Investigation of masonry wall fixings subject to pullout load and torque

The experimental investigation into masonry wall fixings is carried out to develop an in-depth knowledge by investigating the factors which lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of scaffolding/brickwork anchors. Since the pullout test of fixings is currently not practical in construction site the research carried out to determine the potential use of torque test as an alternative. The information to assess how various parameters in anchor settings could affect the load bearing capacity of an individual anchor used in scaffolding/brickwork systems is presented in this paper. The correlation between the ultimate pullout load bearing capacity, the maximum torque values, the increments in anchor hole depths and diameters has also been determined. The method, which is described in this paper, can be used to estimate the in situ pullout strength of scaffolding/brickwork anchors by means of the calibration graph between torque and pullout load. The torque in practice can be applied by using a simple torque-meter like tool fits into the fixing and is clamped to it. Paper presents the results and draws conclusions.