,cb is determined as follows: resistances: channel bolt (VRk,s), anchor failure (VRk,s,a),
0 (38) connection failure between anchor and channel (VRk,s,c)
N Rk ,cb = N Rk , cbψ ch , s , Nbψ ch , g , Nbψ ch , c , Nbψ ch , h , Nb
and flexural failure of channel lips (VRk,s,l).
The characteristic resistance of a single anchor, N0Rk,cb, is
determined in Equation (32).
The factor, ψch,s,Nb accounts for the effects of
neighbouring anchors and may be determined according
to Equation (22) with scr,Nb = 4c1 instead of scr,N.
The influence of a corner on the resistance to blow-out is
determined by the factor ψch,c,Nb, as follows:
(a) General modes for shear.
ψ ch,c, Nb = c 2 c cr , Nb ≤ 1 (39)

c2 = corner distance of anchor

ccr,Nb = scr,Nb/2 (40)
Where two corners influence the resistance to blow-out
failure, ψch,c,Nb is calculated for both directions and the
product inserted into Equation (38).
ψch,g,Nb = calculated according to Equation (35)
(b) Shear modes specific to anchor channels.
Figure 6: Modes of failure for shear.
Consideration should be given to bending failure of the Since the resistance to concrete edge failure does not
anchor where limited restraint exists above the surface of increase proportionately to member thickness, the factor
the concrete member, including an assessment of ψh,V is imposed:
restraint to rotation provided to the anchor. The ETA
ψ h ,V = 1.5c1 h ≥ 1 (49)
identifies the characteristic bending resistance and
details of the verification are provided in [9].
The effect of an eccentricity introduced by different
4.2 CONCRETE EDGE FAILURE shear loads acting on different fasteners in a group is
accounted for by the factor ψec,V as follows:
The resistance to concrete edge failure should be
investigated if edge effects are likely, viz: if c < 1 (50)
max(10hef, 60d)). If more than one edge exists, the ψ ec ,V = ≤1
1 + 2 eV (3c1 )
resistance for all edges should be calculated individually.
The characteristic resistance of an individual or group of eV = eccentricity between resulting shear load
fasteners to concrete edge failure is calculated as: acting on the group of fasteners relative to
their centre of gravity.
0
Ac,V
V Rk ,c = V Rk ,c ψ s,V ψ h,V ψ ec,V ψ α ,V ψ re,V (43) The effect of a shear load acting at an angle to the
Ac0,V direction perpendicular to the free edge is accounted for
by the factor ψα,V as follows:
The characteristic resistance of an individual fastener
loaded perpendicular to an edge becomes: 1 (51)
ψ α ,V = ≥1
V Rk ,c = α
k 5 d nom l βf f ck c11.5 (44) (cos α V ) 2
+ (0.5 sin α V ) 2

with αV = angle between applied shear load and line

perpendicular to the edge, 0o < αV < 90o
k5 = 1.7 for cracked concrete
When the applied shear load is directed towards an edge
= 2.4 for non-cracked concrete the 0.5 factor in Equation (51) should be replaced by a
factor equal to 1.0 to check against the break-out body
α = (
0.1 l f c1 )0.5 (45) developing in the corner.
The effect of reinforcement on the resistance to concrete
β = 0.1(d nom c1 )0.2 (46) break-out is determined via the factor ψre,V as follows:
hef in case of a uniform diameter of the ψre,V = 1.0 for non-cracked concrete without edge
lf = shank of the headed fastener and a uniform reinforcement
diameter of the post-installed fastener.
= 1.4 for cracked concrete with edge
< 12dnom in case of dnom < 24 mm reinforcement including closely spaced
stirrups or wire mesh with a spacing a < 100
< max(8dnom, 300 mm) where dnom > 24 mm mm and z < 2c1. This condition is relevant
dnom < 60 mm where hef is at least 2.5 times member depth.
The effects of edge distance and spacing, as well as When the fastener is in a thin and narrow member,
member thickness for concrete edge failure are refinements may be made to spacing and edge distance
accounted for by the ratio Ac,V/A0c,V, where: to more precisely determine the resistance to concrete
edge break-out failure [9].
Ac0,V = 4.5c12 as per Figure 7. (47)

Ac,V = idealised break-out body, limited by

adjacent fasteners (s < 3c1) and edges
parallel to assumed loading direction (c2 <
1.5c1) and member thickness (h < 1.5c1)
When a torsion moment acts on two fasteners such that
each fastener is loaded in shear in opposite directions
and both close to an edge, an additional check is required
for two break-out bodies overlapping.
The disturbance to the distribution of stresses due to
additional nearby edges including multiple edges in a Figure 7: Idealised surface of edge break-out failure.
narrow member is addressed by ψs,V as follows:
For anchor channels, a check on resistance to concrete
ψ s ,V = 0.7 + 0.3(c 2 1.5c1 ) ≤ 1 (48)
edge failure may be omitted if c > max(10hef; 60d) where
d = diameter of channel bolt. Otherwise, the
characteristic resistance to concrete edge failure for If the anchor channel is in a thin and narrow member
anchor channels is determined as follows: then refinements may be made to the edge distance c1 for
more accurate results [9].
0 (52)
V Rk ,c = V Rk ,cψ ch, s ,V ψ ch,c ,V ψ ch, h,V ψ ch,90o ,V ψ re,V
4.3 CONCRETE PRY-OUT FAILURE
The basic characteristic resistance to edge failure, V0Rk,c
The resistance of an individual anchor to concrete pry-
where one anchor is loaded perpendicular to the edge
out failure, VRk,cp is given by:
and not influenced by neighbouring anchors, member
thickness or corner effects becomes: VRk , cp = k 3 N Rk ,c (60)
0
V Rk = k10 f ck c11.5 (53)
,c k3 = Given in the ETA, equal to 0.75 where
supplementary reinforcement exists
k10 = 2.5 for cracked concrete
NRk,c = Calculated according to Equation (16).
= 3.5 for non-cracked concrete
For anchor groups with shear forces the most
The influence of neighbouring anchors is accounted for unfavourable anchor should be verified. It should be
via the factor, ψch,s,V, as follows: assumed that a virtual edge exists in the direction of the
ψ ch,s,V = (54) neighbouring anchor(s) such that c = 0.5s.
1
n

∑ [(1 − s ] 4.4 SUPPLEMENTARY REINFORCEMENT

1+ i scr,V )1.5 (Vi Vo )
FAILURE
i =1
If the design is to include supplementary reinforcement,
si = distance to neighbouring anchors (refer to consideration should be given to:
Figure 2)
1) Steel failure of reinforcement, and
< scr,V 2) Anchorage failure of reinforcement
scr,V = 4c1 + 2bch (55) Checks of the above considerations and the contribution
of the reinforcement to design may be performed in
Vi = shear force of an influencing anchor accordance with AS 3600:2009.
V0 = shear force of the anchor being
considered 5 DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR COMBINED
n = number of anchors within a distance LOADING
equal to scr,V. Under combined tension and shear loading, verification
The factor, ψch,c,V takes into account the effect of a corner of resistance is required for each failure mode
on the characteristic edge distance as follows: independently. Verification of fastenings with
supplementary reinforcement should also be performed.
ψ ch,c,V = c 2 c cr ,V ≤ 1 (56) Further details are given in [9].

(57) 5.1 STEEL FAILURE OF FASTENER

ccr,V = 0.5scr,V
The resistance to steel failure of the fastener under
Where multiple corners influence the anchor, ψch,c,V is combined loading is assessed as follows:
calculated for each corner and the product of the two
values is used in Equation (52). α1 α1 (61)
 N Ed   V 
The influence of member thickness is accounted for via   +  Ed  ≤1
N  V 
the factor, ψch,h,V, as follows:  Rd , s ,i   Rd , s ,i 

ψ ch,h,V = h hcr ,V ≤ 1 (58) with

hcr,V = 2c1 + 2hch
The presence of loads acting parallel to the edge is taken
into account via the factor, ψch,90o,V, applicable to the
anchor closest to the edge, as follows:
ψch,90o,V = 2.5
The factor ψre,V is calculated according to the provisions
outlined above in this Section. Where edge
reinforcement and cracked concrete applications exist,
ψre,V > 1 only if the anchor channel height, hch > 40 mm.
NEd/NRd,s,i < 1 and VEd/VRd,s,i < 1
(59)
NRd,s,i = NRd,s and VRd,s,i = VRd,s for steel failure of fastener
and channel bolt
α1 = 2 for tensile failure of anchor bolt
For other anchor channel steel failure modes –
α1 = 2 for VRd,s,i < NRd,s,i
= Given in the ETA, corresponding with NRd,s,a,
NRd,s,c, NRd,s,i and VRd,s,a, VRd,s,c, VRd,s,i for each
failure mode where VRd,s,i > NRd,s,i.
= 1 where no information exists in the ETA,
which is conservative
5.2 FAILURE MODES OTHER THAN STEEL
The resistance of a fastener to modes of failure other
than steel failure (pull-out failure, combined pull-out and
cone failure, concrete cone failure, splitting failure,
blow-out, edge failure, pry-out failure) is assessed via
the following:
1.5 1.5
 N Ed  V  from the following members of the AEFAC Technical
  +  Ed  ≤1
N  V  Committee: Gary Connah (Ancon Building Products),
 Rd ,i   Rd ,i 
or
 N Ed   V Ed  (63)
 +  ≤ 1.2
 N Rd ,i   V Rd ,i  Strong-Tie).
   
with NEd/NRd,i < 1 and VEd/VRd,i < 1
The largest value of NEd/NRd,i and VEd/VRd,i for the
different failure modes is assessed.
For anchor channels the values of NRd,i and VRd,i are:
NRd,i = min(NRd,c, NRd,sp, NRd,p, NRd,cb)
VRd,i = min(VRd,c, VRd,cp)
6 TRAINING FOR INSTALLERS
Anchor products that have been installed incorrectly will
most likely perform in an unpredictable manner that
differs from the specifier’s intent. An awareness of this
danger is critical. Most types of anchors that are
presently used are sensitive to installation practice. The
training of installers is frequently overlooked which may
cause gross errors during installation that in turn could
have catastrophic consequences. AEFAC is currently
developing a training and accreditation scheme for
installers of anchor products, to ensure that the product
that has been awarded the appropriate prequalification is
installed as per the supplier or manufacturer’s
installation instructions. The implementation of this
training program together with appropriate
prequalification and the design guidelines outlined in
this paper, form a quality assurance system for the
anchor industry.
7 CONCLUSIONS
The Australian anchor industry is largely dependent on
data and design recommendations provided by different
suppliers which lack consistency and harmony with
other design standards. AEFAC was formed as an
industry initiative to develop standards and guidelines to
enhance the Australian anchor industry. This paper has
presented a procedure for the design of cast-in and post-
installed anchors for use in concrete based on the
European pre-standard, prEN 1992-4:2013 that is
intended to become a harmonised European Standard.
The procedure covers the resistance to tension forces,
shear forces and combined tension and shear forces, and
has been endorsed by AEFAC for adoption by the
Australian building and construction industry. The
procedure is only applicable to products having a
European Technical Assessment and together with a
training regime currently being developed by AEFAC,
will safeguard the quality and safety of anchors used in
the Australian building and construction industry.
8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
(62) The authors wish to acknowledge the technical input
Joe Rametta (Hilti – Aust.), Kamiran Abdouka (Wϋrth),
Neil Hollingshead (ITW Construction Systems), Ramil
Crisolo (Hobson Engineering Co.), Tarun Joshi (Powers
Fasteners Australasia) and Gilbert Balbuena (Simpson
The authors would also like to
acknowledge the ongoing financial support of the
AEFAC Founding Members: Ancon Building Products,
Hilti (Aust.), Hobson Engineering Co., ITW
Construction Systems, Powers Fasteners Australasia and
Wϋrth, and Supporting Member: Simpson Strong-Tie
Australia.
(64)
9 REFERENCES
(65)
1. Eligehausen, R., Mallée, R. and Silva, J. F.,
Anchorage in Concrete Construction, Ernst &
Sohn, Berlin, 2006
2. AS 3600, Concrete Structures, Standards Australia,
2009
3. DR2 AS 3850.1, Prefabricated concrete elements,
Part 1: General requirements, Committee BD-006,
Standards Australia, 2013
4. NZS 3101, Part 1: Concrete Structures Standard,
Part 1 – The Design of Concrete Structures,
Standards New Zealand, 2006
5. ACI 318-11 Building Code Requirements for
Structural Concrete and Commentary, Report by
ACI Committee, American Concrete Institute, 2011
6. Salmon, M., Fixing Failures – Case Study 2:
Collapse of a pre-cast concrete section – Ireland,
Construction Fixings Association,
www.fixingscfa.co.uk, 2002
7. Ceiling Collapse in the Interstate 90 Connector
Tunnel, Boston, Massachusetts, July 10, 2006,
Accident Report NTSB/HAR-07/02, National
Transportation Safety Board, 2007
8. Salmon, M., Fixing Failures – Case Study 3:
School ceiling collapse – West Midlands,
Construction Fixings Association,
www.fixingscfa.co.uk, 2007
9. prEN 1992-4, Eurocode 2: Design of concrete
structures – Part 4: Design of fastenings for use in
concrete, European Committee for Standardization,
2013
10. ATIC, Section SP38: Metal Anchors for Use in
Concrete, Australian Technical Infrastructure
Committee, www.apcc.gov.au, 2009
11. Fuchs, W., R. Eligehausen, and J. E. Breen,
Concrete Capacity Design (CCD) Approach for
Fastening to Concrete, ACI Structural Journal,
92(1), pp. 73-93, 1995
12. ETAG 001, Guideline for European Technical
Approval of Metal Anchors for Use in Concrete,
 Part one: Anchors in General European N0Rk,c, N0Rk,cb, N0Rk,p, N0Rk,sp – characteristic tensile
Organisation for Technical Approvals, resistance of a reference anchor to respective failure
www.eota.eu, 2013 mode free from edge and spacing effects
13. Heath, D. J., Gad, E.F. and Connah, G., Guidelines s, s1, s2, si – spacing of fasteners
for prequalification and design of post-installed and
scr,N, scr,Nb, scr,Np, scr,V – spacing of fasteners required to
cast-in anchors in Australia, Proceedings of
achieve characteristic resistance of anchor
Concrete 2013, Concrete Institute of Australia, Oct.
16 – 18, Gold Coast, Australia, 2013 smin – minimum fastener spacing
14. AS 4100, Steel Structures, Standards Australia, V, Vi, V0 – shear force applied to fastener
1998 VEd – design shear force
15. EN 1993-1-1, Eurocode 3: Design of steel
VRd,i, VRd,s,i – design shear resistance to type of failure
structures – Part 1-1: General rules and rules for
buildings, European Committee for mode
Standardization, 2005 VRk,c, V0Rk,c, VRk,s, VRk,s,a, VRk,s,c, VRk,s,l – characteristic
shear resistance of an anchor to respective failure mode
10 APPENDIX V0Rk,c, VRk,s,a, VRk,s,c, VRk,s,l – characteristic shear resistance
of a reference anchor to respective failure mode free
A list of the notation used throughout this paper has been from edge and spacing effects
provided below. More comprehensive descriptions are
available in [9]. z – internal lever arm
α, α1, β – exponent
a – spacing of reinforcement
αV – angle between load and line perpendicular to edge
Ac,N, Ac,Nb, Ac,V, Ap,N – actual influence area for respective
failure odes ψch,c,N, ψch,c,Nb, ψch,c,V – parameter relating to the effect of
a corner close to the anchor for respective failure modes
A0c,N, A0c,Nb, A0c,V, A0p,N – idealised influence area for
respective failure modes ψch,e,N – parameter relating to effect of nearby edge
Ah – bearing area of head of headed insert ψch,g,Nb – parameter relating to the effect of two corners
c, c1, c2 – edge distance ψch,h,Nb, ψch,h,V – parameter relating to the effect of
ccr,N, ccr,Np, ccr,sp, ccr,V – critical edge distance to ensure member thickness for respective failure modes
characteristic resistance for respective failure modes ψch,s,N, ψch,s,Nb, ψch,s,V – parameter relating to neighbouring
anchors for respective failure modes
cmin – minimum edge distance
ψch,90o,V – parameter relating to direction of shear load
CEd – compression force acting on fixture
ψec,N, ψec,Nb, ψec,Np, ψec,V – parameter related to
d – nominal diameter of fastener
eccentricity of loading for respective failure modes
dh – diameter of head of fastener
ψg,Nb, ψg,Np, ψ0g,Np – parameter related to group effects for
eN, eV – eccentricity of resultant load on anchor group respective failure modes
f – distance between anchor head and lower surface of ψh,sp, ψh,V – parameter related to member thickness for
concrete member respective failure modes
fck – characteristic compressive strength of concrete ψM,N – parameter relating to compression of fixture
measured via cylinder test
ψre,N, ψre,Np, ψre,V – parameter relating to reinforcement
h – thickness of concrete member for respective failure modes
hch – height of anchor channel ψs,N, ψs,Nb, ψs,Np, ψs,V – parameter relating to disturbance
hcr,V – minimum member thickness to avoid concrete to stresses due to nearby edge for respective
edge breakout failuremodes
hef – effective embedment depth ψα,V – parameter relating to effect of shear load angle
hmin – minimum member thickness to avoid splitting τRk, τRk,c, τRk,cr, τRk,ucr – bond strength including
kcr,N, kucr,N – parameters related to state of concrete consideration of state of concrete (cracked/non-cracked)
k1, k3, k4, k5, k8, k9, k10 – parameters in equations
lf – length of fastener
n, nch – number of fasteners
NEd – design tension force
Ni, N0 – tension force in fastener
NRd,i, NRd,s,i – design tension resistance to type of failure
mode
NRk,c, NRk,cb, NRk,p, NRk,sp – characteristic tensile resistance
of an anchor to respective failure mode