P3500
EN
5
penetration
3x
penetration
Fixture
Embedment
3”
3”
3. When using an average hammer blow, the fastener penetrates the base material
easily. This indicates that the base material is too soft.
FASTENER INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
It is important to understand the required minimum base material thickness
requirements along with the minimum spacing and edge distance requirements.
Failure to follow these requirements can result in an unsuccessful fastening and create
a safety hazard.
BASE MATERIAL THICKNESS
Concrete base material should be at least three (3) times as thick as the fastener
embedment penetration. If the concrete is too thin, the compressive forces forming at
the fasteners point can cause the free face of the concrete to break away. This can
create a dangerous condition from flying concrete and/or the fastener and also results
in a reduction of fastener holding power. For applications in the face shell of concrete
masonry block, select a fastener length which will not exceed the thickness of the
face shell.
FASTENER PENETRATION GUIDE
The following table lists typical embedment or penetration depths expected in the base
materials listed. The penetration will vary depending on the density of the material.
This table should be used as a guide since the consistency of these materials varies.
When in doubt, a job site performance test should be conducted.
DENSITY
TYPICAL BASE MATERIAL
PENETRATION
Soft Masonry
Concrete Block
1" (26mm) – 1-1/4" (32mm)
Average Concrete
Poured Concrete
3/4" (19mm) – 1" (26mm)
Dense Concrete Pre-Stressed/Pre-Cast Concrete 5/8" (16mm) – 3/4" (19mm)
EDGE DISTANCE
Do not fasten closer than 3" from the edge of concrete. If the concrete cracks, the
fastener may not hold. Closer edge distances for applications such as sill plates may be
permitted if specific fastener testing has been conducted.
SPACING
Setting fasteners too close together in concrete or masonry can cause cracking.
The recommended minimum distance between fasteners is 3" center to center.
FASTENER LENGTH SELECTION IN CONCRETE
For permanent applications using pins in concrete, first determine the thickness of the
fixture to be fastened. To this, add the required embedment or penetration into the base
material. This will be the fastener shank length required. For applications in the face
shell of masonry block, select a fastener length which will not exceed the thickness of
the face shell.
For removable applications with threaded studs, the shank length required is
equal to the embedment depth required. To determine the minimum threaded length,
add the thickness of the fixture and the nut / washer thickness. The nut and washer
thickness is equal to the nominal thread diameter. Do not over tighten threaded parts.
Maximum tightening torque values are listed in the table below. Use of a nut setter
is recommended to reduce the possibility of over tightening the fasteners. For critical
applications, perform a job site test.
MAXIMUM TORQUE FOR 1/4" STUD
MAXIMUM TORQUE FOR 3/8" STUD
2 ft.-lbs. or 2.7 Nm
4 ft.-lbs. or 5.4 Nm
Thread Length
Embedment
Fastener Sinks in with
Average Hammer Blow
3
