ASTM E3121/E3121M-17 is the Standard Test Methods for Field Testing of Anchors in Concrete or Masonry. It covers procedures for static tensile and shear testing of post-installed and cast-in-place anchorage systems on the jobsite — not in a laboratory. Tests may be performed to determine ultimate load or to apply a proof load to verify proper installation. First published in 2017 and reapproved in 2026, this is the standard referenced by IBC Section 1705.3 for field verification of anchor installations.
Quick Reference
| Full Title | Standard Test Methods for Field Testing of Anchors in Concrete or Masonry |
| Designation | ASTM E3121/E3121M-17 (Reapproved 2026) |
| Scope | Static tensile and shear testing of post-installed and cast-in-place anchors |
| Base Materials | Concrete, solid masonry, hollow masonry, grout-filled masonry |
| Test Types | Proof load (non-destructive) and ultimate load (destructive) |
| Not Covered | Seismic, fatigue, shock, combined tension/shear, torsion (see ASTM E488) |
| ASTM Committee | E06 on Performance of Buildings |
| Volume | 04.12 |
| Purchase | ASTM Store → |
What ASTM E3121 Covers
ASTM E3121 covers static tensile and shear testing of anchorage systems installed perpendicular to a plane surface. This includes expansion anchors, undercut anchors, screw anchors, adhesive anchors, and cast-in-place headed bolts and studs. The standard applies to anchors installed in concrete, solid masonry, hollow masonry, and grout-filled masonry. It is intended for field conditions using portable equipment — not laboratory testing.
The standard provides procedures for two types of tests. Proof load tests are non-destructive — the anchor is loaded to a specified percentage of its design capacity, held, and verified to show no movement. The anchor remains serviceable after testing. Ultimate load tests are destructive — the anchor is loaded to failure to determine its maximum capacity. The anchor is not reusable after an ultimate load test.
Key Limitation
ASTM E3121 does not cover seismic, fatigue, shock, combined tension and shear, or torsion testing. If your project requires any of these test types, ASTM E488/E488M is the applicable standard. E3121 is strictly for static loading in the field.
The Test Procedure
ASTM E3121 establishes a standardized sequence for applying and measuring load on an anchor in the field. Following this procedure ensures test results are reproducible and comparable.
Set Up the Test Rig
Position the hydraulic cylinder over the anchor with the threaded rod passing through the center hole. Set the bridge plate or reaction frame on the concrete surface. For unconfined testing, position the bridge supports at least 1.5 × hef from the bolt center per ACI 318. For confined testing, place a PTFE sheet (0.020 ± 0.004 in.) between the load plate and concrete.
Apply Pre-Load (5%)
Apply approximately 5% of the target test load to bring all members into full bearing. This seats the nut, washer, load cell, and bridge plate so the system is tight before actual loading begins. The pre-load eliminates slack and ensures the load cell reads accurately from the start.
Apply Test Load Gradually (~30 seconds)
Increase the load gradually over approximately 30 seconds from the pre-load level to the full test load. The gradual loading rate prevents dynamic effects that could produce artificially high or low readings. Monitor the load cell continuously during loading.
Hold the Load (minimum 15 seconds)
Maintain the full test load for a minimum of 15 seconds. During the hold period, observe for any discernible movement — loosening of the washer, abrupt pressure drop on the gauge, or visible displacement of the anchor. The load must remain stable throughout the hold period for a passing result.
Release and Inspect
Release the load gradually. Remove the test rig and inspect the anchor and surrounding concrete for damage — cracking, spalling, deformation of the bolt or washer, or evidence of pullout. Document the test result including load achieved, hold duration, and any observations.
Acceptance Criteria
An anchor passes a proof load test per ASTM E3121 when it holds the specified test load for the required hold period with no pullout, no concrete cracking, no component fracture, and no discernible movement. "Discernible movement" means any visible displacement, washer loosening, or sudden pressure drop observed during the load hold. If any of these occur, the anchor fails and the IBC failure protocol applies.
For ultimate load tests, there is no pass/fail — the test records the maximum load at failure and the failure mode (concrete breakout, pullout, steel rupture, or pryout). These results are used by the engineer to determine the anchor's actual field capacity.
Confined vs. Unconfined Testing in E3121
ASTM E3121 draws a critical distinction between confined and unconfined test setups, and it imposes a hard limitation on what confined test results can be used for.
The E3121 Rule
"Proof load tests performed in the confined condition to verify proper installation shall not be used to develop design values." — ASTM E3121 Section 1.1
For the complete guide to confined vs. unconfined testing — including the 1.5 × hef support distance rule, when each is appropriate, and the decision flowchart — see our dedicated page: Confined vs. Unconfined Anchor Testing.
ASTM E3121 vs. ASTM E488 — What's the Difference?
ASTM E3121 is the field standard — portable equipment, jobsite conditions, anchors already installed. ASTM E488 is the laboratory standard — controlled conditions, product qualification, manufacturer testing. E3121 covers static tension and shear only. E488 also covers seismic, fatigue, shock, combined loading, and torsion. The two standards serve completely different purposes but use similar terminology, which causes confusion.
| Feature | ASTM E3121 | ASTM E488 |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Field / jobsite | Laboratory |
| Purpose | Installation verification, field capacity | Product qualification, design values |
| Load Types | Static tension and shear only | Static, seismic, fatigue, shock, combined |
| Equipment | Portable hydraulic systems | Fixed test frames and actuators |
| Base Materials | Concrete and masonry | Concrete (cracked and uncracked) |
| Test Types | Proof load and ultimate load | Ultimate load (qualification series) |
| First Published | 2017 | 1990 (multiple revisions) |
| Current Edition | E3121/E3121M-17 (Reapproved 2026) | E488/E488M-22 |
In practice, E488 is the standard anchor manufacturers use to test and qualify their products. E3121 is the standard inspectors and testing firms use to verify those products were installed correctly in the field. The manufacturer runs E488 once to get the product approved. The inspector runs E3121 on every project where the product is installed.
How E3121 Connects to the IBC
IBC 2024 Section 1705.3 requires special inspection and testing of post-installed anchors. When field testing is required, ASTM E3121 is the referenced test standard. The IBC specifies what to test and how often; E3121 specifies how to perform the test. They work together:
IBC tells you: "Test 100% of structural anchors." E3121 tells you: "Apply 5% pre-load, load gradually over 30 seconds, hold for 15 seconds minimum, monitor for movement." IBC tells you what happens if one fails (test 20 consecutive). E3121 tells you what constitutes a failure (discernible movement during load hold).
For Georgia projects specifically, the 2024 IBC with Georgia Amendments applies — see our Georgia 2024 IBC Changes Georgia Regulatory History page for state-specific details.
What Goes in the Test Report
ASTM E3121 requires that test results be documented in a report that includes sufficient detail for the results to be evaluated and reproduced. A complete test report per E3121 includes:
Related Standards & References
ASTM E3121/E3121M-17 (Reapproved 2026)
The standard itself. Available for purchase through the ASTM Store. 10 pages covering scope, terminology, equipment, test procedures, and reporting.
ASTM E488/E488M-22
The companion laboratory standard. Covers seismic, fatigue, shock, and combined loading — everything E3121 does not. Referenced for equipment and procedures when field tests require dynamic loading.
IBC 2024 Section 1705.3
The building code provision that references E3121 for field testing. Defines testing frequencies, inspection levels, and the 20-consecutive-pass failure protocol.
ACI 318 Chapter 17
Defines anchor design provisions, the five failure modes, breakout cone geometry (1.5 × hef), and the concrete capacity design (CCD) method that determines test setup requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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