AS 5216-2021 PDF

Full title and description

AS 5216:2021 — Design of post‑installed and cast‑in fastenings in concrete. This Standards Australia document specifies minimum requirements for the design of fastenings used to transmit loads to concrete in safety‑critical applications, including guidance on selection, design calculation principles and considerations for installation and verification.

Abstract

AS 5216:2021 provides a technical basis for designing and specifying both post‑installed (mechanical and adhesive) and cast‑in fastenings into concrete. The standard sets out load types and design approaches, factors affecting performance (concrete condition, embedment depth, spacing and edge distance), and requirements to ensure reliable load transfer in safety‑critical situations. It updates and replaces earlier editions to reflect current test data and industry practice.

General information

• Status: Current (published edition).
• Publication date: 23 July 2021.
• Publisher: Standards Australia.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 (Concrete and concrete products).
• Edition / version: 2nd edition (AS 5216:2021; supersedes AS 5216:2018).
• Number of pages: 120 (published PDF/print length).

Scope

This standard covers the design principles and minimum requirements for post‑installed and cast‑in fastenings that transfer loads to concrete in applications where safety and structural performance are critical. It applies to the selection and design of mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors and cast‑in connectors used in uncracked and cracked concrete, and addresses design for tension, shear and combined actions, spacing and edge distance effects, and factors affecting durability and installation quality. It is intended for use where engineers and specifiers require clear, tested design criteria for concrete fastenings.

Key topics and requirements

• Design methods for tension, shear and combined loading of anchors and fastenings.
• Requirements for embedment depth, spacing and edge distances to avoid concrete failure modes.
• Differences in design approach for post‑installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors and cast‑in connectors.
• Consideration of concrete condition (strength, cracked vs uncracked) and installation quality on capacity.
• Application of partial safety factors and verification testing requirements for safety‑critical applications.
• Guidance on durability, corrosion protection and inspection provisions for long‑term performance.
• Requirements for documentation, manufacturer data and on‑site installation verification/testing.

Typical use and users

AS 5216:2021 is used by structural and civil engineers, specifiers, anchor and connector manufacturers, testing laboratories, installation contractors, building certifiers and asset owners. Typical applications include the design and specification of anchorages for structural attachments, machinery fixings, façade and service supports, safety systems and other situations where reliable load transfer into concrete is required.

Related standards

Related documents and guidance commonly referenced with AS 5216 include the previous editions AS 5216:2018 and AS 5216:2018 Amd 1:2019, regional and international documents such as BS 8539 (setting out technical requirements for anchors and adhesives), Eurocode parts addressing anchorage in concrete (e.g. EN 1992‑4 / related guidance), and industry technical reports on testing and qualification of anchors (ACI and CEN publications). Users should cross‑reference project‑specific regulations and building codes where anchors are included in statutory compliance.

Keywords

post‑installed fastenings; cast‑in fastenings; concrete anchors; embedment depth; design loads; mechanical anchors; adhesive anchors; spacing; edge distance; cracked concrete; anchor testing; durability; Standards Australia.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 5216:2021 is the Standards Australia technical standard that sets out minimum design requirements for post‑installed and cast‑in fastenings in concrete, aimed at safety‑critical applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers design approaches for tension, shear and combined loading of anchors, requirements for embedment, spacing and edge distances, guidance for different fastening types (mechanical, adhesive, cast‑in), and factors affecting performance such as concrete condition and durability.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Structural and civil engineers, product manufacturers, installers, test laboratories, building certifiers and specifiers use the standard to design, specify and verify concrete anchorage systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: AS 5216:2021 is the current published edition (second edition), which supersedes AS 5216:2018 (and its amendment). Users should check for any later amendments or errata when preparing compliance documentation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: AS 5216 is a standalone design standard focused on concrete fastenings but is commonly used alongside other structural and concrete standards and technical reports (national and international) that address testing, anchorage in concrete and general concrete design.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: post‑installed fastenings, cast‑in fastenings, concrete anchors, embedment depth, mechanical anchor, adhesive anchor, cracked concrete, design loads, spacing, edge distance.