Construction Fixings

By Brian Deluce, technical manager at JCP Construction Products, part of the Hexstone Group

More often than not, fastener and fixing products are overlooked, from the design stages of a project through to the build itself. Given that they are the mechanisms that literally hold everything together, not enough emphasis is placed upon them.

We see this regularly at JCP, especially with anchoring products. Take, for example, the number of anchoring product variations in our portfolio alone – approximately 85 different product types – ranging from chemical anchors, throughbolts, drop-in anchors, heavy-duty anchors, and sleeve anchors, as well as others types of anchors. Each suits a different requirement and each can be tailored to meet a certain specification, dependent on the application, through our Anchor Calculation Programme.

Assessing the application
Complex calculations are often required for fixings in the construction industry so we tend to find that engineers are over specifying as a precaution. However, when addressed correctly, with the required level of technical support, companies may find that cost savings can be achieved by selecting a more appropriate anchor. This needs to be addressed with caution but at JCP we believe we have the correct tools for the job.

Essentially, the properties of a base material are fundamental in the specification of anchor products. If the wrong anchors are specified for cracked concrete then the results could be catastrophic. However, where the concrete is not cracked, a saving can be made by using an anchor that has been tested for use in non-cracked concrete.

Another common assumption across the sector is that all products of a similar type perform in the same way. A key example here would be throughbolts that are typically used for fixing steel to concrete – not all of them perform the same. The engineer initially needs to look at the loads they will support in order to know which version they should be applying. We see many situations where we are asked to provide an alternative anchor product to one that has already been specified, to then see that it has previously been over specified for a stronger and more expensive option. Also we sometimes find we can be competing with a product that does not have the required technical support and is sold on price alone, which is potentially a dangerous practice and could result in failure of the connection.

In the know
So what classifies as non-cracked and cracked concrete? The BBA Guidance Note No. 39 is an industry document that is often overlooked. It states that ‘non-cracked concrete is concrete where the probability is acceptably low, that either cracks will form after installation of anchors or the width of any existing cracks will increase significantly during the life of the anchors.’1 It also gives guidance on when cracked and non-cracked concrete may occur.

One of the other main challenges that we face in the industry is comprehending changes in the Construction Product Regulations (CPR). We believe it is important that we communicate these with our customers to reassure them that the products they are specifying are absolutely right for the job. It is for this reason that I participate in the European Consortium of Anchor Products (ECAP), which provides a continent-wide platform for understanding the changes in regulations. We meet with other European manufacturers to discuss issues affecting the industry, which benefits our customers because we are always able to provide them with up to date accurate information.

Anchoring products quite regularly come under scrutiny with regards to European standards and assessments and, while a standard is compulsory and assessment only optional, our products will always adhere to assessment level regardless.

What next?
Part of the challenge for this industry is that a lot of it comes down to graduates coming out of university that have not been clearly versed in the important role of fixings. For example, I come across many structural engineering graduates who are highly proficient in the use of concrete and steel but not with fixings – they are just seen as an essential and reliable item that always does the job. However, there is so much more to the story.

For engineers, specifiers and architects who are unsure on the anchors that need to be specified on a particular project, there are a number of tools available, such as the JCP Anchor Calculation Programme (ACP). It simplifies specifying connections to surfaces such as floors, ceilings and walls, and takes into account loadings, spacings and edged distances. When configuring a solution for the project, it considers the thickness of the concrete, the temperature of the concrete for bonded anchors and whether the holes are dry or flooded. Other factors may be where lever arms are applied, and the facility to calculate resin loads with deeper embedments. This is one of the best calculation tools on the market, and we don’t charge a penny for it. We simply wish to offer the industry a fair and accurate tool that allows users to get the most out of their projects.

There is a huge advantage in using a credible supplier who can provide advice and guidance on which products are suitable for different applications, for both new builds and refurbishment projects. Not only will they be able to supply products with all of the necessary accreditations and proof, they will be well versed in all of the requirements of the new regulations.

^{1 www.bbacerts.co.uk/download/document-types/guidance/Anchor%20Bolts%20for%20use%20in%20Concrete%20-%20UK%20Guidance.pdf}

About the author
Brian Deluce’s role as technical manager at JCP is to gain an understanding of European Technical Assessments and how they are applied to the construction industry and JCP’s products. Brian boasts 40 years’ experience in the industry and is a well known figure throughout. His roots as a toolmaker and electrician in the Royal Navy equipped him with all the necessary skills to combat technical issues and ultimately develop effective solutions.