Overview of the Strength-Based Cracked and Uncracked Masonry Design Standards for Adhesive Anchors

We’re entering the year 2024 — welcome to the world of cracked and uncracked masonry. The last time Simpson Strong-Tie wrote a blog post regarding design criteria for post-installed anchors in masonry was in 2019, and ICC-ES was considering the adoption of a revised version of AC58, the Acceptance Criteria for Adhesive Anchors in Cracked and Uncracked Masonry Elements. Acceptance Criteria, or ACs, outline the testing that a manufacturer must comply with in order to get an evaluation report. In some cases, the ACs contain calculations methods if they are otherwise unavailable. If you missed the previous blog post, here is a link so you can explore a bit of the history that has led us to where we are today.

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Part II: A New Wood Construction Connectors Catalog for the New Year

We just released our updated Wood Construction Connectors catalog (C-C-2024) which features our product line that has a legacy that started in 1956. This year’s 372-page version begins with a colorful, attention-grabbing cover design and is packed inside with all the technical details that help people build safer, stronger structures. This blog is Part II of a two-part series highlighting this new catalog and the solutions inside it.

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Innovation Redefined: The Future of Structural Testing with Our Million Pound Rig

The future of full-scale structures testing and product development is here – and it is BIG. Our Tyrell Gilb Research Laboratory built a brand-new Million Pound Rig to help in the testing of our new Yield-Link® brace connection (YLBC), along with our many other products. Hear from Mike Wesson, Engineering Manager, Tyrell Gilb Research Laboratory, about this latest addition to the research lab. 

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Common Engineering Technical Inquiries — Part I: Anchors

Over the next few months, I will be doing a short three-part series going over common technical inquiries we receive in the engineering department. There is a wealth of information available on our website and in our literature, but so much content can sometimes be difficult to navigate. It is often said that knowledge is power, so my hope is to empower you with all the technical support you need so you can complete your job quickly and efficiently.  

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Dry, Soaked, or Submerged Concrete — SET-3G Adhesive Allows Anchoring in Any Condition

Modern construction schedules and conditions create a demand for solutions that can perform in a wide variety of environmentsIn the following post, Field Engineer Chris Johnson provides a rundown of different concrete and hole conditions for adhesive anchoring, the related design factors, and proper installation instructions and approved adhesive products for submerged anchorage.   

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Project Snapshot: Tower Lateral System Strengthening Using FRP

Strengthening of shear walls and diaphragm-to-wall connections has started on Little Tokyo Towers (see photo 1) located in downtown Los Angeles, CA. This seniorliving residential facility was built in 1975. Structural analysis by Tuan and Robinson Structural Engineers showed that some modest strengthening was required to improve the building’s lateral system performance in the event of an earthquake.

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Project Snapshot Series Part 2: Historic Theatre Retrofit Using FRP

Structural renovation work continues on an historic, 1920s-era theater in Hollywood, California. This major renovation will improve the structural performance of the building and help ensure that theatergoers and building occupants are safe in the event of a major earthquake. We are excited to share a second update on this project that focuses on the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) for strengthening the theater’s roof diaphragm.  Continue Reading

Project Snapshot Series Part 1: Historic Theatre Retrofit Using FRP

Structural renovation work continues on a historic, 1920s-era building in Hollywood, California. This major renovation will improve the structural performance of the building and help ensure that theatregoers and other occupants are safe in the event of a major earthquake.  

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Mechanical Anchors: Screw vs. Expansion: — Which Is Right for Me? 

Not all post-installed mechanical anchors are created equal. There are key differences between screw and expansion anchor types — differences that include how they gain their holding strength, installation requirements, and overall anchor performance. In the following post, field engineers Todd Hamilton, Chris Johnson and Derek Gilbert compare the two anchor types. 

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Strategic Alliance with Structural Technologies Brings End-to-End FRP Solutions to Concrete Strengthening and Repair Industry

Simpson Strong-Tie and Structural Technologies formed a strategic alliance for Composite Strengthening Systems (CSS) products in 2021. CSS products include fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) strengthening systems. Additionally, where CSS products are not a viable solution, the alliance can also offer recommendations and design for other non-CSS or conventional strengthening solutions. This alliance allows each firm to specialize in their areas of expertise: 

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