ASTM E3121/E3121M-17 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E3121/E3121M-17 — Standard Test Methods for Field Testing of Anchors in Concrete or Masonry. This standard provides standardized procedures for conducting static tensile and shear field tests on post‑installed and cast‑in‑place anchor systems in concrete and masonry members to determine ultimate loads or to perform proof‑load verification of installation quality.

Abstract

Provides field test methods and reporting practices for static tensile and shear testing of anchors installed in concrete or masonry. Tests covered are intended to determine ultimate capacity or to verify installation with a proof load; the standard clarifies scope limits and references related terminology and reporting practices. Both inch‑pound and SI units are addressed in the procedures.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 2017 (published September 1, 2017; listed with an effective date in some sources of July 1, 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.060.10 (Walls. Partitions. Facades); 91.080.40 (Concrete structures).
• Edition / version: Designation E3121/E3121M‑17 (2017 edition).
• Number of pages: 7 pages.

Scope

These test methods cover procedures for static tensile and static shear field testing of both post‑installed and cast‑in‑place anchorage systems in members made of concrete or solid, hollow, or grout‑filled masonry and related materials. Tests may be performed to determine ultimate load capacity or to apply proof loads to verify proper installation; the standard explicitly excludes dynamic, seismic, fatigue, combined tension‑and‑shear, and torsion testing, which are covered by other methods and standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Static tensile and static shear test procedures for field testing of anchors in concrete and masonry members.
• Guidance on selecting test type: ultimate load testing versus proof‑load verification.
• Requirements for test setup, load application, instrumentation and data recording for field conditions.
• Use and reporting of either inch‑pound or SI units and requirements for matching anchor and equipment provisions to the selected unit system.
• Limitations and exclusions: seismic, fatigue, shock, combined tension‑shear and torsion tests are not covered.
• Directions to perform only those tests required by the specifying authority and to follow referenced terminology and reporting practices.

Typical use and users

Used in field quality verification and performance evaluation of anchorage systems by structural engineers, inspection and testing firms, contractors, anchor manufacturers, and building officials. Typical applications include proof testing after installation, forensic anchor investigations, and site verification tests for specialty anchor systems in new construction or repair work.

Related standards

References and related documents commonly cited with this standard include ASTM E488/E488M (Strength of Anchors in Concrete Elements — laboratory/element tests), ASTM E2265 (Terminology for Anchors and Fasteners in Concrete and Masonry), and ASTM E575 (Reporting Data from Structural Tests). Users should consult these and other test/terminology standards where the field test scope is limited or other loading types are required.

Keywords

anchors, anchor testing, post‑installed anchors, cast‑in‑place anchors, concrete, masonry, tensile test, shear test, proof load, ultimate load, field testing, inch‑pound, SI units.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E3121/E3121M‑17 is an ASTM International standard that specifies field test methods for static tensile and shear testing of anchors installed in concrete or masonry members to determine capacity or verify installation quality.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures for conducting static tensile and static shear field tests on post‑installed and cast‑in‑place anchorage systems in concrete and masonry, including guidance on proof versus ultimate testing, test setup, units of measure, and reporting; it does not cover seismic, fatigue, dynamic, combined tension‑shear, or torsion testing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Structural and geotechnical engineers, testing laboratories, contractors, anchor manufacturers, building inspectors, and other professionals involved with anchor selection, installation verification, and forensic testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation E3121/E3121M‑17 refers to the 2017 edition. As of the latest available records checked during preparation of this page the 2017 edition is the published version; users should verify with ASTM International for any amendments or later revisions if they need the absolute current status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of ASTM standards addressing anchors, fasteners and structural testing; it is commonly used alongside ASTM E488/E488M, ASTM E2265, and ASTM E575, among others, which cover laboratory anchor strength tests, terminology, and reporting practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Anchors, post‑installed anchors, cast‑in‑place anchors, concrete, masonry, tensile test, shear test, proof load, ultimate load, field testing, units (inch‑pound and SI).