1. Anchor
Channel Systems
2. HAC
Portfolio
3. HAC
Applications
4. Design
Introduction
5. Base material
6. Loading
10. Design
Software
13. Field Fixes
14. Design
Example
Important design provisions have been added to AC232 over the
last years. The ultimate goal is to have a complete framework
that covers all typical and non-typical applications encountered
in a building such as corners with a pair of anchor channels
loaded simultaneously or parallel channels. The scope of AC232 was limited to anchor channels with
rounded head anchors or I-anchors. The latest AC232
approved in June 2018 also includes anchor channels replacing
rounded head anchors with deformed reinforcing bars. AC232
also includes provisions for anchor reinforcement, where the
concrete breakout in shear and/or tension can be precluded.
Cast-in anchor channels can now more easily be shown
compliant with the IBC, as AC232 3.0 Design Requirements
provides suggested additions to ACI 318 Anchoring-to-Concrete
provisions that permit the design of anchor channel systems
as if they were included in ACI 318 Anchoring-to-Concrete
provisions. In addition, AC232 allows the design community to
have a clear understanding of cast-in anchor channel systems.
Since its inception, AC232 has been an ever-evolving document.
In its infancy stage, AC232 did not include provisions for anchor
channels systems in structures assigned to Seismic Design
Category C, D, E, or F. In 2015, AC232 incorporated seismic
provisions for anchor channels in Seismic Design Category C, D,
E, or F. Later provisions permitting the use of anchor channels
in all-lightweight concrete and sand-lightweight concrete were
adopted by AC232.
Before the publication of Acceptance Criteria 232 (AC232), it
was difficult to show cast-in anchor channels compliant with
the International Building Code (IBC) since ACI 318 Anchoring-
to-Concrete provisions exclude the design of specialty inserts.
The publication of (AC232) brought significant benefits to the
cast-in anchor channel industry and design community. The use
of optimized anchor channel solutions and simplification of the
design and approval processes for anchor channels ultimately
can avoid construction shutdowns.
149
Cast-In Anchor Channel Product Guide, Edition 1 • 02/2019
This chapter provides design and testing information for anchor
channels covered by AC232 (HAC and HAC-T). Chapter 2
provides design steel strengths for the anchor channel system.
However, additional calculations are needed to complete the
steel verification of anchor channels. Moreover, this chapter
provides design provisions for the verification of the concrete
at the anchorage zone. Due to the number of variables that can
impact the performance of the concrete, AC232 has provided
additional design guidelines.
Prior to AC232, designers had to design anchor channels via
engineering judgment, which may require applying design
provisions not applicable to anchor channels, research papers,
and/or using manufactures’ technical data. The non-model code
design methodology used to approve the anchor channel design
had to be backed-up by the P.E. stamp of a licensed engineer of
the state of the project’s location. In some extreme cases, this
was not accepted by local jurisdictions and additional testing
was required. Additional testing added an extra problem since
testing protocol for anchor channels did not exist. Providing
model code compliant designs increases the probability of
acceptance by local jurisdictions and reduce the probability of
additional testing.
Relying on technical data is adequate only if the tests are
performed correctly. Tests results can be positively or negatively
impacted if the system is not tested properly. Technical data
via testing created an additional problem since prior to AC232,
there were no testing protocols for cast-in anchor channel
systems neither. AC232 provides testing protocols and design
guidelines for anchor channels.
148
12. Instructions
for Use
7.1 — O
VERVIEW OF ANCHOR CHANNEL
THEORY
This chapter contains testing, theory and design methodology of anchor channel described in
AC232. The AC232 acceptance criteria describes the principles and requirements for safety,
serviceability and durability of anchor channels for use in uncracked or cracked concrete.
The AC232 applies to anchor channels used to resist loads in cracked and uncracked normal weight
and lightweight concrete and included assessments of strength capacity, design procedures and
quality control. This chapter will cover testing procedure based on AC232 for evaluation of the steel
strengths of anchor channel as well as the design methodology described in AC232 in order to
evaluate the various concrete breakout failure modes for standard anchor channel with headed studs
and anchor channels with deformed bars.
11. Best
Practices
Having the right substrate properties and a good understanding of how different base materials'
properties or requirements may impact the anchor channel design. Therefore, the base material shall
be carefully examined prior to the design of an anchor channel system.
9. Special Anchor
Channel Design
Base material or substrate information is fundamental in determining the anchor channel strength.
Although Chapter 2 provides nominal steel strengths of the anchor channel, the adequacy of an
anchor in general is contingent on the adequacy of the base material.
8. Reinforcing
Bar Anchorage
7. ANCHOR
CHANNEL
DESIGN CODE
7. Anchor Channel
Design Code