Anchor fastening and MS EN 1992-4 shape building safety in Malaysia and guide how critical connections to concrete are designed.
Why Anchor Fastening Design Matters for Safety
Anchors, also known as fasteners, are a “tiny” steel part used to connect steel elements -structural and non-structural – to the concrete. Non-structural elements cover the parts of the building, like architectural, mechanical and electrical systems.
When used on the architectural aspect of buildings, anchors hold up objects like ceilings, facades, and cladding panels. These are important not only for how the building looks, but also for safety. Failure to use anchors effectively can be dangerous.
For mechanical systems, anchors support heavy equipment like elevators, HVAC units, and piping systems. In electrical systems, anchors are used to support equipment like transformers, distribution panels, and cable trays. These ensures that power to these are kept running safely and smoothly.
Ultimately, designing anchors properly is important for safety, especially in areas where a failure to do so could lead to parts of a building failing or collapsing. In places where earthquakes happen, anchor failures are dangerous. With them, ceiling panels or lights can fall. Subsequently, causing fallen objects to block exits and trapping people in buildings.
Anchors failures depends on different reasons. Failures may be caused by design errors, poor installation, or use of unqualified products. As a result, each product needs careful testing and expert checks to confirm it works for its intended use.
How MS EN 1992-4 Sets a Stronger Standard
Recently, the Malaysian construction industry took an important step to improve safety by using the European design standard, EN 1992-4, as the national practice for designing fastenings in concrete. In addition, this standard has now been adopted by Malaysia, coming up with the localised version, called MS EN 1992-4.
Launched in December 2023 by the Director General of the Department of Standards Malaysia, MS EN 1992-4 was first introduced to the public and industry at the 11th International Conference on Advances in Steel Structures (ICASS’2023). Hosted by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak (Swinburne Sarawak), it was an apt time for Malaysia to upgrade the safety level of building elements.
While some worry that steps such as this could increase the prices of property, it goes without saying that problems from building failure costs more. Repairs and closure of businesses due to such failures also costs more.
That is why all civil engineers are urged to upskill in order to equip selves to understand the important of proper anchor design and its proper use.
Stronger Anchor Testing Through Research and Industry Links
Through the Swinburne Sarawak structural research group, the university have set up anchor testing facilities in its engineering laboratory, working closely with industry partners to shape national and international codes and practices for anchor fastening technologies.
Led by chair of the working group, Adjunct Associate Professor Dr. Daniel Looi Ting Wee, the work towards this will support the drafting of the first Malaysian anchor design standard in Malaysia, the MS EN 1992-4.
Why Safe Anchor Design Protects Building Users
In building, steel parts connects to concrete using anchors. Therefore, if these anchors fail, parts of the structure or other building elements fall, causing injuries or the loss of life. To ensure safety, anchor design must follow strong national and international practices.
Which is why only rigorously tested anchors should be used in safety-critical areas.
“Imagine you are sitting comfortably in a cinema, without warning, the ceiling collapses. Turns out, an anchor failed. Screams replace laughter as panic and chaos ensue. The mood? Gone. The cinema? Closed until further notice. Injuries and even tragedy unfold.”
Ng Lieu Thai is a lecturer with the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science. Currently doing his research in anchor fastening technologies, Ng is contactable at [email protected]