SA TS 101:2015 is a new standard for concrete anchors that promises to raise quality and safety levels within the construction industry.

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
www.hilti.com.au