What is Bolt Pull Test and Why Do We Use Them?

20 May.,2024

 

Pull Testing - Constructive Evaluation Ltd

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Pull testing is a catch-all term for testing that determines the load bearing capacity of fixings. It’s possible to test anything from small screws, eyebolts, studs, bolts to reinforcing bars in any size or diameter to walls, slabs and soffits. All tests on fixings are carried out in accordance with British Standard BS8539.

Pull out testing involves attaching a test rig to the fixing in question. The rig we choose depends on the situation, whether it is a standard vertical pull from a floor slab or a test requiring bespoke apparatus due to access constraints. This rig applies a pressure specified by the client to the fixing. The test can determine failure, resistance or quality verification.



TRM Product Page

What is a pull test, and why would I need one?

When and why is a pull test recommended?  

“We’re strong advocates for pull-testing on every wall we anchor, or pin, for a couple of reasons. One is that facade stabilization comes with life safety ramifications, and we take that extremely seriously. Also, we have third-party laboratory test values for anchoring systems, but when you’re working on a retrofit or post-installed anchoring project, the conditions can vary widely from one building to the next, and performance may not meet those laboratory values, or they could even exceed our published values. So, based on different variables like the condition of the mortar, brick, or whatever substrate you’re anchoring into, as well as the material properties of the substrate itself, the solution may differ from project to project and from wall to wall.”

“For example, there is always the chance that when you go on a project and install an anchor, the tested laboratory value estimates an ultimate capacity of 500 pounds, but when tested on-site it has a capacity of 50 pounds. In this case, clearly, you would need a different solution and you could work your way up from there to choose something that’s more appropriate for that project. In some cases, that could mean modifying the installation via drill type (SDS+ vs 3-jaw chuck hammer vs core drill), drill method (rotary-only vs rotary-hammer), or pilot hole size. In other cases, the type of anchor could be changed, either by increasing the anchor’s diameter and in turn its engagement into the substrate, or by switching the style altogether, say from a hammer-set Stitch-Tie helical anchor to an adhesive-style Grout-Tie, or even to a mechanical expanding fastener such as the Grip-Tie product line. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and a cost-benefit analysis could be done to find which anchoring solution is most appropriate for each project.”

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