When installing heavy overhead equipment, proving the integrity of the fixings is a standard compliance requirement. On short notice, our technical testing team was requested to carry out on-site pull testing for a specialist shading contractor installing commercial blinds in a London college auditorium.
The job involved verifying pre-installed anchors designed to support three commercial blinds with a total combined weight of 600kg across a single 13 metre span. A formal pull test report was required by the main contractor before the final fitting could go ahead.
Site Setup & Initial Inspection
Our engineers arrived on site at 10:00 AM, equipped for standard 5-point PPE requirements (including chin-strap hard hats), and met with the client’s on-site representative to review the layout.
The ceiling structure consisted of a concrete slab coated with spray-on insulation. Pre-installed by the client, the fixings comprised Easyfix M10 shield anchors with an embedment depth of approximately 65mm. These were installed either as individual anchors or in pairs securing sections of Unistrut channel.
Because specific test loads had not been provided in advance, our team evaluated the fixing specifications, substrate type, and installation arrangement on site to set appropriate proof test levels.
Testing Approach: Proof Loading vs. Ultimate Load Demonstration
Non-Destructive Proof Testing
Since the majority of the pre-installed anchors were intended to remain permanently in place to hold the blind assembly, testing needed to verify capacity without damaging the fixings or the surrounding concrete.
We carried out non-destructive proof tests across two setups:
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Individual Anchors: Direct pull testing applied to single M10 shield anchors.
- Unistrut Channel Sections: Simultaneous pull testing applied through the Unistrut frame to test the two-anchor arrangement under load.
All permanent anchors held the required proof loads without movement or substrate distress.
Dedicated Ultimate Load Test
For extra reassurance, the installer requested a separate test to check performance under higher load.
To avoid damaging the permanent installation, an individual M10 anchor was installed in a separate, non-critical location. During this test, the anchor reached 16.2kN without failing. The test was intentionally stopped at 16.2kN to prevent unnecessary damage to the concrete slab, with the client witnessing and approving the result. The test anchor was then removed.
Test Summary
| Parameter | Summary Details |
| Fixing Type | Easyfix M10 Shield Anchor (~65mm embedment) |
| Substrate | Concrete slab (covered by spray-on insulation) |
| Application | 3 blinds / 600kg combined weight across 13m span |
| Proof Testing | Passed — Individual and Unistrut arrangements verified non-destructively |
| Ultimate Load Test | 16.2kN achieved without failure (test stopped to protect substrate) |
Delivering Compliance and End-to-End Fixing Support
This project demonstrates the value of adaptable, practical site testing when project timelines are tight. By responding quickly and establishing clear on-site test criteria, our team verified that the pre-installed M10 shield anchors, both individual fixings and Unistrut arrangements, were fully capable of supporting the 600kg overhead load. Achieving a maximum test load of 16.2kN on a dedicated test fixing gave the installer complete confidence in the structural margin, all while protecting the permanent installation from unnecessary damage. The resulting formal pull test report provided the main contractor with the exact documentation needed for site sign-off, keeping the installation on track without delay.
Crucially, our testing service is completely brand-agnostic: we test all third-party and pre-installed fixings to verify site compliance, regardless of manufacturer. If a test ever fails or an existing anchor proves unsuitable for the substrate, our technical team doesn't just walk away, we can help specify, calculate, and supply alternative high-performance anchor solutions (such as heavy-duty concrete screws or hybrid chemical resins) to resolve the issue on the spot or plan for future improvements. We work together with you to find the best approach for the project at habd.
For rapid-response pull testing, structural fixing verification, or technical advice on anchor selection and alternatives across the UK, get in touch with our team today on 0161 672 3333 or visit our dedicated pull test service page.
