We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By clicking "I AGREE" below, you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. Privacy Policy

text.skipToContent text.skipToNavigation

ABA/ABU/ABW Adjustable and Standoff Post Bases

ABA/ABU/ABW

On This Page

The AB series of retrofit adjustable post bases provide a 1" standoff for the post, are slotted for adjustability and can be installed with nails, Strong-Drive® SD Connector screws or bolts (ABU). Depending on the application needs, these adjustable standoff post bases are designed for versatility, cost effectiveness and maximum uplift performance.

Key Features

  • The slot in the base enables flexible positioning around the anchor bolt, making precise post placement easier
  • The 1" standoff helps prevent rot at the end of the post and meets code requirements for structural posts installed in basements or exposed to weather or water splash

Material

  • Varies (see table)

Finish

  • ZMAX® and some in stainless steel; see Corrosion Information

Installation

  • Use all specified fasteners; see General Notes.
  • See our Anchoring and Fastening Systems for Concrete and Masonry catalog for retrofit anchor options.
  • Post bases do not provide adequate resistance to prevent members from rotating about the base and therefore are not recommended for non-top-supported installations (such as fences or unbraced carports).
  • Place the base, cut washer(s) or load transfer plate(s) and nut(s) on the anchor bolt(s). Make any necessary adjustments to post placement and tighten the nut securely on the anchor bolt.

ABW
Place the standoff base and then the post in the ABW and fasten on three vertical sides, using nails or Strong-Drive SD Connector screws
– Bend up the fourth side of the ABW and fasten using the correct fasteners

ABU
Place the standoff base and then the post in the ABU
– Fasten using nails or Strong-Drive SD Connector screws or bolts (ABU88Z, ABU1010Z, ABU1212Z — SDS optional)

ABA
Place the post in the ABA
– Fasten using nails or Strong-Drive SD Connector screws

Related Literature

Wood Construction Connectors 2019-2020
C-C-2019
A catalog including new product information as well as any applicable specification and installation instructions for wood-to-wood and wood-to-concrete structural connectors.
Catalog
Conectores para la construcción con madera 2019–2020
C-C-2019SP
El catálogo incluye información sobre nuevos productos, así como especificaciones e instrucciones de instalación aplicables para conectores estructurales de madera a madera y de madera a concreto.
Catalog
Deck Connection and Fastening Guide
F-DECKCODE20
A guide to recognizing deck deficiencies and building or retrofitting safer, longer-lasting outdoor decks, with 2018 IBC and IRC code-compliant solutions for using the latest connectors and fasteners.
Product Guide
Do Your Decks Meet Code?
DIY-DECKPATIO18
A tearpad showing deck connections on one side and patio cover system connections on the other.
Flier
Hollowed Out and Loaded Up — Load-Rated Solutions for Securing Laminated Timber Columns from Culpeper
S-C-CULPEPER19
A sales sheet featuring a SKU list of post bases and caps that have been tested and assigned load values for use with Culpeper Columns.
Flier
Critical Deck Connections
S-DECKCONCTP18
An educational reference guide for DIY’ers about safe deck construction. The piece outlines the vital components of a deck constructed with a continuous load path in mind.
Flier
Assemblages essentiels d'une terrasse
S-DECKCONCTP18F
Un guide de référence à destination des bricoleurs pour construire des terrasses sûres. Le document décrit les composants essentiels d'une terrasse dotée d'un chemin de charge continu.
Flier
Load-Rated Solutions for Securing RealPost™ Columns from Woodtone
S-C-23WDTONE19
A sales sheet featuring a SKU list of Post Bases and Caps that have been tested and assigned load values for use with Woodtone RealPost columns.
Flier
Connectors Installed on SCL Columns
T-C-SCLCLM18
A technical bulletin discussing the structural properties of the two different surface sides of SCL columns.
Technical Bulletin
Connectors Installed on SCL Columns
T-C-SCLCLMCAN20
A Canadian Limit States technical bulletin addressing typical installations of Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors on SCL columns as well as reduction factors for narrow-face SCL installations.
Technical Bulletin
ZMAX® Post Bases Installed with Stainless-Steel Titen HD® Heavy-Duty Screw Anchors
L-PBTHDSS20
Simpson Strong-Tie ZMAX-coated post bases (including Outdoor Accents®) may be installed with stainless-steel Titen HD screw anchors.
Engineering Letter

Load Tables

Allowable Loads — Post Installation

    These products are available with additional corrosion protection. Additional products on this page may also be available with this option, check with Simpson Strong-Tie for details.

    For stainless-steel fasteners, see Fastener Types and Sizes Specified for Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors.

    Many of these products are approved for installation with Strong-Drive® SD Connector screws.

ABA/ABU/ABW Allowable Loads — Post Installation
  1. Uplift loads have been increased for earthquake or wind loading with no further increase allowed. Reduce where other loads govern.
  2. Downloads may not be increased for short-term loading.
  3. Specifier is to design concrete and anchorage for uplift capacity.
  4. ABU products may be installed with either bolts or nails (not both) to achieve table loads. ABU88Z, ABU88RZ, ABU1010Z, ABU1010RZ, and ABU1212Z/RZ may be installed with (8) 1/4" x 3" Strong-Drive® SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws (sold separately) for the same table load.
  5. For higher downloads, pack grout solid under 1" standoff plate before installation. Base download on column or concrete, according to the code.
  6. HB dimension is the distance from the bottom of the post up to the first bolt hole.
  7. Structural composite lumber columns have sides that show either the wide face or the edges of the lumber strands/veneers. For SCL columns, the fasteners for these products should always be installed in the wide face.
  8. Downloads shall be reduced where limited by capacity of the post.
  9. Fasteners: Nail dimensions in the table are listed diameter by length. For additional information, see Fastener Types and Sizes Specified for Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors.

Allowable Loads — Beam Installation

ABA/ABU/ABW Allowable Loads — Beam Installation
  1. Uplift loads have been increased for earthquake or wind loading with no further increase allowed. Reduce where other loads govern.
  2. Downloads may not be increased for short-term loading.
  3. Specifier is to design concrete and anchorage for uplift capacity.
  4. Beam depth must be a minimum of 7".
  5. Shims are required for double 2x and triple 2x installations as shown in the illustrations. Additional fastening of shim to beam is not required.
  6. Fasteners: Nail dimensions in the table are listed diameter by length. For additional information, see Fastener Types and Sizes Specified for Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors.
Load Values with Strong-Drive® SD Connector Screws
Model No. Nominal Post Size Fastener Allowable Loads (DF/SP)
Anch. Dia. Post Uplift (160) Down (100)
Screws

    These products are available with additional corrosion protection. Additional products on this page may also be available with this option, check with Simpson Strong-Tie for details.
ABA44Z 4x4 1/2 6-SD9112 610 6000
ABW44Z 4x4 1/2 8-SD9112 1105 7180
ABU44 4x4 5/8 12-SD10112 2140 6665
ABW44RZ Rough 4x4 1/2 8-SD9112 845 7180
ABW46Z 4x6 1/2 10-SD9112 940 4590
ABA46Z 4x6 5/8 8-SD10112 940 9435
ABW46RZ Rough 4x6 1/2 10-SD9112 845 4590
ABA66Z 6x6 5/8 8-SD10112 970 10665
ABW66Z 6x6 1/2 12-SD9112 1225 12935
ABW66RZ Rough 6x6 1/2 12-SD9112 1190 12935

Code Reports & Compliance

Drawings

PDF DWG DXF RFA IFC SAT

Related Products