Design Using Adhesive Anchor Systems

Reinforced concrete is a construction method that relies on widely understood and historically validated concepts. Traditionally, reinforcing bars are placed in formwork prior to concrete placement. However, many applications require reinforcement to be added to existing structures by means of reinforcing bars grouted into drilled holes, usually with injectable adhesives. This article provides an overview of how reinforcing bars can be designed in accordance with the development and splice requirements of the American Concrete Institute ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, using a post-installed adhesive anchor system. Specific reference to the 2012 International Building Code (2012 IBC) and ACI 318-11 will be made because the first International Code Council-Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Evaluation Service Reports (ESRs) containing provisions for designing post-installed reinforcing bars as “reinforcement” are recognized within the 2012 IBC provisions.

Post-installed reinforcing bars, for the purposes of this article, refer to reinforcing bars installed into hardened concrete using a qualified adhesive anchor system. The primary focus will be to discuss post-installed reinforcing bar design using the development length provisions within ACI 318-11. Alternative design methods for post-installed reinforcement based on anchor theory and shear-friction will also be mentioned.

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About the author ⁄ Richard T. Morgan, P.E.

Richard T. Morgan, P.E., is the Manager for Software and Literature in the Technical Marketing Department of Hilti North America. He is responsible for PROFIS Engineering and PROFIS Rebar software.