London Fixing Testing Ltd provides accurate, independent, fixings shear testing to verify the performance and lateral load capacity of anchors, fixings, and fasteners installed into concrete, masonry, brickwork, blockwork, and stonework. Our shear testing services help ensure structural safety, regulatory compliance, and confidence in fixing selection and installation designs where lateral, transverse or combined forces are present.
Fixings shear testing is an on-site test used to measure the lateral load at which a fixing reaches a specified load or fails. Where fixings are subjected to forces acting perpendicular to their axis — rather than along it — shear testing provides the data needed to confirm that the installed fixing meets the required performance criteria.
Shear testing is required when:
BS 8539 & CFA (Construction Fixings Association) guidance specifies 2 types of fixings tests, applicable to shear loading:
Your on-site testing will be performed using calibrated hydraulic shear test equipment and conducted by an experienced and qualified CFA advanced tester trained civil engineer.
We carry out shear testing on a wide range of fixings:
And in the following base materials:
Our fixings shear testing is carried out in accordance with relevant industry guidance, including:
We provide clear, traceable results suitable for submission to:
Following testing, we issue a comprehensive shear test report. Reports are issued within 24hrs so work on site can continue uninterrupted.
Test reports include:
We work closely with contractors, engineers, and designers to deliver testing that is practical, reliable, and compliant.
Shear testing is often specified for:
If you are unsure whether shear testing is required for your project, our team is happy to advise.
Sectors we work in: Residential | Retail | Hotels | Historic & Iconic Buildings | Transport | Education | Medical | Sports & Leisure | Energy & Infrastructure | Parks & Gardens
Shangri-La Residence, St John's Wood Square, Southbank Place, Sugar House Island, Barking Riverside
The O2, Harrods, Canary Wharf, Westfield, Liberty's, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's
Claridge's, The Savoy, Mandarin Oriental, The Westbury, The Berkeley
Battersea Power Station, British Library, The Shard, BBC Television Centre, Brettenham House, Smithfield Market
London Heathrow Airport, London King's Cross, London Bridge, London St. Pancras Stations
Imperial College, University of Hertfordshire, Highgate School
Charing Cross, Great Portland Street, Hammersmith, Royal Berkshire, Royal Marsden
Twickenham Stadium, Newbury Golf Club, Fulham F.C. Craven Cottage
Thames Tideway, Navigator Terminals Thames, Sharnbrook Viaduct, Thurrock Energy Storage
Lower and Upper Grosvenor Gardens, Bessborough Gardens, St Marylebone Parish Gardens
Fixings shear testing (also known as shear load testing) is a method of assessing how much lateral force a fixing or anchor can withstand before failure or excessive displacement. Force is applied parallel to the base material surface using calibrated hydraulic equipment, replicating the real-world loads a fixing may experience in service.
Shear testing is specified when fixings are subject to horizontal or lateral forces that cannot be verified by manufacturer data alone. Common situations include façade and cladding systems, steelwork connections, scaffold ties, temporary works, and M&E installations. It is required when base material conditions are uncertain or when a structural engineer requests independent test data to inform design or better understand fixing performance in the available base material.
Shear testing measures resistance to forces applied along the base material surface. Pull-out testing (also called tensile or pull testing) measures a fixing's resistance to forces applied perpendicular to the base material; essentially the force needed to pull the fixing out. Some fixings are subject to both tensile and shear forces simultaneously, which may require combined or separate assessments. A structural engineer can advise on the appropriate test type based on the installation design and fixing application.
Fixings shear testing is typically carried out in accordance with BS 8539, which is the ‘Code of practice for the selection and installation of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry’. Testing may additionally be carried out to project-specific specifications or structural engineer requirements. All London Fixing Testing reports reference the applicable standards and are suitable for submission to building control, structural engineers, and other approving authorities.
BS 8539 recommends performing shear tests on a minimum of 5 sample fixings of each type, in each available base material present on site.
With good access provided, we can complete 5 shear tests in a standard shift on-site.
For urgent work we offer a same day test and certification service (subject to availability). Typically we can attend site within 2–3 working days. Call us to discuss your requirements.
We issue test reports within 24 hours of testing on-site. A detailed shear test report is provided, including incremental load displacement results & graphs, a description of failure mode if applicable, photographs, and engineer observations.
Yes, call one of our engineers, we can arrange this for you.
Typically this is not required, as we gather necessary information via a phone call or our one page form, that you can send to your advising engineer to complete and return, with drawings or photos from site.
We provide testing services in and around London, and travel across the UK for larger scale or more complex projects.
Whether it's pull out testing of Hilti, Fischer or Rawlplug anchors, SWL testing of lift shaft beams, or pull off adhesion testing of screeds, tiles, or coatings – we handle it all with zero hassle.
Get peace of mind and total compliance today.
Fixings pull testing, pull out testing or anchor testing. Whatever you call it, we do it!
Tensile testing of fixings to BS 8539 and CFA guidelines.
Load testing & certification of lifting beams & runway beams in accordance with BS 2853 & LOLER.
Get in touch for same day testing and certification.
Pull off testing of coatings, screeds, tiles and adhesives.
Tensile testing to client specification and applicable standards.
