The shallowest C2 seismic concrete Screw-Bolt® in Australia
16 October 2024
In recent years, Australia’s construction industry has tightened safety and performance standards, particularly for seismic actions. The adoption of AS 1170.4-2007 set the foundation for designing buildings to withstand earthquakes, with a key update emphasizing the importance of securing non-structural components. The 2018 introduction of AS 5216 (Design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings in concrete) further advanced safety-critical applications, providing guidelines for post-installed fastenings in concrete, aligned with European Technical Assessments (ETAs).
Australian Standard for the design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings in concrete, AS 5216 was updated in July 2021. AS 5216:2021 now includes the following additions:
- Design of fastenings under seismic actions
- Design of post-installed reinforcing bar connections
- Design of redundant non-structural fasteners
- Design of anchor channel loaded in shear in the longitudinal direction
Appendix F of AS 5216:2021 outlines the design and pre-qualification requirements for post-installed fasteners under seismic actions. Pre-qualification of fasteners for seismic actions are categorised under seismic performance categories C1 and C2 and determined in accordance with EOTA TR049. Design of fasteners under seismic actions shall be conducted in accordance with AEFAC Technical Note TN-10.
When are Seismic C1 & C2 Assessed Anchors Required?
Seismic C1 and C2 assessed anchors are required based on the seismic risk of the region, the building's importance level, and the criticality of the components being fastened.
Seismic C1 Assessed Anchors are used in moderate seismic zones and non-safety-critical applications, where failure won’t pose a major life safety risk. These anchors suit buildings with lower importance levels (1 and 2), such as residential or low-occupancy structures.
Seismic C2 Assessed Anchors are required in high seismic risk zones and for safety-critical components like structural elements (wall systems, facades, suspended applications) or essential systems (mechanical and electrical services) in buildings where failure could endanger lives. These anchors are essential for structures with higher importance levels (3 and 4) (schools, universities, hospitals, emergency services, power plants and water treatment facilities).
Building codes such as AS 5216 and AS 1170.4 determine when to use C1 or C2 anchors based on seismic risk, building type, and criticality.
What is the difference between C1 & C2 Seismic Assessed Anchors?
Performance category C1: tests fasteners under pulsating tension load and alternating shear load while taking into account the effect of concrete cracking, for C1 a maximum crack width of 0.5mm is considered in the test program.
Performance category C2: considers fastener reference tests to failure as well as tests under pulsating tension load and alternating shear load while taking into account the effect of concrete cracking, for C2 a maximum crack width of 0.8mm is considered and cycled from 0.1 to 0.8mm. C2 is a severe seismic test program and difficult for many post-installed fasteners to qualify against.
Fasteners seismically qualified under category C1 contain seismic tension and shear loads while fasteners qualified under category C2 contain seismic tension, shear and displacement information. This information is typically included in the fastener ETA (European Technical Assessment) document. Design of post-installed fasteners under seismic conditions in Europe is performed in accordance with EN 1992-4:2018.
Are your applications requiring seismic assessed anchors?
- Speak to an ICCONS Engineer ([email protected])
- Learn more or Download DesignPRO: Fast & Free Anchor Design Software
- Download Thunderbolt®PRO Technical Data Sheet
The Shallowest C2 Seismic Concrete Screw-Bolt® in Australia
ICCONS® is home to the most comprehensive range of Code Compliant Screw-Bolts® in Australia and as part of the Thunderbolt®PRO range is the 8mm x 55mm Screw-Bolt® (SXTB08055 Zinc and Galvanised).
ICCONS SXTB08055 is C2 Seismic Assessed in Accordance with AS 5216:2021
This shallow embedment greatly improves user productivity by:
- 8 X 55MM Screw-Bolt®: Significantly lower cost than other typical C2 approved mechanical anchors
- 60mm Drill depth: Less machine and accessory wear
- 50mm Embedment: Labour saving through rapid installation
- 5mm Max. Fixture Thickness: Suitable for countless C2 Seismic Applications
Thunderbolt®PRO Screw-Bolt® Range Key Features:
- European Technical Assessment
- Seismic C1 & C2 Assessments
- Fire Rated
- AS5216 Compliant
- Available in Zinc, Galvanised and Stainless Steel finishes
- Stamped head marking for ID and traceability
- Asymmetric thread profile for unparalleled bite into concrete
- Lightning lock under head serrations for clamping performance
- Reduced installation torque
- Low expansion forces
- Removable
SXTB08055 C2 Seismic Screw-Bolt® Common Applications:
- C2 Seismic applications
- Category 3 and 4 Building Importance Level
- Seismic Bracing
- Internal Lining (light gauge steel track)
- Wall systems
- Mechanical and Electrical services (channels, cable tray, cantilevered brackets)
- Fire rated Applications
Screw-Bolt Installation Instructions
Summary
In conclusion, as seismic safety standards in Australia continue to evolve, compliance with AS 1170.4 and AS 5216 has become critical for ensuring the integrity of structures in earthquake-prone areas. The distinction between C1 and C2 seismic anchors highlights the importance of selecting the right fasteners based on regional seismic risk, building type, and component criticality. ICCONS® offers a reliable solution with the Thunderbolt®PRO range, including the shallowest C2 Seismic Screw-Bolt® in Australia (SXTB08055), designed for safety-critical applications.
For more information, contact ICCONS engineers or explore their comprehensive design tools and technical resources.
- Speak to an ICCONS Engineer ([email protected])
- Learn more or Download DesignPRO: Fast & Free Anchor Design Software
- Download Thunderbolt®PRO Technical Data Sheet
