Article

Article
Load Capacity
Load Capacity of
of Shallow
Shallow Embedded
Embedded Anchor
Anchor Channels
Channels
Christoph Mahrenholtz 1, and Akanshu Sharma 22
Christoph Mahrenholtz 1,** and Akanshu Sharma
1 Jordahl,12057
12057Berlin,
Berlin,Germany
Germany
1
2
Jordahl,
2 Institute of Construction Materialsand
Institute of Construction Materials andMaterials
MaterialsTesting
TestingInstitute,
Institute,University
UniversityofofStuttgart,
Stuttgart,
70569 Stuttgart, Germany; akanshu.sharma@iwb.uni-stuttgart.de
70569 Stuttgart Germany; akanshu.sharma@iwb.uni-stuttgart.de
Correspondence:christoph.mahrenholtz@jordahl.de
** Correspondence: christoph.mahrenholtz@jordahl.de




Received:
Received: 88 September
September 2020;
2020; Accepted:
Accepted: 29
29 October
October 2020;
2020; Published:
Published: 231November 2020
October 2020


Anchorchannels
Abstract: Anchor channelsare are cast
cast in concrete
in concrete and and
allowallow the connection
the connection of components
of components using
using channel
channel
bolts. Inbolts.
recentInyears,
recenttheyears,
designthe design
to valuetoresulted
value resulted
in everinthinner
ever thinner
concreteconcrete elements,
elements, whichwhich
often
often
cannotcannot accommodate
accommodate the required
the required embedment
embedment depth ofdepth of standard
standard anchor anchor
channels.channels.
For thisFor this
reason,
reason,
channelschannels may be
may be fitted fitted
with short with short While
anchors. anchors. Whiledesign
existing existing design provisions
provisions allow for the allow for the
calculation
calculation of the
of the tension tension
capacity capacity
also also for
for shallow shallow embedded
embedded anchortests
anchor channels, channels, tests are
are required torequired
determineto
determine product-specific
product-specific parametersparameters for theshear
for the economic economic shear loads
loads design. design. The
The presented presented
study study
investigated
investigated the performance
the performance of shallow
of shallow embedded embedded
anchor anchor
channels channels
tested tested
in shear. in shear. evaluation
The detailed The detailedof
evaluation of the test data demonstrates that testing of the minimum embedment
the test data demonstrates that testing of the minimum embedment is conservative and that the is conservative
and that the load-displacement
load-displacement behavior with
behavior of channels of channels
weldedwith welded
I-sections is I-sections
comparable is comparable to that
to that of channels
of channels
with forged with
headedforged headed
studs. studs. In
In addition, addition,
a new a newapproach
evaluation evaluation is approach
proposed.is proposed.

Keywords: anchor
anchor channel; shallow embedment; concrete edge breakout; shear capacity

1. Introduction
Introduction

Anchor channels with channel bolts allow versatile possibilities to conveniently and reliably
connect components
componentstoto reinforced concrete
reinforced structures.
concrete Qualified
structures. anchoranchor
Qualified channel–channel bolt-systems
channel–channel bolt-
reliably take
systems up static
reliably take upand cyclic
static loads
and even
cyclic under
loads evenextreme conditions
under extreme to be anticipated,
conditions e.g., fore.g.,
to be anticipated, the
anchoring of brackets holding curtain wall elements of supertall skyscrapers which are
for the anchoring of brackets holding curtain wall elements of supertall skyscrapers which are subjected to
high deadto
subjected and wind
high deadloads
and(Figure 1a). (Figure 1a).
wind loads

Figure 1.
Figure (a) The
1. (a) The One,
One, Toronto,
Toronto, aa supertall
supertall skyscraper
skyscraper project
project with curtain wall
with curtain wall elements
elements anchored
anchored to
to
the structure using anchor channels; (b) example of anchor channel and channel
the structure using anchor channels; (b) example of anchor channel and channel bolt.bolt.

CivilEng 2020, 1,
CivilEng 2020, 1, 243–252; doi:10.3390/civileng1030015
Firstpage-Lastpage; doi: FOR PEER REVIEW www.mdpi.com/journal/civileng
www.mdpi.com/journal/civileng
CivilEng 2020, 1 244
CivilEng 2020, 1, FOR PEER REVIEW 2

Anchor channels
Anchor channels consist
consist ofofanchors
anchorseither
eitherforged
forgedororwelded
weldedtotoC-channels
C-channels which
which areare
cast flush
cast in
flush
reinforced concrete elements and allow, after stripping of the formwork, the
in reinforced concrete elements and allow, after stripping of the formwork, the installation of installation of matching
T-bolts, aka
matching channel
T-bolts, akabolts (Figure
channel bolts1b). These1b).
(Figure anchor
Thesechannel–channel bolt-systems
anchor channel–channel can take can
bolt-systems up high
take
tension loads (N in z-direction) and shear loads (V in x- and y-direction) by
up high tension loads (N in z-direction) and shear loads (V in x- and y-direction) by mechanical mechanical interlock [1,2],
making the
interlock system
[1,2], makingverythe
robust and very
system even robust
suitableandto withstand explosive
even suitable loads [3,4],
to withstand seismicloads
explosive loads [3,4],
[5,6],
and fatigue
seismic loads loads
[5,6],[7,8].
and The possibility
fatigue of fixing
loads [7,8]. the channel
The possibility ofbolts
fixingatthe
anychannel
locationboltsalongat the
anylength
locationof
the channel offers higher flexibility to the designer than other cast-in systems such
along the length of the channel offers higher flexibility to the designer than other cast-in systems such as baseplates with
headed
as studs.with headed studs.
baseplates
The design of
The design of the
the anchor
anchor channel
channel andand channel
channel bolt
bolt requires
requires the
the verification
verification forfor almost
almost 20 20 possible
possible
failure modes and partly involves product-specific parameters to be determined
failure modes and partly involves product-specific parameters to be determined by testing. by testing. In Europe,In
the design
Europe, theprovisions for concrete
design provisions anchors including
for concrete anchor channels
anchors including and channel
anchor channels andbolts are provided
channel bolts are
in EN 1992-4
provided in EN[9],1992-4
i.e., Part
[9],4i.e.,
of the
PartEurocode 2. The design
4 of the Eurocode 2. Thecode for concrete
design code for structures in the USA,
concrete structures in
ACI 318 [10], stipulates design rules for single-point concrete anchors.
the USA, ACI 318 [10], stipulates design rules for single-point concrete anchors. The design The design rules forrules
anchor
for
channels
anchor and channel
channels bolts are
and channel notare
bolts yetnotincluded. For this
yet included. reason,
For this amendments
reason, amendments areareprovided
provided in
AC232 [11], the Acceptance Criteria for anchor channel with channel bolts in the
in AC232 [11], the Acceptance Criteria for anchor channel with channel bolts in the USA, defining USA, defining required
qualification
required tests to attain
qualification testsEvaluation
to attain (Service)
Evaluation Reports (E(S)R).
(Service) In Europe,
Reports product
(E(S)R). qualification
In Europe, product is
certified by European
qualification is certified Technical
by European Assessment
Technical(ETA) documents
Assessment for which
(ETA) qualification
documents for which tests have to be
qualification
carried
tests outtoaccording
have be carriedtoout theaccording
Europeanto Assessment
the European Document (EAD)
Assessment 330008-03-0601
Document (EAD) [12]. Due to the
330008-03-0601
complexity
[12]. Due toofthe thecomplexity
design provisions, structural
of the design engineers
provisions, typicallyengineers
structural use proprietary
typically software to design
use proprietary
anchor channels and channel bolts (Figure 2a).
software to design anchor channels and channel bolts (Figure 2a).

(a) (b)
Figure 2. Typical
Typical design detail of a curtain wall bracket connected to the structure with channel bolts
installed in anchor channels: (a) Snapshots of the design software; (b) situation on site.

The qualification
qualificationand
anddesign
designregulations of anchor
regulations channels
of anchor and channel
channels bolts arebolts
and channel almost
areidentical
almost
in Europeinand
identical the USA,
Europe and though
the USA, some minor
though differences
some still call forstill
minor differences harmonization [13]. While both
call for harmonization [13].
standard frameworks do not require product-specific parameters to design for tension
While both standard frameworks do not require product-specific parameters to design for tension loading, they do
require product-specific
loading, they do require parameters to allow
product-specific the economic
parameters design
to allow for shear loading.
the economic design for shear loading.
To determine the product-specific parameters, tests are carried out
determine the product-specific parameters, tests are carried out on anchor on anchor channels
channels installed in
installed
concrete.
in TestTest
concrete. datadata
presented below
presented verifies
below that also
verifies thatshallow embedded
also shallow anchor anchor
embedded channelschannels
can transfer
can
shear loads
transfer shearsafely despite
loads safelytheir reduced
despite embedment.
their reduced Shallow Shallow
embedment. embedded anchor channels
embedded are popular
anchor channels are
particularly for the connection of curtain wall brackets (Figure 2b) where value engineering
popular particularly for the connection of curtain wall brackets (Figure 2b) where value engineering led to
thintoconcrete
led decks,decks,
thin concrete however, interestingly
however, their general
interestingly load-displacement
their general load-displacementbehavior has not
behavior hasbeen
not
discussed
been nor performance
discussed data or
nor performance approval
data reports
or approval published
reports to date.
published to date.

2. Background on Design Provisions for Concrete Edge Breakout Shear Capacity

The design of anchor channels is complex. For those interested in the background of the design for
concrete edge breakout shear capacity, the underlying provisions are explained to the required level of
CivilEng 2020, 1, FOR PEER REVIEW 3

2. Background on Design Provisions for Concrete Edge Breakout Shear Capacity

CivilEng 2020, 1 245
The design of anchor channels is complex. For those interested in the background of the design
for concrete edge breakout shear capacity, the underlying provisions are explained to the required
level ofIndetail.
detail. In the following,
the following, the denomination
the denomination according according to the European
to the European standardstandard
framework framework
is used for is
used
the for the parameter
parameter notation. notation.
DeviatingDeviating
US-American US-American denomination
denomination is provided is in
provided in angle(“h
angle brackets . . . i”).
brackets
(“⟨…⟩”). The overall load capacity is defined as the minimum of all capacities
The overall load capacity is defined as the minimum of all capacities determined for the individual determined for the
individual
failure modes.failure
Themodes. The mostfailure
most relevant relevantmodefailure mode
under under
shear is theshear is theedge
concrete concrete edge breakout,
breakout, which is
which is
critical if critical if the
the anchor anchorischannel
channel installedisininstalled in aand
a thin slab thinwith
slaba and with
small edge a small edge
distance. distance.
This situation Thisis
situation is typical for the installation of brackets carrying curtain wall
typical for the installation of brackets carrying curtain wall elements (Figure 3). elements (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Anchor channel with two channel bolts close to an edge with indicated breakout body
Figure 3. Anchor channel with two channel bolts close to an edge with indicated breakout body
(shaded area) if loaded in shear: (a) Cross-section; (b) top view.
(shaded area) if loaded in shear: (a) Cross-section; (b) top view.

For the design, the load from the channel bolts is assumed to be distributed by the channel to
For the design, the load from the channel bolts is assumed to be distributed by the channel to
the anchors for which the design check of concrete edge breakout is carried out. The characteristic
the anchors for which the design check of concrete edge breakout is carried out. The characteristic
hnominali concrete edge breakout capacity of the individual anchor of a channel loaded perpendicular
⟨nominal⟩ concrete edge breakout capacity of the individual anchor of a channel loaded
to the concrete edge is calculated by:
perpendicular to the concrete edge is calculated by:
0
Rk,c =
VVRk,c = VRk,c ·Ψ
Rk,c0 · ψ ch,s,V
ch,s,V Ψch,c,V
· ψ·ch,c,V · Ψch,h,V
· ψch,h,V · ψre,V· Ψre,V (1a)
(1a)

⟨V cb ==VV
hVcb ·Ψ
b b· ψ Ψco,V
· ψ· co,V
s,Vs,V · Ψ·h,V
· ψh,V ψc,V· ⟩Ψc,V i (1b)
(1b)
The modification
modificationfactors Ψch,c,V
factorsψch,c,V ⟨ψco,V
hΨ⟩,co,V i, Ψ
ψch,h,V ⟨ψch,h,V
h,V⟩, and ψre,V
hΨh,V ⟨ψc,V⟩Ψtake
i, and hΨc,Vaccount
re,V into i take the intocondition
account
the condition (uncracked/cracked)
(uncracked/cracked) and the geometry andofthe geometry
concrete member (c1 ⟨ca1⟩, member
of concrete c2 ⟨ca2⟩, h)(cas hca1 i,asc2the
1 well hca2 i, h) as
detailing
of surface reinforcement ⟨supplementary reinforcement⟩. In the context of the tests presented below,
well as the detailing of surface reinforcement hsupplementary reinforcementi. In the context of the
tests
thesepresented
modificationbelow, these
factors aremodification factors are
1.0 since the concrete test1.0 since the
members usedconcrete test members
for qualification used for
are designed
qualification are designed
without reinforcement andwithout reinforcement
with sufficiently largeand withdistances
corner c2 ⟨clarge
sufficiently a2⟩ and
corner
heightsdistances c2 hcthe
h to allow a2 i
and heights h to allow the development of a full breakout body. The influence of
development of a full breakout body. The influence of neighboring anchors, i.e., the effect of location neighboring anchors,
i.e.,
andthe effectof
loading ofadjacent
location and loading
anchors, of adjacent
however, anchors,
is relevant andhowever, is relevant
is considered and
by the is considered
modification by the
factor:
modification factor:
ψch,s,V = 1/ (1 + (1 − s/(4c1 + 2bch)1.5)) (2a)
Ψch,s,V = 1/(1 + (1 − s/(4c1 + 2bch )1.5 )) (2a)
⟨ψ=
hΨs,V s,V 1/(1 + (1
= 1/(1 + (1
− −s/(4c
s/(4c 2bchch))1.5
a1a1++2b
1.5))⟩
))i (2b)
These equations
equations assume
assume thatthat thetheconditions
conditionsbb chch/h
/hefef ≤≤ 0.7 andhhchch/h
0.7 and /hefef ≤≤ 0.4 ⟨hch
0.4 hh ch/h
/hef
ef ≤
≤ 0.5⟩
0.5i are
fulfilled—which is
fulfilled—which is assumed
assumed in in the
the following.
following.
The core
The coreofofEquation
Equation(1) (1) is basic
is the the basic characteristic
characteristic hnominali ⟨nominal⟩ resistance
resistance hstrengthi ⟨strength⟩ against
against concrete
concrete edge breakout failure
0 V 0 ⟨Vb⟩ of an individual anchor considered. The research forming
edge breakout failure VRk,c hVb i of an individual anchor considered. The research forming the basis
Rk,c

the the
for basis for the
design design
and and qualification
qualification of anchorofchannels
anchor channels
[14] showed [14] that
showed that the
the shear shear capacity
capacity VRk,c 0 hVVbRk,c
i is0
increasing with the edge distance c1 hca1 i by the power of 1.5. This is the same power applied on the
CivilEng 2020, 1 246

anchor embedment hef to calculate the tension capacity. This approach is also in line with the design
of concrete anchors, i.e., post-installed anchors and cast-in headed studs of anchor plates. Results of
shear tests on concrete anchors [15] were later used to reason the decrease of the power from 1.5 to 4/3:

VRk,c 0 = k12 · fck 0.5 · c1 4/3 (3a)

hVb = αch,V · f’c 0.5 · ca1 4/3 i (3b)

This approach disadvantages anchor channels if compared to concrete anchors. It is noteworthy,

however, that the concrete edge capacity of concrete anchors, paradoxically, is still calculated as a
function of c1 1.5 hca1 1.5 i. The loss of calculated capacity due to the reduction is about 20% for a typical
small edge distance of 75 mm and is progressively increasing with larger edge distances. While fck hf’c i
is the characteristic hnominali concrete strength for the specific design case, k12 hαch,V i is a semi-empiric
factor. Originally, staggered default values were defined for common small, medium, and large anchor
channel sizes [16]. Later, the CUAP 06.01/01 [17], the origin of AC232 and EAD 330008-03-0601, defined
only one conservative default value equaling to 4.5 h4.0i valid today for all anchor channels. Optional
qualification tests are required to determine product-specific values for the shear capacity factor k12
hαch,V i. These qualification tests are introduced in the following section.

3. Qualification Tests to Determine Product-Specific Shear Capacity Factors

Equation (3) is rearranged to determine the product-specific shear capacity factor k12 hαch,V i, which
has to be determined for every combination of channel type and anchor type. The factor k12 = kcr,V
hαch,V i refers to cracked concrete, whereas uncracked concrete test members are used for qualification
testing. To compensate for the capacity reduction associated with cracked concrete, the equation is
divided by 1.4 hmultiplicated by 0.7i [18]. Moreover, AC232 and EAD 330008-01-0601 cap the value of
the shear capacity factor to 7.5 to avoid that shear capacity factors are deduced which are—due to the
large scatter caused by the concrete—by chance higher than the range of experience:

kcr,V = 1/1.4 · min{Vk ; 0.75Vm }/(fc,test 0.5 · c1 4/3 · Ψch,s,V ) ≤ 7.5 (4a)

hαch,V = 0.7 · min{Vk ; 0.75Vm }/(fc,test 0.5 · ca1 4/3 · Ψs,V ) ≤ 7.5i (4b)

Vk stands for the characteristic (5% quantile, determined under the assumption of a normal
distribution with 0.9 as the coefficient of confidence) and Vm for the mean failure load of the test series
not normalized to the concrete strength (Vk(nom) /f’c 0.5 = Vk(test) /fc,test 0.5 ). The term min{Vk ; 0.75Vm }
represents a minimum scatter to be assumed even if the tests show a lower scatter. This equals to a
7.4% coefficient of variation for five test repeats (solving Vk = 0.75Vm ⇔ Vm × (1 − k × v/100) = 0.75Vm
⇔ v = 25/k, where k = 3.401 for n = 5 [19]).
In principle, neither qualification nor design rules distinguish between forged anchors, which are
headed studs, and welded anchors, which are generally pieces of I-sections. For the tests, the anchor
channels are cast in concrete test members, parallel to the edge at a distance of c1 hca1 i corresponding
to the minimum value for which qualification is sought (Figures 4 and 5). The test member thickness is
large enough to avoid an influence on the failure load (h > hcr,V ) and to accommodate a support outside
the width of the anticipated breakout body (s + 5c1 hs + 5c1a i). Tie downs counteract the uplifting force
due to the eccentrically acting actuator. A balance beam transfers the load equally to the two channel
bolts. A load cell and two displacement transducers touching the fixture allow the recording of load
and displacement. It is noted that the displacement may also be measured somewhere between the
actuator and fixture. The location of measurement influences the recorded load-displacement behavior;
this effect is briefly discussed in the next section.
CivilEng
CivilEng 2020,
2020, 1,
1 FOR PEER REVIEW 5
247
CivilEng 2020, 1, FOR PEER REVIEW 5

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 4. Example photos (a) before and (b) after a shear loading test (concrete breakout removed).
Figure
Figure 4. 4. Examplephotos
Example photos(a)
(a)before
before and
and (b)
(b) after a shear
shear loading
loadingtest
test(concrete
(concretebreakout
breakoutremoved).
removed).

Figure5.
Figure
Figure 5.5.Test
Testsetup
Test for shear
setup for shear
shear loading.
loading.
loading.
4. Test Program
4. Test Program toto Study
StudyProduct-Specific
Product-SpecificShear Shear Capacity
Capacity Factors
Factors
4. Test Program to Study Product-Specific Shear Capacity Factors
TheTheaimaimofofthethetest
testprogram
program(Table
(Table1) 1)was
was to to determine product-specificshear
determine product-specific shearcapacity
capacity factors
factors
The aim of the test program (Table 1) was to determine product-specific shear capacity factors
of of
shallow embedded anchor channels (h /h
shallow embedded anchor channels (hchch/hefef≳ 0.35). The results were used for further studies on
& 0.35). The results were used for further studies
of shallow embedded anchor channels (hch/hef ≳ 0.35). The results were used for further studies on
onthe
theload-displacement
load-displacement behavior
behavior and and comparison
comparison with amended
with amended tests ontests on standard
standard embedded embedded
anchor
thechannels
load-displacement
(hch/hef(h≲ch /h
behavior
0.35).
and comparison
Moreover, the potential
with amended
difference in
tests
the
on standard of
performance
embedded
channels
anchor
with
anchor channels ef . 0.35). Moreover, the potential difference in the performance of channels
channels (h ch/hef ≲ 0.35). Moreover, the potential difference in the performance ◦ of channels with
welded anchors (40-S, 50-S, 53-S, 55-S, 40-L, 53-L) and forged anchors (53-L°)
with welded anchors (40-S, 50-S, 53-S, 55-S, 40-L, 53-L) and forged anchors (53-L ) was investigated. was investigated. Note
welded anchors (40-S,
thatthat
currently all all 50-S, 53-S, 55-S,
commercially 40-L,channels
available 53-L) and forgedfor
suitable anchors
shallow (53-L°) was investigated.
embedment arearefitted Note
with
Note currently commercially available channels suitable for shallow embedment fitted with
thatwelded
currently all
anchors. commercially
Eachtesttestseries available
seriescomprised channels
comprised five five test suitable
test repeats. for shallow embedment are fitted with
welded anchors. Each repeats. Channels
Channelsofoffour fourdifferent
different sizes
sizeswith
withtwotwo
welded
anchorsanchors.
at a Each test
spacing of series
250 or comprised
300 mm were five test The
tested. repeats.
edge Channels
distance c of
1 ⟨cfour different
1a⟩ was between sizes
50 with100
and two
anchors at a spacing of 250 or 300 mm were tested. The edge distance c1 hc1a i was between 50 and
anchors at a channel
spacingbolt of 250 or 300 mm were tested. The edge distance c1 ⟨c1a⟩edge
was breakout
between 50 and is100
100mm.mm.The The channel bolt diameters
diameters were
were large
largeenough
enough to to
ensure
ensurethat concrete
that concrete edge breakout failure
failure is
mm. The channel
governing. The bolt diameters
tests were part were
of two large
test enough tocarried
campaigns ensureoutthat
at concrete edge
accredited test breakout failure is
labs.
governing. The tests were part of two test campaigns carried out at accredited test labs.
governing. The tests were part of two test campaigns carried out at accredited test labs.
Table 1. Test program.
Table 1. Test program.
Table 1. Test program.
Channel Anchor Embedment Height Width Anchor Edge
Code
Code
Channel Anchor Embedment Height Width Anchor Edge
Bolt
Channel
Bolt Channel Depth
Anchor Embedment
Channel Depth Ratio Ratio Spacing
Height RatioWidthSpacingAnchorDistanceEdge
Ratio Distance
Code*) *) ef, mm hch /hh c1i,⟨ca1⟩, mm
Bolt hmm
Channel hef ,Depth efch/hef bch /hef
Ratio bRatio
ch/hef s, mmSpacing
s, mmc1 hca1 mm
Distance
*)40-S
40-S M16
M16 W4022
W4022 57 57
hef, mm 0.39 0.39
hch/hef 0.70 0.70
bch/hef 250 250
s, mm 50c1 ⟨c50a1⟩, mm
50-S
50-S M20
M20 W5030
W5030 71 71 0.42 0.42 0.70 0.70 250 250 50 50
40-S 53-S M16M20 W4022
W5334 76 57 0.45 0.39 0.70 0.70 250 250 75 50
53-S
50-S 55-S M20M20 W5334
W5030 76 0.45 0.70 250 75
M20 W5542 84 71 0.50 0.42 0.65 0.70 300 250 75 50
55-S M20 W5542 84 0.50 0.51 0.65 300 50 7575
53-S 40-L M20M16 W4022
W5334 79 76 0.28 0.45 0.70 250 250
40-L
53-L M16
M20 W4022
W5334 155 79 0.22 0.28 0.34 0.51 250 250 100 50
55-S 53-L◦ M20M20 W5542
W5334 155 84 0.22 0.50 0.65 250 300 100
0.34 0.34 75
53-L M20 W5334 155 0.22 250 100
40-L M16 anchorsW4022 79 for shallow0.28 0.51 250 50
*)53-L°
Code XX-S: short
M20 welded
W5334to channels
155 embedment depth;
0.22 0.34 Code XX-L/L250 ◦ : long anchors
100
53-L
welded/forgedM20 W5334
to channels for 155 depth. 0.22
standard embedment 0.34 250 100
53-L° M20 W5334 155 0.22 0.34 250 100
CivilEng 2020, 1, FOR PEER REVIEW 6

*) Code XX-S: short anchors welded to channels for shallow embedment depth; Code XX-L/L°: long
CivilEng 2020, 1 248
anchors welded/forged to channels for standard embedment depth.

5. 5.
Test Results
Test Used
Results Usedfor
forEvaluating
Evaluatingthe
theProduct-Specific
Product-SpecificShear
ShearCapacity
CapacityFactors
Factors
All
Allanchor
anchor channels
channels failed
failedin concrete edge
in concrete breakout
edge breakoutmode. The scatter
mode. of theof
The scatter ultimate load was
the ultimate load
generally well below
was generally the acceptance
well below criteriacriteria
the acceptance of v =
of v = 20% [12]
20% (Table 2). The2).
[12] (Table channels fitted with
The channels fittedlong
with
anchors for standard
long anchors embedment
for standard showedshowed
embedment a very low scatter
a very lowwith a coefficient
scatter of variation
with a coefficient of aroundof
of variation
5%, whereas
around the coefficient
5%, whereas of variation
the coefficient of theofchannels
of variation the channels fittedfitted
withwith
short anchors
short anchorsforforshallow
shallow
embedment
embedment was
wassignificantly
significantlyhigher,
higher,between
between6.2% 6.2%andand13.6%.
13.6%.The Thetotal
totalmean
meanand andcharacteristic
characteristic
values
valuesVkVare
k are divided
dividedbyby2 2(relating
(relatingtoto11anchor)
anchor)totocalculate
calculatethe theshear
shear capacity
capacity factors cr,V⟨α
factors kkcr,V hαch,V⟩ i
ch,V
(Equation
(Equation (4)), taking
(4)), into
taking account
into account thethe
concrete strength
concrete fck ⟨f’fck
strength c⟩ and
hf’c ithe
andmodification ψch,s,V ⟨ψ
factor factor
the modification s,V⟩
Ψch,s,V
(Equation (2)). Note
hΨs,V i (Equation (2)).that
Noteallthat
tested anchor
all tested channels
anchor successfully
channels successfully passed through
passed throughthethecomplete
complete
qualification
qualificationprogram
programofofwhich
whichthe thepresented
presentedtests
testsare
areananexcerpt.
excerpt.

Table 2. 2.
Table Test results.
Test results.

Coeff. of of
Coeff. Mean
Mean Characteristic Concrete
Characteristic ConcreteInfl. Infl. Neighb. Shear Capacity
Neighb.
CodeCode Shear Capacity Factor
Variation Capacity
Variation Capacity Capacity
Capacity Strength Strength anchor anchor Factor
fck ⟨f’c⟩, MPa k ch,V⟩
v, %v, % V
Vmm,,kN
kN Vk ,V
kNk, kN f
ck hf’c i, MPa Ψch,s,VψhΨ
ch,s,V ⟨ψ
s,V i s,V⟩ *)*) kcr,V ⟨αcr,V
hαch,V i
40-S 8.4 22.9 16.4 22.0 0.97 6.99 7.0
50-S40-S 6.2 8.4 22.9
23.8 16.418.8 22.0 21.3 0.97 0.94 6.99
8.02 7.57.0
50-S 6.2 23.8 18.8 21.3 0.94 8.02 7.5
53-S53-S 8.7 8.7 40.5
40.5 28.528.5 22.1 22.1 0.81 0.81 8.49
8.49 7.57.5
55-S55-S 13.813.8 49.3
49.3 26.126.1 23.3 23.3 0.88 0.88 6.97
6.97 7.07.0
40-L40-L 5.4 5.4 28.3
28.3 23.223.2 20.8 20.8 0.97 0.97 9.37
9.37 7.57.5
53-L53-L 4.8 4.8 67.6
67.6 56.756.7 17.8 17.8 0.74 0.74 12.58
12.58 7.57.5
53-L◦ 5.1 60.3 49.8 17.8 0.74 11.23
53-L° 5.1 60.3 49.8 17.8 0.74 11.23 7.57.5
*) Calculation based on Equation (4a); Equation (4b) would result in values different by 2%.
*) Calculation based on Equation (4a); Equation (4b) would result in values different by 2%.

InIngeneral,
general,the theload-displacement
load-displacement curves
curvesshowed
showed a amixed
mixedductile–brittle
ductile–brittle behavior
behavior (Figure
(Figure 6) 6)
because the primary brittle concrete edge breakout is combined with the secondary
because the primary brittle concrete edge breakout is combined with the secondary ductile bending of ductile bending
ofanchor
anchorand and channel.
channel. TheThe set
set of
of curves
curveshave
haveaalarge
largeband
bandofofscatter
scatterabout
aboutthe
thedisplacement,
displacement, common
common
forfor
this kind of test. The large scatter is the result of the random play between fixture
this kind of test. The large scatter is the result of the random play between fixture hole and hole and channel
channel
bolt,
bolt,thetheslip
slipofofthe
thebolt
boltininthe
thechannel
channelduring
duringloading,
loading,elastic
elasticdeformation
deformation ofofthe
thesteel
steelasaswell
wellasas
slackness
slackness within
within the
theconnecting
connecting devices
devices between
between the actuator
the actuatorand
andchannel
channelbolt if ifthe
bolt thedisplacement
displacement
transducers
transducers are not placed directly at the fixture. The displacement, however, is notananacceptance
are not placed directly at the fixture. The displacement, however, is not acceptance
criterion for the qualification of anchor channel–channel bolt-systems since it
criterion for the qualification of anchor channel–channel bolt-systems since it is not critical is not critical forfor
their
their
robust
robust load-bearing
load-bearing behavior.
behavior.

80 35
70 30
60
25
Shear load V, kN

Shear load V, kN

50
20
40
15
30
20 10 40-L mean
53-L° mean
10 53-L mean 5 40-S mean
0 0
0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 4
Displacement δ, mm Displacement δ, mm

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 6. 6. Shear
Shear load-displacement
load-displacement curves:
curves: Comparison
Comparison of of channels
channels (a)(a) with
with anchors
anchors made
made ofof welded
welded
I-sections
I-sections (53-L)
(53-L) and
and forged
forged headed
headed bolts
bolts (53-L◦and
(53-L°) ) and
(b)(b) with
with short
short (40-S)
(40-S) and
and long
long (40-L)
(40-L) anchors.
anchors.
 CivilEng 2020, 1 249
CivilEng 2020, 1, FOR PEER REVIEW 7

The
Thecomparison
comparisonof the channels
of the channelswith withforged
forged anchors,
anchors, ◦ , and and
53-L53-L°, the channels
the channels with welded
with welded anchors,
anchors, 53-L, shows
53-L, shows a very asimilar
very similar
overalloverall load-displacement
load-displacement behavior
behavior (Figure
(Figure 6a). 6a).
Note Note
thatthat
thethe
twotwotest
test series were part of different test campaigns where the transducers measuring
series were part of different test campaigns where the transducers measuring the displacement were the displacement
were set differently,
set up up differently, therefore
therefore resulting
resulting in differences
in differences in the
in the measured
measured stiffness.
stiffness. TheThe ultimate
ultimate meanmeanload
load of channels
of channels with
with longlong anchorsfor
anchors forstandard
standardembedment,
embedment,40-L, 40-L, was about
about 25%25%above
abovethatthatofofshort
short
anchors
anchors forforshallow
shallowembedment,
embedment, 40-S
40-S(Figure
(Figure 6b) because
6b) because the activated
the activated concrete
concrete is is
influenced
influenced bybythethe
embedment
embedment depth
depthdiffering
differingbybyalmostalmost40%.40%.
The
Thesubstantial
substantial load
load reduction
reduction can
canalso
alsobebe
observed
observed when
when comparing
comparing allall
tested
tested anchor
anchor channels
channels
made
made ofofwelded
weldedI-sections
I-sections forforstandard
standardembedment
embedmentand andshallow
shallowembedment
embedment(Figure (Figure7a):7a):The
Themean
mean
load-displacement
load-displacement curves
curves of of
55-S, 53-S,
55-S, 50-S,
53-S, andand
50-S, 40-S40-S
showed
showeda very similar
a very stiffness.
similar Naturally
stiffness. and
Naturally
inand
linein
with
lineprevious research
with previous [14,20],[14,20],
research larger anchor channels
larger anchor sustained
channels higher shear
sustained higherloads
shearand failed
loads and
atfailed
largerat
displacements if compared
larger displacements with smaller
if compared withanchor
smallerchannels. Test seriesTest
anchor channels. 40-Lseries
showed 40-La different
showed a
shape of the
different mean
shape load-displacement
of the mean load-displacementcurve becausecurveitbecause
was part of the
it was partother
of thetest campaign
other with
test campaign
differences in the test setup of the displacement transducers.
with differences in the test setup of the displacement transducers.

Shear capacity factor kcr,V ⟨αch,V⟩, -

10.0 0.5
60

ratio hch/hef, -
55-S mean
Cap
50 53-S mean 0.4
7.5
50-S mean
Shear load V, kN

embedment
40 0.3
40-S mean
5.0

Embedment
30 40-L mean
0.2
20
2.5

Related
0.1
10

0 0.0 0.0
0 1 2 3 4 5 40-L 40-S 50-S 53-S 55-S
Displacement δ, mm Shearcapacity
Shear capacityfactor
factor Embedment
Related ratio
embedment

(a) (b)
Comparison of channels
Figure7.7.Comparison
Figure channelswith
withshort (XX-S)
short andand
(XX-S) longlong
(XX-L) anchors
(XX-L) made of
anchors welded
made of I-sections:
welded
(a) Mean(a)
I-sections: shear
Meanload-displacement curves; (b)
shear load-displacement determined
curves; shear capacity
(b) determined shear factors.
capacity factors.

AllAlltested
testedanchor
anchorchannels
channelsdeveloped
developed shear
shear capacity
capacity factors
factors which
which arearemore
morethan
than60%
60%larger
larger
thanthethe
than default
default value
value of 4.5
of 4.5 ⟨4.0⟩,h4.0i, making
making qualification
qualification tests tests imperative
imperative for economic
for economic reasons.reasons.
The
medium-sized anchor channels for shallow embedment, 50-S and 53-S, even exceeded the cap for thefor
The medium-sized anchor channels for shallow embedment, 50-S and 53-S, even exceeded the cap
the shear
shear capacity
capacity factorfactor
of 7.5of(Figure
7.5 (Figure 7b, black
7b, black columns).
columns). Interestingly
Interestingly to note
to note that,
that, byby trend,
trend, thethe shear
shear
capacity
capacity factor
factor increases
increases with
with largeranchor
larger anchor channel
channel types
types though
though the
the anchors
anchors wereshorter
were shorterfor
forthe
the
same overall depth including the height of the channel resulting in larger embedment
same overall depth including the height of the channel resulting in larger embedment ratios hchch ratios h /h
/hef ef
(Figure7b,
(Figure 7b,white
whitecircles).
circles).

6. 6. Discussion
Discussion
Thetest
The testdata
dataallow
allowforforthethecalculation
calculationofofthethespecific
specificshear
shearcapacity
capacityfactors
factorsconsidering
consideringthe the
influence
influence ofof adjacent
adjacent anchors
anchors andandthetheconcrete
concretestrength
strengthofofthe
thetest
testmember
member(Equation
(Equation(4)).
(4)).The
The tests
tests
fulfilled the requirements of the qualification regulations and the shear capacity
fulfilled the requirements of the qualification regulations and the shear capacity factor was factor was determined
as a product-specific
determined parameterparameter
as a product-specific required for qualification
required certificates.
for qualification In addition,
certificates. the test data
In addition, the allow
test
for allow
data the general
for theimplications for the qualification
general implications of anchor of
for the qualification channels.
anchor channels.
InIn general,
general, thethe scatter
scatter of of
thethe ultimate
ultimate shear
shear loads
loads of anchor
of anchor channels
channels for standard
for standard embedment
embedment is
is low. A larger influence of the ductile steel bending of the long anchor if
low. A larger influence of the ductile steel bending of the long anchor if compared to the brittle compared to the brittle
concreteedge
concrete edgebreakout
breakoutmay maybebethe thereason.
reason.InIn contrast,
contrast, the
the scatter
scatter ofof the
the ultimate
ultimate shear
shear loads
loads ofof anchor
anchor
channels for shallow embedment is partly two times higher. Here, the
channels for shallow embedment is partly two times higher. Here, the short anchors cannot short anchors cannot sufficiently
counteractcounteract
sufficiently the scatterthe
of the concrete
scatter of theedge breakout.
concrete edge breakout.
The comparison of the shear capacity factors of the test series 40-L and 40-S shows that larger
embedment depths develop larger shear capacities and thus shear capacity factors. Testing a
CivilEng 2020, 1 250
CivilEng 2020, 1, FOR PEER REVIEW 8

minimum embedmentofdepth
The comparison hef with
the shear otherwise
capacity factorsidentical conditions,
of the test i.e.,and
series 40-L the 40-S
sameshows
edge distance,
that largeris
therefore conservative. It can be observed, moreover, that the reduction in
embedment depths develop larger shear capacities and thus shear capacity factors. Testing a minimum shear capacity is not
proportionaldepth
embedment to thehreduction of embedment depth. This is because the shear capacity is, to a large
ef with otherwise identical conditions, i.e., the same edge distance, is therefore
extent, generated by the channel,
conservative. It can be observed, moreover, which remains thereduction
that the same alsoinif shear
the length of anchors
capacity is reduced for
is not proportional to
shallow embedment.
the reduction of embedment depth. This is because the shear capacity is, to a large extent, generated by
The comparable
the channel, which remainsoverallthe load-displacement behavior
same also if the length of the channels
of anchors is reducedwith forforged
shallowanchors, 53-L°,
embedment.
and the channels with welded anchors, 53-L, allow for the generalization of the
The comparable overall load-displacement behavior of the channels with forged anchors, 53-L◦ , findings for channels
with both
and the types ofwith
channels anchors.
welded According
anchors,to53-L,
the current
allow for requirements, however,
the generalization of thethefindings
ultimateforload has to
channels
be tested
with both for all of
types channels
anchors.fitted with different
According anchors
to the current (welded and
requirements, forged) the
however, individually to deduce
ultimate load has to
specific shear capacity factors.
be tested for all channels fitted with different anchors (welded and forged) individually to deduce
Theshear
specific shear capacity
capacity factor of test series 55-S, which channels were manufactured with the
factors.
relatively shortest anchors
The shear capacity factor (hof
ch/hef = 0.5), did not follow the overall trend only because of its large,
test series 55-S, which channels were manufactured with the relatively
though acceptable scatter reduced
shortest anchors (hch /hef = 0.5), did thenot
calculated
follow the shear capacity
overall trendsubstantially.
only because This suggests
of its large, that the
though
scatter originates
acceptable scatterfrom
reducedthe concrete material
the calculated since
shear there issubstantially.
capacity no variation ofThisthesuggests
materialthat
andthegeometry
scatter
of the anchor channels including the edge distance.
originates from the concrete material since there is no variation of the material and geometry of the
Further
anchor channelsstudies are required
including to allow for the separation of the k12 ⟨αch,V⟩ factor into two
the edge distance.
components to account for the influence of geometry (without scatter) and concrete material (with
Further studies are required to allow for the separation of the k12 hαch,V i factor into two components
scatter) independently (Figure 8a). Future tests may also allow for the definition of the two
to account for the influence of geometry (without scatter) and concrete material (with scatter)
components either as constant values or functions of the anchor channel geometry including the edge
independently (Figure 8a). Future tests may also allow for the definition of the two components either
distance analog to the calculation of the concrete cone breakout capacity for tension load (Figure 8b):
as constant values or functions of the anchor channel geometry including the edge distance analog
To this end, a function of the embedment depth derived based on mean test values [21] accounts for
to the calculation of the concrete cone breakout capacity for tension load (Figure 8b): To this end,
the influence of the geometry of the specific anchor channel, and a constant value developed on the
a function of the embedment depth derived based on mean test values [21] accounts for the influence
analysis of characteristic test values [18] takes into account the influence of the scattering concrete
of the geometry of the specific anchor channel, and a constant value developed on the analysis of
material.
characteristic test values [18] takes into account the influence of the scattering concrete material.

Figure 8. Calculation of capacity based on two separate factors to account for the influence of anchor
Figure 8. Calculation of capacity based on two separate factors to account for the influence of anchor
channel geometry and concrete material: (a) Proposed for shear load; (b) in force for tension load.
channel geometry and concrete material: (a) Proposed for shear load; (b) in force for tension load.
7. Summary and Conclusions
7. Summary and Conclusions
Increasingly lean design of reinforced concrete structures leads to ever-smaller concrete members,
Increasingly
impeding lean design
the installation of reinforced
of standard embedded concrete structureswith
anchor channels leads
longtoanchors.
ever-smaller
For thisconcrete
reason,
members,
shallow impedinganchor
embedded the installation of standard
channels with embedded
short anchors anchorInchannels
are needed. contrast with
to thelong anchors.
design For
of anchor
this reason, shallow embedded anchor channels with short anchors are needed. In contrast
channels under tension, a product-specific factor must be determined by testing to enable an economic to the
design of
of anchor
anchorchannels
channelsunder
undertension, a product-specific
shear loads. Although the factor must be determined
qualification and designby testing to
regulations
enable an economic design of anchor channels under shear loads. Although the qualification and
CivilEng 2020, 1 251

already include shallow embedded anchor channels, no data of tests on channel bolts installed in
shallow embedded anchor channels has been published to date.
The test data presented in this contribution closes this gap. The shear tests on shallow embedded
anchor channels developed a load-displacement behavior not significantly different from that of anchor
channels with standard embedment irrespective of whether the anchors were forged or welded to the
channels. The shear capacity factor of shallow embedded anchor channels decreased if compared with
standard embedded anchor channels. Testing the smallest embedment depth is therefore conservative.
The test data further revealed that the influence of the anchor channel geometry has to be separated
from that of the concrete material to allow for an increased utilization of the shear capacity of anchor
channels. This is particularly important for shallow embedded anchors typically used close to the
edge of the concrete member. Further research is required.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, C.M.; formal analysis, C.M. and A.S.; writing—original draft
preparation, C.M.; writing—review and editing, C.M. and A.S. All authors have read and agreed to the
published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Disclaimer: Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this paper are those of the authors only
and do not necessarily reflect those of the authors’ affiliations.

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