Pull Testing

What Is A Pull Test?

The term 'pull test' is a broad term that refers to different types of tests that can be carried out to stress test fixings in a substrate.

There are two major types of pull tests; tensile tests and shear tests. The majority of tests Kernow conduct are tensile tests, these are typically for Safety Critical overhead fixings which support Mechanical & Electrical services.

The British Standard for Anchor Installation, BS 8539:2012+A1:2021 states that there are two types of tensile test; Proof Tests and Preliminary Tests.

A Proof Test is a test conducted on a sample of installed anchors to verify their installation. The test load cannot exceed the manufacturer's recommended limits and will involve testing either:

• 1 in 40 anchors to be tested to 1.5x your applied load.
• 1 in 20 anchors to be tested to 1.25x your applied load.

If the anchors are ETA approved and have been installed by trained operatives working under supervision, then a proof test won’t be required.

What Is A Preliminary Test?

A Preliminary Test is carried out in the early stages of a project before any anchors are installed. This is to asses the performance of a particular anchor in the base material. Preliminary tests are required when:

• The anchor specified doesn't carry European Technical Assessment Guidelines (ETAG) for the substrate you are installing into.
• The manufacturer states that the specified anchor can be used in a particular base material but there is no published recommended tensile or design resistance information.

This procedure typically involves applying a load equal to 3x the applied load per fixing for metal, general purpose anchors. The procedure involves testing a sample of between 5 and 15 anchors.

A preliminary test is generally not required if the anchor has ETA approval for the specific substrate and is installed by trained operatives under supervision.

How Can Kernow Support You With Pull Testing?

Kernow have a team of fully trained operatives who can conduct pull tests across the UK.

We visit site on an agreed date, conduct the necessary pull tests and then provide you with full digital reports showing the test results, complete with test pictures & notes.

Our operatives have completed both the Construction Fixings Association (CFA) Proof Testing Course & the Advanced Tester Course, so you can be sure of full compliance with BS 8539:2012+A1:2021.

If your team requires installation training, we can offer toolbox talk style training when visiting site. Training can also be conducted over a video meeting with certificates issued to those who have attended.

Early engagement from you as the contractor is critical to ensure the right processes can be followed. Although we cannot act as the specifier of the anchor, we can offer advice around best fixing practice and provide technical submittals for the specifier's approval.

How Do I Arrange A Pull Test?

Whether you need to arrange a test or simply have a few questions about your fixings strategy, we'd be glad to help.

You can book a Pull Test here or contact our Technical Team if you require further information or advice.


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