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Our authors. Articles written for the CFA may come from specialists within member companies, their details will be outlined with each article.
Others, including those for Fastener & Fixing Europe, are written by Mark Salmon of Independent Fixing Consultants. Mark has represented the interests of the CFA on various committees in the UK (BSI, BSRIA, BBA) and in Europe (EOTA, CEN) since 1986. He has written all of our Guidance Notes and runs this website. In his spare time he tests fixings on site and offers training for distributors and installers covering all aspects of the selection, installation and testing of fixings.
To contact Mark email: marksalmon@fixpert.eu

Fastener & Fixing Europe has become an authoritative source of articles, and information on the use and distribution of construction fixings since the introduction of a series of articles on behalf of the Construction Fixings Association in January 2005. For a direct link to their web site go to our Related Links page.

COPYRIGHT. CFA Articles are protected by copyright. Downloads are allowed for personal reference only.
Reproduction or publication via any medium may be allowed with prior permission from the Construction Fixings Association depending on the context and with suitable acknowledgement.

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Fixing Failures - Introduction - Implications for all in the fixings chain
Fixing failures are rare but when they happen the consequences can be catastrophic – injury death or just serious financial pain. If you are in the fixings chain as specifier, distributor, contractor or installer you may be involved in the aftermath if not the cause. The effect on those indirectly involved can be almost as serious as for those directly affected. This series of articles sets out some of the causes of fixing failures and the steps which can be taken to avoid them. See also "Fixing failures - Case Study 1, etc." Download now >>>

Fixing Failures - Case Study 1 Collapse of a concrete ceiling on Intestate 90 Connection Tunnel in Boston – July 2006
The "Big Dig" is a massive road construction project driving a major road under Boston USA. The failure of fixings made into the concrete roof structure and supporting heavy concrete ceiling panels in one of the tunnels caused the death of the lady passenger in a car travelling beneath. This article discusses the possible causes of this failure and while it goes into technical detail it concerns all in the fixings chain from specifier to installer including the distributor. Download now >>>

Fixing Failures - Case study 2 - Collapse of a pre-cast concrete section - Ireland 2002
If you substitute a slightly shorter fixing for the one specified you might save 50p a fix. If that causes someone’s death how will you feel? This article highlights two different potential causes of fixing failure - changing the fixing specification (and how to do it safely) and unexpected loads during erection/installation. Download now >>>

Fixing Failures - Case Study 3 - School ceiling collapse – West Midlands 2007
When a ceiling collapsed in a school in the West Midlands while the room was empty no one was hurt. Had the room been full of children it would have made headlines on the 10 o’clock news and the consequences for all in the fixings chain from supplier to contractor and installer would have been far worse than they were. This article delves into aspects of traceability of supply, which affects distributors, and the affect of fixing patterns which is of concern to both specifiers and contractors. This picture shows a correct fixing pattern with the first line of hangers set close to the walls. Download now >>>

Understanding the different formulations used in resin bonded anchors.
The development in resin anchor technology continues apace and part of this story is the regular introduction of new resin formulations. Confused? Well, this article by Matt Cleaver of 2K polymer systems ltd, which describes the various characteristics of the main resin types, should overcome that. Download now >>>

Delivery Systems for Resin Bonded Anchors
Over the years a variety of delivery systems has been developed for resin anchors, resulting in a broader range of applications and, in some cases much cheaper unit costs. In this article John Burch, on behalf of 2K polymer systems ltd, explains the development of the various systems and their advantages. Download now >>>

Hand arm vibration syndrome
A more commonly know name is Vibration White Finger, the most common form of HAVS, and a problem which must now be taken into account when planning any job involving – among other things – a hammer drilling machine as used for installing many construction fixings. If significant numbers of holes are to be drilled then the operator may be at risk from HAVS. This article, by Carlos Taborda of Hilti, outlines the legal background and points out the practical steps that both specifiers and contractors can take to avoid the problem. Download now >>>

F&FE Corrosion
In this article, reprinted from our series in Fastener & Fixing Europe, Mark Salmon looks at the complex problem that is corrosion from the stockists point of view. Well if this photo is typical that’s not a problem – just an opportunity. New bolts please! And while you’re at it – sort out that spacing, they’re too close! Download now >>>

Fixing Solutions for Plasterboard
Plasterboard represents one of the interesting challenges for shopfitters, plumbers, electricians and other trades needing to fix into this awkward material. In this article, written specially for the CFA website, Mirka Valovicova of fischer fixings UK Ltd explains the factors which affect fixing choice and describes some of the most common solutions. Download now >>>

Fixings that outlive fire
In this article, written when he was Technical Manager of fischer fixings UK Ltd, Simon Poole explains how manufacturers are providing data to enable fixings to be specified in applications requiring fire ratings. Download now >>>

Anchor installation - adding value
A very brief introduction to the subject of anchor installation Mark Salmon extols the virtues of thorough hole cleaning (when does he not!) and explains the benefits of tightening anchors to the correct torque. First published in F & F E in March 2005. If you need more than this go to the Guidance Notes page. Download now >>>

Fixings for Brickwork
Brickwork. One of the more awkward materials to fix into. This article discusses the merits of expansion anchors, still a good solution for some structures, before delving into the more fashionable resin solutions for brickwork be it solid or perforated. The positioning of anchors in brickwork can make all the difference so these are also outlined. First published in F & F E in May 2005. Download now >>>

Undercut anchors
First published in F& F E in January 2006 this article by Mark Salmon introduces distributors to an anchoring principle which spans general purpose anchoring in cracked concrete and earth quake resistant anchoring in nuclear power plants. Download now >>>