General Technical Approvals state that headed studs for anchor plates must only be made of unalloyed steels in materials group SD1 and stainless steels in group SD3 to DIN EN ISO 13918 [73].

For quality assurance purposes, and to certify compliance, materials and production are inspected continuously in the workshop; the production is also monitored by an independent certification body. General Technical Approvals require headed studs to be marked with the appropriate works code on their heads, so that they can be identified easily on site. They must also be stamped with the material used, if using stainless steel. Packs must be CE-marked, stating the products approved.

Steel fastening plates are generally made of non-alloyed steel of strength class S235JR to DIN EN 10025 [69]. Unless improved characteristics are required in the direction of thickness, material quality is certified by a works certificate 2.2 to DIN EN 10204 [78], which must show the as-delivered condition to DIN EN 10025 and the melt analysis and tension test results as a minimum requirement. Additional notched bar impact bending tests must be conducted when using S235J2.

Where plates more than 30 mm thick have structural components welded on, the welding seams of which are subjected to tension, a welded-on bending test must be conducted to SEP 1390 [79] and proven by an acceptance test certificate 3.1B.

Ultrasound testing is not part of the minimum requirements, but to avoid lamination, ultrasound testing is recommended for steel plates 15 mm and over thick on a 200 x 200 mm matrix, even if no quality certificate as per Z-quality is required.

Ultrasound-tested steel plates must be used where mainly live loads apply or where certificates of quality are required under DASt Guideline 014 [80].

Where improved characteristics are required for plates in the direction of thickness, material qualities are proven by acceptance test certificates 3.1B. The certificate of Z-quality required must be testified, stating the reduction of area, by appropriate tension tests in the direction of thickness to DIN EN 10002 [81]. The requirements as laid down in KTA 3205.2 [82], Table 7-1 must be observed.

For plates over 15 mm thick, under tension and bending tension stresses, ultrasound testing must be carried out according to DIN EN 10160 [83] on a 100 x 100 mm matrix.

Material tests also include notched bar impact bending tests to DIN 10045-1 [54].

Anchor plates of S355J2 are subject to basically the same requirements. Materials must have acceptance certificates 3.1B to DIN EN 10204, stating the condition as supplied to DIN EN 10025, and the following test results at as a minimum:

— melt analysis

— tension test

— notched bar impact bending test

— weld-bead bending test.

Where improved properties in the direction of thickness are required, compliance with the carbon equivalent (CEV < 0.45%) must be proven.

Ultrasound testing on a 100 x 100 mm matrix and appropriate tension tests in the direction of thickness are also required in order to verify the certificate of Z-quality.

Anchor plates of non-stainless materials are made of alloyed steel 1.4571 to DIN EN 10088 [70]. The testing required is governed by DIN EN 10088, and must be documented by a certificate of acceptance 3.1 B, including the heat-treated condition.