International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Title: Performance-Based Seismic Design Framework for Post-installed Anchors (Prepublished)

Author(s): Dorian Borosnyoi-Crawley

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume:

Issue:

Appears on pages(s):

Keywords: anchoring to concrete; concrete-anchor system damage; crack width; holistic design framework; performance-based design; post-installed anchors; seismic qualification

DOI: 10.14359/51749169

Date: 9/11/2025

Abstract:
It can be demonstrated that performance-based seismic design of post-installed anchors in accordance with ACI 318 is not possible by using the anchor qualification information provided by ACI 355. The current state-of-the-art anchor qualification does not provide capacities that reflect actual earthquake responses in seismic design scenarios. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis and highlights the gaps in the current approach. A performance-based framework is proposed as the basis of future developments in seismic design and qualification of post-installed anchors. It is demonstrated that the approach is fully transparent and provides the possibility to identify key driving parameters that need further experimental investigation. The approach acknowledges that performance-based seismic design of post-installed anchors needs an understanding of the seismic damage of the concrete-anchor system. Currently, no design tools are available to predict this damage. The proposed framework adopts the theory of the accumulated damage potential (ADP) as a damage parameter. It is demonstrated that the selected damage parameter is simple but meaningful enough to represent the seismic damage of the concrete-anchor system at the design level. Possibilities for future development of the approach is explored, and directions for the next steps are suggested. It is highlighted that a definition of a framework for realistic seismic performance objectives of post-installed anchors is needed for the development of design tools in the future. The proposed framework has great practical significance and may help fill a gap in the seismic design of post-installed anchors. Promoting a transparent framework that is driven by the needs of performance-based seismic design may help develop a feasible qualification system and replace the currently used pass-or-fail assessment approach that is not suitable to provide anchor capacities for performance-based seismic design.