Fortress Screwbolts M12 X 150 are now BRANZ appraised

Fortress Screwbolt M12 X 150 are now Branz’s appraised for bottom plate anchoring and Gib Handibrac bracing

Building Research Advisory of New Zealand

BRANZ is an independent and impartial research, testing, consulting and information company providing resources for the building industry.
Quality is at the very core of BRANZ values and it enables them to be a credible, sought after and respected enterprise that contributes to the betterment of the built environment.
BRANZ receives almost all its income from the Building Research Levy and invests this to achieve benefits for the New Zealand community by improving the knowledge base of the New Zealand building and construction sector.
 

Fortress Through Bolt

BRANZ - Through Bolt Result
For both internal & external walls, fasteners securing bottom plates to concrete floors shall have a minimum capacity when tested within NZS3604 as follows

In the plane of the wall………3604 Spec 4 kN (internal) 5kN(external)
FORTRESS THROUGH BOLT = 11.18 kN

Out of the plane of the wall…3604 Spec 3 kN (internal) 4kN(external)
FORTRESS THROUGH BOLT = 6.48 kN

‘Pull out’ tension of the fastener… 3604 Spec 8kN (external walls only)
FORTRESS THROUGH BOLT = 18.43 kN

BRANZ report No. ST0583. A copy of this report is available on request

 

M12 x 150 FORTRESS SCREW BOLT

BRANZ report No. ST0583. Appraisal completed & issued on 8th April 2010

BRANZ - SCREW BOLT Result
For both internal & external walls, fasteners securing bottom plates to concrete floors shall have a minimum capacity when tested within NZS3604 as follows

In the plane of the wall………3604 Spec 4 kN (internal) 5kN(external)
FORTRESS SCREW BOLT = 12.95 kN

Out of the plane of the wall…3604 Spec 3 kN (internal) 4kN(external)
FORTRESS SCREW BOLT = 5.58 kN

‘Pull out’ tension of the fastener… 3604 Spec 8kN (external walls only)
FORTRESS SCREW BOLT = 23.55 kN

BRANZ report No. ST0583. A copy of this report is available on request

 

Technical Comparison

 

HANDIBRAC Panel Hold Down Bracket

 

• The Gib Handibrac has been developed in conjunction with MiTek
• Specifically designed for superior bracing of internal and external walls
• Ultimate tension uplift of 15 kn. M12 X 150 Fortress Screwbolt meets this requirement
• Handibrac has been designed as a substitute for the pre-fitted double strap

 

FAQ’s

Q: Do I have to use a Screwbolt for an ordinary bottom plate fixing?

A: No, a Fortress 12 x 135 Through Bolt is fine in this situation. It has a capacity of 12.2kN.
Fortress Screwbolts will not cause blow-outs in header block foundation which can occur with a Through Bolt.
 

	Load Requirement & Direction
	In Plane (kN)	Out of Plane (kN)	Tension (kN)
NZS3604:1999 Standard Bottom Plate Fixing Current (No change)	5.0	4.0	8.0

Q: Can I use a Through Bolt in a bracing situation?
A: No, we recommend a Fortress 12 x 150 Screwbolt. It has a capacity of 15kN

Q: Can I use a Through Bolt in a braced wall if I use Screwbolts in my Handibrac’s?
A: No, as per Table all anchors used in a braced wall must have a capacity of 15kN.

Q: Do I have to use a Galv Screwbolt in bracing situations?
A: No, not necessarily. ZC is fine in dry internal locations, not subject to airborne salts or rain wetting. In these situations ZC will give a service life of 50yrs, as required by NZS3604:1999

We do stock Galv Screwbolts if required for specific Situations

 

Bottom Plate Anchors

Build February/March 2008 Issue
Calls to the BRANZ Helpline indicate that there is still confusion about the correct use of bottom plate anchors with concrete floor slabs... Read full article »