R-TECH has been accredited for the testing of end anchors (sometimes called headed bars) to the requirements of CARES TA1-B, TA1-C, Sellafield’s Engineering Specification ES 0 3110 and ISO 15698 for some time. This has now been extended to include 50mm end anchors for which we previously did not have a rig with the required load capacity.

R-TECH has undertaken a development programme to improve its testing of end anchors according to ISO 15698. The development programme involved testing of a solid machined bar to simulate an end anchor. In this way, the test set-up could be verified without the movement in the joint between the head and the bar.

Using this system, R-TECH has been able to identify potential sources of error identified and eliminated with improvements in test fixture design and more robust set-up techniques. Technical Manager, Dr Michael Moore said:

“With the knowledge gained from this investigation and the resulting improvements in R-TECH’s testing capability that have followed I am confident that R-TECH are unrivalled in terms of robustness of our test methods and value for our customers. Being able to offer a range of testing of end anchors for reinforcing steel of any size up to 50mm now enables R-TECH to offer its customers a full suite of testing for their entire mechanical coupler and end anchor product range of all sizes.”

The testing of end anchors is set to become increasingly important in the UK, as they are set to be specified on major nuclear contracts, which will significantly increase their use. R-TECH Materials is the only test laboratory with UKAS accreditation for testing of end anchors (headed bars) for reinforcing steel to any test standard. If you want to know more about our Materials Testing services, contact us today!