ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-2873

Reissued September 2021

This report is subject to renewal September 2022.

www.icc-es.org | (800) 423-6587 | (562) 699-0543 A Subsidiary of the International Code Council ®

DIVISION: 03 00 00—CONCRETE anchorage into wet concrete with a plastic overmold in the
Section: 03 16 00—Concrete Anchors middle of the connector. The connectors are illustrated in
Section: 03 41 00—Precast Structural Concrete Figure 1. The connectors are produced by a pultrusion
Section: 03 47 00—Site-Cast Concrete process from a polymer composite consisting of epoxy
vinylester resin reinforced with continuous glass fibers. The
REPORT HOLDER: overmold is injection-molded from polystyrene plastic.
The CC-Series connectors measured 0.31 inch
COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES LLC, dba
(7.9 mm) thick and 1.555 inch (39.5 mm) wide.
THERMOMASS
3.2 Concrete:
EVALUATION SUBJECT:
Normal weight concrete must conform to Sections 1903
THERMOMASS® CC-SERIES FIBER-REINFORCED and 1905 of the IBC or UBC, as applicable and comply
COMPOSITE WYTHE CONNECTORS FOR with the compressive strength requirements in Table 2.
INTEGRALLY INSULATED WALL PANELS 4.0 DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

1.0 EVALUATION SCOPE 4.1 Physical and Material Properties of the

Connectors:
Compliance with the following codes:
Design must be based on the physical and mechanical
 2015, 2012 and 2009 International Building Code® (IBC) properties described in Tables 1 and 2.
 2015, 2012 and 2009 International Residential Code®
4.2 Design for Tension and Shear:
(IRC)
Design must be performed using th e applicable sections
 1997 Uniform Building Code® (UBC)
of the applicable codes and using the allowable loads as
 2013 Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC)† noted in Table 2. Allowable loads for CC-Series connectors
†
The ADIBC is based on the 2009 IBC. The 2009 IBC code subjected to combined shear and tension forces must be
sections referenced in this report are the same sections in the determined by the following equation:
ADIBC.
(Ps/Pt) + (Vs/Vt) ≤ 1
Properties evaluated:
where:
 Structural
Ps = Applied service tension load (lbf or N).
 Environmental
Pt = Service tension load (lbf or N).
 Physical and mechanical
Vs = Applied service shear load (lbf or N).
2.0 USES
Vt = Service shear load (lbf or N).
The CC-SERIES connectors are used as panel
connections in integrally insulated concrete walls 4.3 Displacement of the Connector:
(commonly known as sandwich walls) to resist static and The displacement due to gravity loads must be limited to
transient tension and shear loads in uncracked, normal 0.1 inch (2.54 mm). When the connector displacement
weight concrete. The connectors are alternatives to cast- exceeds the limiting value of 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) due to the
in-place steel anchors described in Section 1901.3 of the gravity loads, the free end of the connector must be
2015 IBC, Sections 1908 and 1909 of the 2012 IBC, supported to maintain fixity by other means. The
Sections 1911 and 1912 of the 2009 IBC, and Section displacement must be calculated as follows (neglecting
1923 of the UBC. The connectors may also be used where any contribution from the insulation in the intended
an engineering design is submitted in accordance with application):
Section R301.1.3 of the IRC.
3.0 DESCRIPTION 𝑄 .𝑑
∆
12𝐸 . 𝐼
3.1 Connectors:
where:
CC-Series connectors are fiber-reinforced composite
connectors with groove anchors at both ends for ∆g = Displacement due to gravity load (inch or mm).

ICC-ES Evaluation Reports are not to be construed as representing aesthetics or any other attributes not specifically addressed, nor are they to be construed
as an endorsement of the subject of the report or a recommendation for its use. There is no warranty by ICC Evaluation Service, LLC, express or implied, as
to any finding or other matter in this report, or as to any product covered by the report.

Copyright © 2021 ICC Evaluation Service, LLC. All rights reserved. Page 1 of 5
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Qg = Gravity load on the connector, typically the weight of 5.0 CONDITIONS OF USE
the fascia layer of the tributary area for the connector (lbf
The Thermomass CC-Series connectors described in this
or kN), Qg = t·a·b· γ , report comply with, or are suitable alternatives to what is
where: specified in, those codes listed in Section 1.0 of this report,
subject to the following conditions:
t = thickness of the fascia layer (feet or m);
5.1 Connector sizes, dimensions, and installation must
a = horizontal spacing of the connector (feet or m); comply with this report and Thermomass published
b = vertical spacing of the connector (feet or m); installation instructions. In case of a conflict between
this report and other documentation, this report
γ = density of concrete (lbf/ft3 or kN/m3). governs.
5.2 Allowable tension and shear loads must be as noted
2. 1 in the Table 2.
1
3 5.3 Calculations and details demonstrating compliance
1
with this report must be submitted to the code official
where: for approval. The calculations and details must be
prepared by a registered design professional where
dA = Connector bending length, a function of insulation required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the
thickness and embedment (inch or mm). project is to be constructed.
dd = Insulation thickness (inch or mm). 5.4 Design and installation of the concrete wall panels,
hv = Embedment length of the connector in the concrete. except as specifically noted in this report, is outside
the scope of this report and must comply with the
EAb = 0.95 times the flexural modulus of elasticity as given applicable code.
in Table 1 (psi or MPa).
5.5 Connectors may be recognized for interior exposure,
IA = Moment of inertia of the connector as given in Table 1 exterior exposure or damp environments.
(in4 or mm4).
5.6 Connectors must not be permitted in contact with
The deflection of the connector may be reduced by preservative-treated and fire-retardant-treated wood.
decreasing the connector spacing, but not less than
8 inches (203 mm) on center each way. 5.7 Special inspection must be provided in accordance
with Section 4.5 of this report.
4.4 Installation:
5.8 Since an ICC-ES acceptance criteria for evaluating
Connector orientations and locations must comply with this
data to determine the performance of connectors
report and the plans and specifications approved by the
subjected to fatigue or shock loading is unavailable at
code official. CC-series connectors must be installed in
this time, the use of these connectors under these
accordance with the instructions provided by Composite
conditions is beyond the scope of this report.
Technologies LLC, dba Thermomass. The instructions are
provided with each shipment of the connectors. The 5.9 Since an ICC-ES acceptance criteria for evaluating
minimum embedment, critical edge distance, and critical data to determine the performance of fiber-reinforced
spacing must comply with Table 3 of this report. connectors in cracked concrete is unavailable at this
time, the use of these connectors must be limited to
The minimum concrete thickness must comply with
installation in uncracked, normal weight concrete.
the applicable code requirements or 1.5 times the
Cracking occurs when ft > fr due to service loads or
connector effective embedment, whichever is greater.
deformations.
Within 20 minutes after the bottom layer of concrete is
placed, code complying rigid insulation board with holes 5.10 Connectors must not be permitted for
sized to accept the connectors must be placed over the use in conjunction with fire-resistance-rated
concrete while it is in the plastic state. The connectors, construction.
sized to match the insulation board thickness, are inserted
through the holes in the insulation board into the bottom Exceptions are:
layer of concrete, until the prescribed embedment is  Connectors resist wind loading only.
reached. Concrete consolidation around the connectors
must be conducted in accordance with the applicable code  For other than wind loading, special consideration
and Thermomass published instructions. The top layer of is given to fire exposure conditions.
concrete is then placed over the insulation board, engaging 5.11 Seismic or wind load under the IBC: Use of the
the connectors and consolidated. Panels must cure in connectors to resist seismic loads is beyond the
accordance with the applicable code. scope of this report. When using the basic load
4.5 Special Inspection: combinations in accordance with IBC Section
1605.3.1.1, allowable loads are not permitted to be
Installations must be made under special inspection in increased for wind loading. When using the
accordance with Section 1705.1.1 of the 2015 and 2012 alternative basic load combinations in IBC Section
IBC and Section 1704.15 of the 2009 IBC, or Section 1605.3.2 that include wind loads, the allowable shear
1701.5.2 of the UBC. The special inspector must be on the and tension loads for connectors may be increased.
jobsite continuously during connector installation to verify
connector type, connector dimensions, and cleanliness, 5.12 Seismic or wind load under the UBC: When using the
embedment depth, concrete type, concrete compressive basic load combinations in accordance with UBC
strength, edge distance(s), connector spacing(s), concrete Section 1612.3.1, allowable loads are not permitted to
thickness, concrete consolidation and concrete curing. be increased for wind or seismic loading. When using
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the alternative basic load combinations in UBC Technologies LLC, dba Thermomass, name and
Section 1612.3.2 that include wind or seismic loads, address, and the ICC-ES report Number (ESR-2873).
the allowable shear and tension loads for connectors Each connector is stamped with the lot number.
are permitted to be increased by 331/3 percent.
7.2 The report holder’s contact information is the
5.13 Connectors are manufactured by Composite following:
Technologies LLC, dba Thermomass under a quality
COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES LLC, dba
control program with inspections conducted by
THERMOMASS
ICC-ES.
1000 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE
6.0 EVIDENCE SUBMITTED POST OFFICE BOX 950
BOONE, IOWA 50036
Data in accordance with the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria
(515) 433-6075
for Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composite or Unreinforced
www.thermomass.com
Polymer Connectors Anchored in Concrete (AC320),
[email protected]
October 2015 (editorially revised September 2017);
 
including seismic tests, and creep tests.
7.0 IDENTIFICATION  

7.1 The connectors must be identified in the field by  

dimensional characteristics and packaging. The    
packaging label indicates the Composite
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TABLE 1—PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

CC-SERIES CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION
Customary Units SI Units
2 2
Cross-sectional area 0.475 in 306.3 mm
4 4
Moment of inertia (Strong 0.0904 in 37645 mm
Axis)
4 4
Moment of inertia (Weak 0.0038 in 1566 mm
Axis)
Embedment depth 2 inches 50 mm
Bending elastic modulus 4,764,000 psi 32,846 MPa
(flexural modulus)

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 psi = 6.9 kPa.

1
TABLE 2—ALLOWABLE TENSION AND SHEAR VALUES IN NORMAL WEIGHT CONCRETE (in pounds)
CC-SERIES CONNECTOR
DESCRIPTION 2
f’c = 6,000 psi
Static tension 860
Static shear, parallel to strong axis 839
Static shear, parallel to weak axis 738
3
Post-Cyclic tension 822
3
Post-Cyclic shear, parallel to strong axis 839
3
Post-Cyclic shear, parallel to weak axis 655
For SI: 1 psi = 6.9 kPa, 1 pound = 4.45 N.
1
Allowable loads have been determined by applying a factor of safety of 4 to the test
results.
2
Concrete must achieve this compressive strength before anchors are loaded
[minimum of 24 MPa is required under ADIBC Appendix L, Section 5.1.1].
3
For UBC only.

TABLE 3—INSTALLATION PARAMETERS

CC-SERIES
DESCRIPTION
CONNECTOR (inches)
Embedment depth 2
1
Critical edge distance 5.25
2
Critical spacing 8
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
1
Critical Edge Distance: The least edge distance at which the allowable load
capacity of a connector is applicable without reductions.
2
Critical Spacing: The least connector spacing distance at which the allowable load
capacity of a connector is applicable such that the connector is not influenced by
adjacent connectors.
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FIGURE 1—CC CONNECTOR PROFILE