In the last few years, Simpson Strong-Tie has heard from a number of structural engineers expressing frustration with the lack of performance data for shallowly embedded, post-installed anchors (shallow anchors). Engineers of Record (EOR) have identified a common application for shallow anchors as those related to attachment of sill plates for structural and nonstructural wall-to-podium slab connections. One dilemma faced by the EORs originates in their desire to prevent damage to concrete podium slab reinforcement, especially where reinforcement is located close to the slab’s top surface to resist negative bending moments. EORs further indicate that shallow anchors are frequently needed for the following attachments: hanging MEP fixtures; attaching nonstructural components associated with tenant improvements; and anchoring light equipment.
Author: Mark Jarvinen
Mark Jarvinen has been practicing structural engineering, concrete repair and strengthening, and exterior building envelope consulting for 32 years. His structural engineering experience ranges from adaptive reuse of historic structures to new building designs of structural steel, reinforced masonry, reinforced concrete, and wood. Mark has been a member of the Simpson Strong-Tie Company’s Field Engineering Team since 2007. Mark’s primary responsibilities include educating and supporting design professionals related to Code-compliant specification, design, installation, field inspection and testing of post-installed anchor, external strengthening with FRP, and repair of concrete and masonry. Mark is professionally registered as a Structural Engineer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.