Modern fastening technique is employed extensively for the transfer of concentrated loads into concrete and masonry structures. Cast-in-place anchors, placed in the formwork before casting of the concrete, as well as post-installed anchors and reinforcing bars, which are installed in hardened structural concrete or masonry, are equally common. Loads are transferred into the concrete or masonry by mechanical interlock, friction, bond or a combination of these mechanisms. However, independently of the load-transfer mechanism, all anchorages rely on the tensile strength of the concrete or masonry, a fact which must be taken into account in both assessment and design. Despite the widespread use of cast-in-place as well as post-installed anchors and reinforcing bars in construction, the overall level of understanding in the engineering community regarding their behaviour remains quite limited.

In order to improve the general state of knowledge in this field, Task Group 2.9 Fastenings to Structural Concrete and Masonry (former Special Activity Group 4) was formed.

The aim of TG2.9 is to collect and discuss the latest research results in the field of fastening technology, to identify new areas of research and to synthesise the research results in harmonised provisions for the design of fastenings.