About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The goal of this project is to obtain ICC (International Code Council) approval of our new and strongest concrete wedge anchor to help save lives and reduce destruction caused by earthquakes.

The Wedge King is a unique concrete wedge anchor that uses a patent pending double wedge clip design that incorporates a bridge connecting the two wedges that guarantees that the two wedges will expand at the exact same rate assuring maximum holding power.

Independent lab testing has shown that this unique clip design resists slipping over 200% better than similar wedge anchors available today and holds up to 55% better that similar wedge anchors.

The ICC approval is needed before the Wedge Kingcan be used worldwide to help save lives and reduce the damage during an earthquake.

What is the significance of this project?

ICC approval requires that all wedge anchors pass the rigorous testing required by the ES (ICC Evaluation Service) AC193 "Acceptance Criteria for Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Elements" These tests must be performed by independent laboratories and the test results must be submitted to the ICC for evaluation prior to obtaining the ICC approval.

We have used Element Laboratories for our testing and Element Laboratories is one of the few companies accredited by the ICC for testing concrete wedge anchors.

We have been approached by several companies looking to use the Wedge King such as a company that is helping to rebuild Haiti after the devastating earthquake by supplying modular homes and want to use the Wedge King to anchor their homes on concrete slabs. They recognize the strength of the Wedge King and how it can help reduce damages in case of future earthquakes in Haiti. They cannot specify the Wedge King until it receives ICC approval.

The WEDGE KING is the latest design from inventor Stan Kaplan who holds 12 patents related to anchors of all types and he believes this is his best design to date.

What are the goals of the project?

The funds raised here will allow us to get the ICC approval we need prior to selling the Wedge King anchor. The remaining steps are as follows:

Step 1: Obtain the final test results from Element Laboratories and for them to submit our application to ICC.

Step 2: ICC evaluation of the test results submitted by Element Laboratories and to finalize the approval process.

Step 3: Site survey conducted by ICC engineers of the Wedge King manufacturing facility to ensure that the manufacturing process meets or exceeds that of the ISO quality assurance program.

Step 4: Make the Wedge King available for use worldwide. Step 1: Obtain the final test results from Element Laboratories and for them to submit our application to ICC. Step 2: ICC evaluation of the test results submitted by Element Laboratories and to finalize the approval process. Step 3: Site survey conducted by ICC engineers of the WEDGE KING manufacturing facility to ensure that the manufacturing process meets or exceeds that of the ISO quality assurance program. Step 4: Make the WEDGE KING available for use worldwide.