Tightening Procedures for Proper Installation of Anchor Rods in Ancillary Structures

In the last 2 decades, many ancillary structures have collapsed, with several instances traceable to loose anchor nuts. According to a quality assurance inspection conducted by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2012, approximately 30% of the anchor nuts on the inspected ancillary structures across the state of Virginia were found to be loose. The exact cause of the loose anchor nuts is not known; however, one theory is that specified tightening procedures were not properly followed or were not adequate. Currently, a turn-of-the-nut method is used for the tightening of anchor nuts on double-nut moment connections at the base of ancillary structures. This research reviewed current tightening procedures for anchor nuts on ancillary structures. The relationship between three critical tightening parameters-applied torque, nut rotation, and pretension in the rod-was examined. One hundred galvanized steel anchor rods of five different diameters and three different grades were tested. The experimental tests serve as a benchmark to validate the current tightening procedures, as well as to recommend changes.

Automated summary

This research reviewed the causes of several ancillary structure collapses in the past two decades, with a focus on the issue of loose anchor nuts. Approximately 30% of anchor nuts in the inspected structures were found to be loose, with the exact cause still unknown. Through testing 100 galvanized steel anchor rods of different diameters and grades, the study aimed to identify the relationship between applied torque, nut rotation, and rod pretension.