Stone Panel Veneer Anchors
Challenge
Contractors turn to Atkinson-Noland & Associates to design custom stone panel veneer anchors. These projects often involve non-typical situations that require innovation—and an excellent grasp of underlying engineering principles. In addition, such projects have a tight deadline, with the goal of delivering designs so that contractors can begin working when the stone arrives on-site.
Solution
Over the years, we have found that construction codes tend to be overly conservative. We ask code officials to review our specific design details from a practical engineering standpoint, which frequently reduces the complexity of the design—without compromising integrity. Then, we test actual anchorage, installed in stone, in our laboratory. By using real-world results in design equations, rather than assumed values, our solutions produce significant cost savings for clients.
Solutions Provided
We use an in-house laboratory for testing historic and modern masonry material properties. Work performed includes characterization of brick, block, and stone properties; mortar analysis; anchor strength; and grout development, following standard test methods developed by ASTM, ACI, the State of California, and others.
Our engineers have unique experience creating custom solutions for masonry veneer systems, sound barrier wall design, brick and stone pavements, and masonry repair and strengthening. We work with design professionals, contractors, and material suppliers to develop practical, cost-effective approaches for anchoring stone panel veneers, concrete and masonry injection repairs, and masonry retrofit anchors.
Result
Our expertise and approach reduce anchorage complexity and cost, often saving clients at least 50%. One of our projects, which involved installation of stone veneer on a highway overpass, received the 2013 Masterworks in Masonry Grand Award for Non-Building Masonry, given by the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute “for outstanding achievement in masonry design and construction.”
Project
Stone Panel Veneer Anchors
Location: Throughout the U.S.
Client
Various