In-Situ Load Testing for Epoxy Anchor

[NFExp]

I have a large 5-story wood frame building with some fairly decent wind uplift loads, no seismic. The uplift system consist of CLP full height threaded rods and the shearwall hold downs are Simpson hold downs. Both the CLP and Simpson hold downs are anchored by epoxy. In a few areas of the building, the threaded rods were installed without the presence of the threshold inspector. The contractor has suggested doing a load test and has asked us for a inspection procedure.

I looked in IBC section 1709 and it gives a procedure in 1709.3.1 which calls for the threaded rods to be tested 2x the unfactored design load for a period of 24 hrs. I have 2 questions: First, is the 24 hrs period required if the anchor being tested is designed for wind uplift which is a short term duration? Second, what is a good percentage of anchors to be tested? I have read on this site to use 10% but I'm not sure how to justify that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[wannabeSE]

The California Building Code has requirements for testing post-installed anchors in hospitals. It may provide some ideas for loads, duration, and frequency. See section 1913A.7 at

http://www.ecodes.biz/ecodes_suppor...a/13Building/PDFs/Chapter 19A - Concrete.pdf.

 

[BUGGAR]

You can test on a sliding scale. Specify testing, say 25% of the anchors. If three in a row pass, you reduce the testing down to 15%. etc. If any fail, you return to the next higher testing percentage.

 

[NFExp]

Great idea.. thanks Buggar