Material Properties
The use of adhesive anchors is a common method of forming attachment in existing concrete. They are widely used for structural connections, including steel reinforcement embedments, mounting non-structural components, equipment anchorage, and other miscellaneous hardware.
Adhesive Anchors shall be tested by ICC Evaluation Service for post-installed adhesive anchors and reinforcement bars in concrete elements Acceptance Criteria ICC-ES AC308 and meet MassDOT Engineering Directive E-10-001 Guideline for the approval and use of Adhesive Anchors.
Submittal and Testing Requirements
ICC-ES AC308 for Post-Installed Adhesive Anchors and Reinforcement Bars in Concrete Elements Testing Requirements:
MassDOT Research & Materials (RMS) shall evaluate the ICC-ES AC308 testing data. The following criteria must be met as part of the product submission:
- Material is certified per ICC-ES AC308 or any equivalent test by the ICC-ES.
- Material can be used on cracked and uncracked concrete.
- Material is tested for “sensitivity to freeze/thaw conditions” and “sensitivity to installation direction.”
- Material is not a fast set anchor.
MassDOT Testing Requirements:
Manufacturers shall submit additional independent testing to MassDOT RMS. The following criteria must be met as part of the product submission:
- Manufacturer shall provide a maximum Coefficient of Variation (COV) for short-term “reference testing” performed as part of the ICC-ES AC308 certification. Results from “reference testing” and COV shall be provided by the manufacturer to MassDOT as part of the materials approval process.
- Manufacturer shall submit test data from an additional 5 tests. Testing shall be similar to “reference testing” with the following exception. After curing, test specimens shall be conditioned and tested at ambient temperature of 0°F (-18°C). Specimens shall be conditioned at the test temperature for a minimum of 24 hours prior to testing. Results shall not decrease by more than 10% from “reference testing.” Materials shall have a maximum COV of 10% for these reduced temperature test results. Results verifying the comparison and coefficient of variation shall be provided by the manufacturer to MassDOT as part of the materials approval process.
- Manufacturer shall provide data (value and plot of heat flow versus temperature) certifying the glass transition temperature from the initial cycle of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) testing (ASTM E1356-08(2014)). No initial thermal program or pre-treatment of the specimen is allowable (section 10.2 is NOT appropriate). Material shall exhibit a minimum Tm of 125°F (52°C) and Tf of 120°F (49°C). Any signs of material thermal degradation shall be reported and not occur at temperatures less than 125°F (52°C). Samples shall be cured at ambient conditions of 70-80°F (21-27°C) for a period not to exceed 7 days prior to DSC testing.
- Manufacturer shall submit results from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) testing of a sample disk of cured adhesive material for use as reference data for comparison to as-delivered products. Specimen thickness shall be 0.03-0.05 in. (0.8-1.3 mm). Specimens shall be cured and maintained at a constant ambient temperature of 74°F (23°C) prior to testing. FTIR testing shall occur at 7 days from initiation of cure. Updated data shall be submitted annually for the current batch of the material in order to maintain acceptance on MassDOT’s Qualified Construction Materials List.
- Manufacturer shall submit a sample, the Safety Data Sheet, and installation instructions with the application to RMS.
Product Listing, Expiration, and Re-Approval
Once approved, the Adhesive Anchor will be listed on the MassDOT QCML. The product shall remain on the approved list for five (5) years unless one of the following occurs:
- If the manufacturer does not have the product reevaluated by ICC Evaluation Service for post-installed adhesive anchors and reinforcement bars in concrete elements ICC-ES AC308.
- If the product’s technology changes.
- If the product formulation or technology changes, the manufacturer shall notify MassDOT RMS.
- MassDOT RMS determines that the product no longer meets the minimum requirements.
A written request for re-approval must be submitted to the Department at least 60 days prior to the expiration date for the product to remain on the QCML.