Seismic Chemical Anchoring Solutions:

Located in New Zealand’s South Island, the recently completed Waimea Dam was a critical project, and a structure of significance in supplying water to the region for the next 100-years. This large-scale infrastructure required absolute confidence in the seismic chemical anchoring products utilised.

Epcon™ C8 Xtrem™ is Ramset’s best-selling chemical anchoring solution in New Zealand and for good reason as it offers a C2 seismic rating, ideal for the highest bond strength applications. With its European Technical Assessment (ETA) certification covering a working life of up to 100 Years for reinforcing bar applications, Epcon™ C8 Xtrem™ is a no brainer when it comes to major projects like Waimea Dam that require seismic security and longevity. The Waimea Dam project used 1200 tubes of C8, equating to approximately 500 litres.

Alongside its seismic strength, Epcon™ C8 Xtrem™ also provides versatility, with its ETA documents covering extended applications such as wet or flooded holes and different drilling methodologies.

Ramset’s wider portfolio of seismic rated chemical anchoring products include:

• ChemSet™ 801 XTREM™ XC2 – Seismic C1 & C2 rated
• Reo 502 PLUS™ (AU only) – Seismic C1 & C2 rated
• Epcon™ C6 (NZ only) – Seismic C1 rated

Seismic Mechanical Anchoring Solutions:

Ramset™ offer a range of seismic mechanical anchoring products that are all C1 & C2 seismic rated.

The range includes:

• SpaTec™ Xtrem™
• TruBolt™ Xtrem™
• AnkaScrew™ Xtrem™

SpaTec™ Xtrem™ and TruBolt™ Xtrem™ are heavy duty, torque-controlled expansion anchors. These mechanical anchoring solutions provide piece of mind and high seismic strength in projects where security and reliability are paramount.

SpaTec™ Xtrem™ boasts an integrated pull-down section for high performance in both static and dynamic load applications into cracked or non-cracked concrete. The patented anti-rotation expansion sleeve is designed with sharp angled protrusions that grip the sides of the hole, giving it the ability to cater for greater loads in comparison to Ramset’s other seismic mechanical anchors. Its inner bolt can be removed from the gripping expansion sleeve, making it a popular option for temporary works applications.

AnkaScrew™ Xtrem™ is the screw anchor variant within Ramset’s seismic anchoring range.  This anchor type cuts its threads into the concrete when installed, and since it relies less on expansion forces (unlike the SpaTec™ Xtrem™ and TruBolt™ Xtrem™) it generally provides more options for anchoring at closer-to-edge applications.

The importance of seismic considerations

New Zealand is in a seismically active region. However, it was not until the devastation of the earthquake in Christchurch on 22nd February 2011 that the perception toward seismic considerations in building design changed amongst the construction industry.

The aftermath of Christchurch earthquakes was a wakeup call, not only about ensuring safety and preserving life, but also the reality of extensive time required for reconstruction. It paved way for thinking of better ways to build to avoid the total loss found in the social, economic, and humanitarian impacts of earthquakes.

The move to a smarter and more resilient way of designing and constructing buildings is now deeply rooted in modern engineering and the regulatory environment. The rigorous seismic pre-qualification and design requirements for post-installed mechanical and chemical anchoring in the current New Zealand Concrete Structures Standards is an example of this. The importance of seismic considerations is also promoted by industry bodies such as the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) and Structural Engineering Society New Zealand (SESOC) who advocate for resilient, low-damage and sustainable designs.

In Australia, the relatively recent introduction of AS5216:2021 further emphasises the importance of seismic design considerations, with the Standard stipulating pre-qualification and design requirements for seismic actions, when it comes to post-installed chemical and mechanical anchoring.

Learn about the Ramset™ range of seismic-certified solutions via their product pages found in the links below.

Chemical Anchoring

AU –  Chemical Anchoring Archives – Ramset
NZ –  Chemical Anchoring Archives – Ramset

Mechanical Anchoring

AU – Heavy Duty Anchors Archives – Ramset
NZ – Heavy Duty Anchors Archives – Ramset