Hobson Engineering, an Australian supplier of fasteners and XCHEM adhesive anchoring systems, is underscoring the importance of European Technical Assessment approvals in construction.
In Australian construction, the demand for high-quality anchor products with the right certifications has become central to industry practice. At the forefront of this is the European Technical Assessment (ETA) – a certification evaluating construction products for performance and suitability in specific applications.
Gavin McPherson, lead engineer at Hobson Engineering, emphasises the need for construction professionals to understand ETA approvals and their implications.
“ETAs provide a consistent framework for evaluating products across various categories and suppliers,” says McPherson. “This standardised approach simplifies comparisons between products.”
Why ETA approvals matter
ETAs ensure products, such as chemical anchoring systems, meet European Union requirements. In Australia, AS 5216 governs the design of post-installed and cast-in fastenings in concrete and is referenced in the National Construction Code (NCC). ETA‑approved products are considered compliant with this standard.
“In our market, suppliers have two options: undertake the full suite of testing on a product or use a product with an existing ETA,” says McPherson. “Most opt for the latter, as testing is rigorous and time-consuming.”
He notes one common misconception: the more ETA approvals a product has, the more a design is perceived to have.
“We often encounter situations where customers ask for additional approvals that are not considered in the design. This would, in effect, result in the end user paying more for a product they did not fully utilise,” he says.
“Extra approvals, like those for seismic or cracked concrete applications, require a reduction in the anchor’s characteristic load capacity. Assuming a higher rating equates to better performance can lead to suboptimal choices. Not considering load reductions for a required design case could result in the failure of the anchor.
“For example, many engineers assume seismic-approved anchors are required for their project without assessing actual risk factors. If the concrete substrate in the anchor location isn’t anticipated to crack during a seismic event, or if the importance or seismic class of the building is low enough, the highest seismic rating may be unnecessary. Careful risk assessment and an understanding of the concrete design are essential to selecting the right anchor for the job.”
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The XCHEM range
Hobson Engineering’s XCHEM range of adhesive anchoring systems exemplifies how ETA approvals can help address diverse construction needs:
- XCHEM P201 Polyester – approved for non‑cracked concrete, it is suitable for lighter loads in general-purpose and light-duty applications.
- XCHEM V401 Vinylester – approved for cracked and non-cracked concrete, masonry and reinforcing steel applications, with added fire ratings, making it a versatile choice for general-purpose engineered designs.
- XCHEM H501 Hybrid – features approvals for cracked and non-cracked concrete, masonry, seismic categories C1 and C2, and fire ratings. Its high load capacity and fast curing times make it suitable for urban projects.
- XCHEM E701 Pure Epoxy – offering all the approvals of the hybrid product, with the addition of a 100-year design life, it is designed for major infrastructure projects and warmer climates where a longer working time is required to set the anchor.
“Our product range has approvals to ensure performance and suitability for applications ranging from small-scale home projects to large infrastructure developments,” says McPherson.
Software
Design to AS 5216 is complicated, which is why most suppliers have anchor design software. This software automates the design of chemical anchorages, offering precise results for any application. Chemical anchoring systems require meticulous attention to detail to ensure long-term safety and stability. Design software takes into account all necessary safety factors and provides designs with robust, reliable performance for even the most demanding structural applications.
Towards a deeper understanding
The adoption of ETAs in Australia is still in its early stages, with many engineers yet to fully grasp their implications.
“For instance, I recently spoke with an engineer who simply checks whether a product has an ETA and considers that sufficient. They rely on software to input loads but don’t evaluate the specific performance data or understand the approvals’ specific implications,” says McPherson.
“ETAs are invaluable for providing transparency and enabling like-for-like product comparisons. But to gain the full benefit, engineers must engage with the detailed performance data within these documents.”
The strength of ETAs lies in their ability to level the playing field. They offer a consistent standard that allows engineers to assess product performance with clarity, understand the underlying testing and make straightforward comparisons. Critical performance data for anchors is detailed within the ETA document, making it an indispensable tool for informed decision-making.
Looking ahead
As the industry advances, ETAs are set to evolve further. McPherson predicts the next wave of approvals will focus on fatigue loading and extended design lives.
“For instance, most buildings today are designed for a 50-year lifespan. If we think back 50 years to the 1970s, many of those buildings are now being demolished and replaced. As construction evolves, there will likely be increasing demand for products that meet extended design life requirements, such as 100 years or more for major infrastructure projects,” he says.
“Additionally, fatigue loading approvals, which assess a product’s performance under cyclic stress, are becoming increasingly relevant, particularly for infrastructure like bridges and tunnels. We’re going to see ETA approvals reflect these trends in the coming years.”
Equipping the industry for the future
The Hobson Engineering team is dedicated to educating customers on the practical applications of ETAs. For Australian engineers and contractors, understanding and applying these certifications can lead to informed decision-making, cost savings and improved project outcomes.
Hobson Engineering’s XCHEM range highlights the importance of aligning product performance with evolving industry demands. By leveraging ETA-approved solutions and deepening their understanding of how these certifications impact projects, construction professionals are better positioned to achieve compliance and adapt to emerging standards.
As ETAs continue to influence industry practices, Hobson Engineering remains steadfast in supporting engineers and contractors with expert guidance and dependable products.
For more information or tailored advice on ETA-approved solutions, reach out to the Hobson Engineering team.
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