Designation: E1512 − 01 (Reapproved 2015)

Standard Test Methods for

Testing Bond Performance of Bonded Anchors1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1512; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 These test methods cover instructions for making a 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
variety of tests for the strength of the adhesive bond developed C666/C666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to
between a steel anchor and the surface of a hole in concrete or Rapid Freezing and Thawing
masonry (including masonry units and mortar joints) and for E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction
assessing the effects on such bond of a variety of factors and Materials
including elevated temperature, fire, moisture, and freezing and E488/E488M Test Methods for Strength of Anchors in
thawing action. The specifier or manufacturer shall select those Concrete Elements
tests that are appropriate for the given anchoring system and E575 Practice for Reporting Data from Structural Tests of
intended application. Building Constructions, Elements, Connections, and As-
1.2 The adhesive-bonded anchor system refers to a smooth semblies
or deformed steel bar or threaded rod, set in a predrilled hole
containing chemical bonding compounds. Loads are trans- 3. Terminology
ferred mainly by the bond of the adhesive both to the anchor 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
and the surrounding elements along the sides of the hole. For 3.1.1 baseline test—restrained test conducted on anchors

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anchoring systems made of significantly different materials, installed in the same test member and under the same instal-
these test methods shall be taken as a guideline. lation method as a required environmental test for comparison
1.3 These test methods apply to all adhesives used to bond purposes.
steel anchors or steel reinforcement bars (rebar) to concrete or 3.1.2 bonded anchor—a fastener placed in hardened con-
masonry. These test methods apply to anchorages used in crete or masonry that derives its holding strength from a
uncracked concrete or masonry. They do not apply to the use of chemical compound placed between the wall of the hole and
the anchor in the concrete tension zone. The usual forces the embedded portion of the anchor.
applied during the tests are in tension, shear, and under a
combination of both tension and shear. 4. Significance and Use
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 4.1 These test methods are intended to provide information
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical from which applicable design data and specifications are
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only derived for a given anchorage device and for qualifying
and are not considered standard. anchors or anchorage devices.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4.2 These test methods shall be followed to ensure repro-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the ducibility of the test data.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and to determine the 5. General Requirements
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.1 The adhesive bonded anchors to be tested shall be
representative of the product made available for typical field
installations. The manufacturer shall provide information on
physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the anchor
system. If required by a customer or approval agency, the
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.13
2
on Structural Performance of Connections in Building Construction. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015. Published October 2015. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as E1512 – 01 (2007). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E1512-01R15. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E1512 − 01 (2015)
testing laboratory shall verify, or have a specialized laboratory specified (12 mm), and be embedded 4.5 6 0.1 in.
verify, the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the (115 6 2.5 mm). Test anchors of other diameters when speci-
adhesive. fied by the purchaser or manufacturer. Install and cure all
5.2 The installation equipment, instructions, and procedures anchors at 75 6 10 (24 6 5°C), unless specified otherwise.
shall be as specified by the manufacturer. If there are any Install and cure anchors according to the manufacturers
deviations from the manufacturer’s instructions when testing instructions, unless directed otherwise.
commercial anchors, they shall be described in the report. 7.4.2 The tests given in 7.4.3 – 7.4.8 shall be conducted as
5.3 The structural members shall be as described in Test restrained tests or unrestrained tests, unless the section in
Methods E488/E488M. question requires a specific test. A restrained test is defined as
a test conducted in accordance with Test Methods E488/
5.4 The test and measuring equipment for performing static
E488M except that the test equipment support clearance
tension and shear tests, as well as dynamic tests, are described
in Test Methods E488/E488M. For performing long-term creep requirements of Test Methods E488/E488M do not apply. The
tests, equipment that will sustain the required loads without reaction base shall be approximately equal to the drilled hole
distress shall be used. diameter for the anchor to preclude concrete or masonry
failure, but allow bond failure. An unrestrained test is defined
6. Materials and Manufacture as a test conducted in accordance with Test Methods E488/
E488M. If the environmental tests are conducted as restrained
6.1 The adhesive-bonded anchors shall be installed for use
tests, baseline tests are required for comparison purposes.
in accordance with written instructions of the manufacturer. An
Baseline tests are defined as restrained tests conducted on three
inert filler that does not affect the performance of the 1⁄2-in. (12-mm) anchors embedded 4.5 6 0.1 in. (115 6 2.5
components, if specified by the manufacturer, shall be uni-
formly incorporated in one or both bonding components. mm) in the same base material using the same installation
method as the required environmental test. If the environmen-
7. Procedure tal tests are conducted as unrestrained test, baseline tests are
not required.
7.1 This section presents the specific tests that shall be
performed as required to evaluate the bonded anchor system. 7.4.3 Test on Short-term Effect of Fire—The purpose of this
When evaluating bonded anchors in concrete, the concrete test is to determine anchor performance when subjected to the

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strength shall be 3000 6 500 psi (20 6 3 MPa) compressive temperatures and times given in the fire-temperature curve in
strength, unless otherwise specified, using aggregate of river Test Methods E119. This test shall be conducted in the
gravel or crushed rock. Cure the concrete for a minimum of unrestrained mode. Install and test a minimum of three
28 days. Condition the test member to 75 6 10°F (24 6 5°C) anchors. Use a test member that is sufficiently large (36 in.2
prior to anchor installations, unless otherwise specified. Ma- (1 m2)) to give realistic concrete or masonry response to the
sonry shall be permitted to be used as the test member. fire temperature exposure in the vicinity of the test anchor.
7.2 Static Tests: Condition the test member in accordance with Test Methods
7.2.1 Perform tension and shear tests in accordance with E119 under the “Protection and Conditioning of Test Speci-
Test Methods E488/E488M. All sizes are to be tested at both men” section. A typical set-up is shown in Fig. 1. During
minimum and maximum embedments expected. Shear tests at testing, subject the anchors to a constant tension load. This load
the maximum embedment shall be permitted to be excluded if shall be the allowable load for the anchor as determined in 7.2,
shear tests at a shallower embedment result in a steel failure. If or other load as specified by the manufacturer. Maintain the
there is a difference greater than 9 anchor diameters between load as the fire temperature is increased in accordance with the
these embedments additional intermediate embedments shall Test Methods E119 time-temperature curve. Record tempera-
be tested. Clean holes and install anchors as specified by the ture and displacement readings at 1-min increments until
manufacturer. Measure and record hole diameters and/or drill failure occurs.
bit diameters. Install and cure anchors at 75 6 10°F 7.4.4 Radiation Test—Perform these tests where the radia-
(24 6 5°C). tion resistance of the adhesive is required. The tests shall be
7.3 Dynamic Tests: conducted as restrained tests, or unrestrained tests. If testing is
7.3.1 Fatigue Tests—Perform fatigue tests in accordance conducted in the restrained mode, baseline tests are required.
with Test Methods E488/E488M. Install and test a minimum of three anchors. Expose the test
7.3.2 Seismic Tests—Perform seismic tests in accordance specimens to a minimum gamma radiation level of 2 × 107
with Test Methods E488/E488M. rads. Conduct tension tests and compare the irradiated anchor
7.4 Environmental Tests: results to the baseline test results if the radiation tests were
7.4.1 The tests given in 7.4.3 – 7.4.8 are designed to conducted in the restrained mode. Compare the irradiated
determine the effect of loading and environmental influences anchor results to the results determined in 7.2 for the same size
on the bond strength of the adhesive. To ensure bond failure, anchor if the radiation tests were conducted in the unrestrained
use steel of sufficiently high strength to prevent steel failure of mode. Upon completion of the tests, the testing agency shall be
the anchor. To provide comparative standardized data, anchors responsible for safely disposing of the test samples in accor-
shall be 1⁄2 in.–13 UNC Threaded Rod, unless otherwise dance with applicable regulations.

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FIG. 1 Tension Creep Test Arrangement

7.4.5 Tests on Effect of Freezing and Thawing Conditions— that the freestanding water is not removed. Install the anchors
The tests shall be conducted as restrained tests, or unrestrained in the water-filled holes.
tests. If testing is conducted in the restrained mode, baseline 7.4.7 Tests on Effect of Service Temperature:
tests are required. Install and test a minimum of three anchors. 7.4.7.1 Tests on Effect of Elevated Temperature on Cured
Freezing-and-thawing resistant concrete shall be used as an Samples—The tests shall be conducted as restrained tests, or

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option. Cover the surface of the test member, within a
minimum 3-in. (76-mm) radius from the center of the test
anchor, with tap water, maintaining a minimum of 1⁄2-in.
(12-mm) depth throughout the test. Load each anchor with a
unrestrained tests. Install and test a minimum of three anchors
for each temperature data point. Test a sufficient number of
temperature data points to develop a load-temperature response
curve of the adhesive anchor. Test, as a minimum 70°F (21°C)
constant tension load equal to at least 40 % of the ultimate load and at least four higher temperatures, one of which shall be at
capacity of the baseline tests for restrained tests, or 40 % of the least 180°F (82°C). All anchors are to be installed and cured at
ultimate load capacity for the same size anchor determined in 75 6 10°F (24 6 5°C). Following the recommended cure
7.2 for an unrestrained test. This load is to be maintained period, heat and maintain the specimens at the desired tem-
during the freezing and thawing cycles. The nominal freezing perature for a minimum of 24 h. Remove the test specimens
and thawing cycles shall consist of alternately lowering the from the heating chamber and tension test the anchors imme-
temperature of the chamber to −10°F (−23°C) and holding this diately in order to assure the test specimens remain at the
temperature for 3 h, then raising the temperature to 104°F conditioned temperature. A thermocouple inserted into the test
(40°C) and holding this temperature for 3 h. Measure the member may be used to confirm the temperature at the time of
temperature at the surface of the concrete at a location outside testing. Plot a chart depicting the performance trend showing
the standing water. At the completion of fifty complete cycles, the percentage change, compare to the strength at 70°F (21°C),
conduct tension tests and compare the results to the baseline attributed to the change in temperature.
test results or to the results determined in 7.2 for the same size 7.4.7.2 Tests on Effect of Reduced Temperature on Curing—
anchor as applicable. The tests shall be conducted as restrained tests, or unrestrained
7.4.6 Tests on Effects of Damp Environment—The tests shall tests. Install and test a minimum of three anchors. Prior to
be conducted as restrained tests, or unrestrained tests. If testing installation, condition the anchor rod and test member to the
is conducted in the restrained mode, baseline tests are required. desired temperature and maintain that temperature for a mini-
Install and test a minimum of three anchors. Prior to anchor mum of 24 h. Install the anchors and allow them to cure at the
installations, fill the test holes with tap water and maintain the stabilized temperature for the manufacturers recommended
water level filled for a minimum of seven days. Immediately cure time. Remove the test specimens from the cooling
prior to installing the anchors, all freestanding water shall be chamber and tension test the anchors immediately in order to
removed so that the walls of the test holes are surface moist. assure the test specimens remain at the conditioned tempera-
After the appropriate cure time has elapsed, conduct tension ture. A thermocouple inserted into the test member may be
tests to failure and compare the results to the baseline test used to confirm the temperature at the time of testing. Compare
results or to the results determined in 7.2 for the same size the results to the load obtained in 7.4.7.1 at 70°F (21°C). When
anchor as applicable. If the application requires installation in specific adhesives are recommended for use below 50°F
water-filled holes, conduct the test as described above except (10°C), perform the following additional test:

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(a) Install and test a minimum of three anchors. Prior to
installation, condition the anchor rod and test member to the
desired temperature and maintain that temperature for a mini-
mum of 24 h. Install the anchors and allow them to cure at the
stabilized temperature for the manufacturer’s recommended
cure time. Apply a constant tension load equal to 25 % of the
ultimate load obtained in 7.4.7.1 at 70°F (21°C), then remove
the test specimens from the cooling chamber. Raise the
temperature of the test member uniformly to 75 6 10°F
(24 6 5°C) over a period of 72 to 96 h while monitoring the
displacement response for each anchor. A thermocouple in-
serted into the test member may be used to confirm the
temperature of the specimen during the test. Once the test
member attains the desired temperature, conduct tension tests
to failure.
7.4.8 Creep Test—The tests shall be conducted as a re-
strained test, or as an unrestrained test, but in either case all test
series shall be of the same type. A test series shall consist of a
FIG. 2 Tension Creep Test Arrangement Using a Dead Weight
minimum of three anchors. Concrete used in all test series shall
have the same mix design, and the compressive strength shall
be between 2500 psi and 3500 psi (17 MPa and 24 MPa) at the
time of static load tests and at initiation of creep tests, with a
minimum concrete age of 28 days. Anchors shall be cured for
7 6 5 days prior to test commencement.
7.4.8.1 Static Tension Test Series at 75 6 10°F
(24 6 5°C)—A static tension load test series shall be per-
formed at 75 6 10°F (24 6 5°C) to determine the average

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ultimate tension load. Results that are less than 85 % of the
average value shall be excluded from the determination of the
average ultimate tension load, with the average value re-
calculated using the remaining results.
7.4.8.2 Static Tension Test Series at Elevated
Temperature—A static tension load test series shall be per-
formed at a minimum specified concrete temperature of 110°F
(43°C) to determine the average displacement at ultimate
tension load. The concrete temperature is established as noted
in 7.4.8.3 to follow. Displacement results that are greater than
115 % of the average value shall be excluded from the
determination of the average displacement, with the average
value re-calculated using the remaining results.
7.4.8.3 Creep Test Series at Elevated Temperature—
Thermocouples shall be embedded a minimum of 4 1⁄2 in. FIG. 3 Typical Fire Test Setup
(114 mm) from the surface of the concrete into which the
anchors are to be installed. The thermocouples must be cast in
place or installed into maximum 1⁄2-in. diameter (12-mm) holes temperature shall be recorded at maximum 1-h intervals. As an
drilled into concrete, with the holes sealed in a manner so as to alternative, the concrete specimen temperature can be recorded
ensure that temperature readings reflect the concrete tempera- at maximum 24-h intervals, provided the heat chamber tem-
ture. After the anchor curing period, the temperature of the perature necessary to maintain the required concrete tempera-
specimens shall be increased until the temperature, as deter- ture is maintained and is recorded at maximum 1-h intervals.
mined from the thermocouples, is stabilized for at least 24 h at For a smooth displacement-versus-time curve, displacements
the minimum elevated temperature of 110°F (43°C). A preload shall be measured at least hourly for the first 6 h, and daily for
not exceeding 5 % of the sustained creep load shall be applied the duration of the test. If the concrete test temperature falls
before zeroing displacement readings. Sustained creep load is below the minimum specified temperature (including toler-
defined as 40 % of the average ultimate determined by 7.4.8.1. ances) for over 24 h, the creep test duration shall be extended
The remainder of the sustained creep load shall then be to account for the total period below the minimum specified
applied. The initial elastic displacement (additional displace- temperature. Creep tests shall continue for a minimum of
ment after the preload) shall be measured within 3 min of 42 days. The total displacement at 600 days, which includes
applying the sustained creep load. The concrete specimen the initial elastic displacement plus the creep displacement, is

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 E1512 − 01 (2015)
determined for each specimen by projecting a logarithmic trend 8.1.10 Embedment depth of installed anchors,
line (determined by calculating a least-squares fit through the 8.1.11 Amount of torque applied to anchor prior to test, if
data points, using the equation y = c ln(x) + b), constructed applicable,
from data from not less than the last 20 days (minimum of 8.1.12 Description of test method and loading procedure
20 data points) of the creep test, forward to 600 days. Compare used and actual rate of loading,
the average total displacement at 600 days to the average 8.1.13 Number of replicate samples tested,
displacement determined in 7.4.8.2.
8.1.14 Individual and average ultimate load values per
8. Report embedded anchor, standard deviation or coefficients of
variation, where applicable,
8.1 Report the applicable information pertinent to the type
8.1.15 Individual and average displacement values at ulti-
of test performed (static, fatigue, seismic, shock, etc.) and
mate loads, and load displacement curves,
specifically include the following:
8.1.1 Date of test and date of report, 8.1.16 Description of failure modes,
8.1.2 Test sponsor and test agency, 8.1.17 Photographs, sketches, or word descriptions of the
8.1.3 Identification of anchors tested: manufacturer, model, failure modes observed,
type, material, finish, shape, dimensions, and other pertinent 8.1.18 Equipment calibration certification for load cells
information, issued within one year prior to test dates and pressure gages
8.1.4 Description of the anchoring system tested and de- calibrated within 30 days of testing,
scription of the structural member, including dimensions and 8.1.19 Summary of findings, and
installed reinforcing, 8.1.20 Listing of observers of tests and signatures of respon-
8.1.5 Detailed drawings or photographs of test specimens sible persons.
before and after testing, if not fully described otherwise,
8.1.6 Physical strength properties of the structural member 9. Precision and Bias
into which the anchor or anchors are embedded, including mix
design of the concrete, compressive strength at the time of test, 9.1 No statement is made on the precision or bias of the
and age of the structural member at the time of test, procedures given in these test methods, since the test results
8.1.7 Description of the procedure, tools, and materials used indicate only whether there is conformance to given criteria,
and since no generally accepted method for determining

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to install the anchorage system and any deviations from the
recommended procedures and reason for such deviation, precision and bias of these tests is currently available. General
8.1.8 Age, in hours or days, of the anchorage system since guidelines provided herein on the specimens, instrumentation,
installation, and procedures make the results intractable to calculation of
8.1.9 Temperature conditions at time of installation and at meaningful values by statistical analysis for precision and bias
time of testing; and any other temperature experience that at this time.
affects anchor performance. For fire testing, record the time-
temperature curve, average furnace temperature at failure, and 10. Keywords
average time to which the test assemblies were exposed prior 10.1 adhesive anchors; anchors; chemical anchoring sys-
to failure, tems; concrete; masonry elements; methods of testing

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