Shear and Axial Load Measurement Device for Anchors in Concrete

This paper describes the construction, calibration and experimental validation of a test apparatus to measure axial and shear forces in anchors. Accurate measurement of anchor shear force has historically proven technically challenging. The measurement device, which was developed to capture anchor load distributions on nonstructural components anchored to concrete by multiple post-installed anchors during earthquake loading, makes possible the study of previously inaccessible anchorage behavior. The device described in this paper was designed for single anchors, however, the concept can be extended to larger groups of anchors and may have application in other areas of research and testing.