Simpson Strong-Tie's Strong-Bolt™ Receives Code Listing for Cracked Concrete 

Pleasanton, Calif. - The performance of anchors in cracked concrete continues to be an important issue in the concrete anchoring industry. The Strong-Bolt™ is Simpson Strong-Tie’s first post-installed anchor that is code listed for use in cracked concrete (see ICC-ES evaluation report: ESR-1771).

New design provisions (ACI 318 Appendix D), referenced in the 2003 and 2006 International Building Code, require more stringent testing to pre-qualify anchors installed in concrete that is susceptible to cracks. Cracking typically occurs when concrete is in tension or when it’s located in an area prone to moderate or high seismic activity. Manufacturers like Simpson Strong-Tie have been working diligently to develop and test new anchor products that meet these new code requirements.

Simpson’s Strong-Bolt is one of the first wedge-type expansion anchors to obtain a code listing under the new test criteria. It’s listed for use in normal-weight and lightweight cracked and uncracked concrete as well as in moderate and high seismic zones. “As the new provisions are adopted and the construction industry becomes familiar with the design requirements, specifiers and contractors will be looking for a product solution,” said Ryan Vuletic, P.E., manager of engineering for Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems. “The Strong-Bolt not only offers that solution, it gives design professionals the reassurance of increased anchor reliability, even if concrete cracking occurs.”

Anchor design software for the Strong-Bolt, using the ACI 318 Appendix D design method, is available here.