Since Amendment 3 of NZS 3101 Concrete Structures Standard in August 2017, Clause 17.5.5 states that “Post installed mechanical anchors and post installed adhesive anchors shall pass the pre-qualification testing stipulated in ETAG 001, Annex E and be designed in accordance with EOTA TR045”.

The pre-qualification tests for C1 involve pulsating tension and alternating shear loading of the fastener in a static crack with a maximum width of 0.5mm.

For C2, in addition to testing the fastener under a pulsating tension and alternating shear loading in a static crack with a maximum width of 0.8mm, the fastener is loaded in tension in crack cycling conditions to simulate the opening and closing nature of cracks during seismic loading under moment reversals.

Qualification of anchors for C2 places higher demands on the performance of anchors under seismic action compared to category C1.

VT-HP is a versatile high-performance fast cure vinylester resin-based chemical anchoring adhesive developed for anchoring threaded rod and rebar in cracked and non-cracked concrete 20MPa to 50MPa including seismic areas.

VT-HP is ETA certified for concrete, masonry as well as seismic performance categories C1/C2. It can be used in dry and damp conditions, wet or flooded environments (not sea water). It has passed the tests (WRAS Material Approval) of effect on water quality and is suitable for use in contact with drinkable water.

Seismic conditions significantly change the behaviour and performance of anchors. Simpson Strong-Tie VT-HP anchoring adhesive is code compliant and approved for seismic performance categories C1/C2, bringing you a professional and powerful solution in our continued mission to help build safer, stronger structures.

VT-HP300GREY: European Technical Assessments

• European Organisation for Technical Approvals (2013). EOTA TR045, Design of Metal Anchors for Use in Concrete under Seismic Actions. Brussels. Belgium.
• European Organisation for Technical Approvals (2013). ETAG 001 Annex E, Assessment of Metal Anchors for Use in Concrete under Seismic Actions. Brussels. Belgium.