PLEASANTON, CA - The new code provisions in the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) require designers to factor in whether conditions exist that may cause concrete to crack. The provisions also require new anchorage solutions. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems has been focused on developing and testing products that meet the new standards.

Designers now have several cracked concrete solutions to choose from, including the most recent addition of the Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems SET-XP Epoxy-Tie adhesive. SET-XP adhesive is now recognized for use in cracked and uncracked concrete (see ICC-ES evaluation report: ESR-2508).

Concrete typically cracks when it's in tension or is subjected to seismic events and other types of adverse conditions. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems SET-XP anchoring epoxy was formulated and tested to meet the strict ICC-ES AC308 cracked concrete requirements. The epoxy can be used with threaded rod (carbon and stainless steel) and rebar, and is recognized for use at embedment depths up to 20 times the anchor diameter.

Since most states across the country have now adopted the 2006 IBC, engineers and designers are increasingly being required to specify anchors designed and tested to meet the new requirements. In addition to SET-XP epoxy, the Titen HD screw anchor (see ESR-2713) and Strong-Bolt wedge anchor (see ESR-1771) are code listed for cracked concrete. Other Anchor Systems products are expected to be released in early 2009.