Electrical Connection Winter 2016

92 / 116

9 2 E L E C T R I C A L CO N N E C T I O N W I N T E R 2 0 16
TIPS
Concrete anchors are used to
connect different structural
materials including concrete
to concrete, steel to concrete, timber
to concrete as well as non-structural
components. The design of these
anchors is relatively complex and cannot
be incorporated into any of the existing
materials standards.
As a result, a new Standard
for concrete anchoring has been
developed by the construction industry
in consultation with the Australian
Engineered Fasteners and Anchors
Council (AEFAC). The new Standard,
named SA TS 101:2015 Design of
post-installed and cast-in fastenings
for use in concrete,will be referenced
within the next revision of the National
Construction Code (NCC) due to be
released in May.
SA TS 101:2015 covers post installed
chemical anchors, mechanical
anchors and cast-in anchor channel
used in concrete for all safety-critical
applications. The Standard is based
upon European design guidelines
(ETAG) and European Technical
Assessment (ETA) product assessment
as the method of compliance under
the Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) provisions
of the NCC. Designers will have a
consistent design approach and
comparable product assessments to
facilitate efficient and effective designs.
Hilti have advocated these design
principles and product assessment
methods for some time. The company
believes that, when used together,
these principles and methods ensure
an appropriate anchoring solution and a
safer structure overall.
“The objective of having SA TS
101:2015 published has been to raise
safety and quality standards in the
Australian anchor industry and make
the industry a safer one” says head of
engineering for Hilti Australia,
Zoran Skoric.
“This will herald a new beginning
for the Australian anchor industry,
one where the design and evaluation
of anchors used in safety-critical
applications will be brought into line
with other fastening systems already
referenced in the NCC and adopted
throughout the building and
construction industry.”
Hilti anchors are already ETA
assessed and the design software
PROFIS Anchor and PROFIS Anchor
Channel – designed to assist planners
and specifiers to select anchors and
anchor channels – are compliant with
SA TS 101:2015.
Chairman of the Australian
Engineered Fasteners and Anchors
Council (AEFAC) Board Professor
Emad Gad says the AEFAC is very
pleased that the new standard has just
been published.
“This marks a significant development
for the Australian construction industry
as we implement international best
practice. We now have consistent and
robust means of prequalification and
design of anchors for safety critical
applications. Furthermore, the Standard
will be referenced in the 2016 NCC,
which gives designers the assurance
of deemed to satisfy provisions. These
major developments have become
possible because of AEFAC’s work
and the support provided by the
organisations represented on the SA
TS101 development committee.”
> Hilti
BRINGING ANCHORS UP
TO STANDARD
SA TS 101:2015 is a new
standard for concrete anchors
that promises to raise quality
and safety levels within the
construction industry.
The standard covers post installed chemical anchors, mechanical anchors and
cast-in anchor channel used in concrete for all safety-critical applications.