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 or reference technical bulletin Anchoring Solutions for Simpson Strong-Tie® Connectors in Wind and Low-Seismic Regions (T-ANCHORSPEC).
  • 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 en madera 2017–2018
C-C-2017SP
Información completa de productos, de la aplicación, de las tablas de cargas y de la instalación, para más de 3,000 conectores de madera a madera, madera a concreto y concreto a mampostería.
Catalog
High Wind-Resistant Construction Application Guide
F-C-HWRCAG16
The newly updated High Wind-Resistant Construction Application Guide offers new applications, updated loads, as well as more fastening information that is used to resist high-wind.
Product Guide
Deck Connection and Fastening Guide
F-DECKCODE17
A guide to recognizing deck deficiencies and building safer, stronger, longer-lasting outdoor deck structures.
Product Guide
Connectors for Chased Columns
S-C-20XTPOST17
A flier featuring product information for post bases and caps that are tested and assigned load values specific for use with ArmorCoat XT Post from Belco Forest Products.
Flier
Do Your Decks Meet Code?
DIY-DECKPATIO18
A tearpad showing deck connections on one side and patio cover system connections on the other.
Flier
Flood-Resistant Construction Guide for Flood-Prone Regions
F-C-FLOODCON13
This flier is designed to educate Specifiers, Building Officials, and Dealers about how to build code-compliant structures to resist the forces created by flooding and high wind.
Flier
A Complete Connector System for Building Decks
DIY-DCKPTIOCA17
A two-sided tearpad for Canada showing the hardware needed for a deck system on one side and the hardware needed for a patio cover system on the other side. Newer product recommendations included.
Flier
Un système de connexion complet pour la construction de terrasses
DIY-DCKPTOCA17F
Un étui à deux faces pour le Canada présentant le matériel nécessaire pour un système de terrasse et un système d’abri de terrasse. Des recommandations de produits plus récentes sont incluses.
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
DIY Done Right - Facilitamos los proyectos para su casa
S-HOMPRJCTS14SP
Flier
Installer's Pocket Guide
S-C-INSTALL16
S-C-INSTALL16 is a guide featuring updated products, new color illustrations and easier navigation. Some popular structural fastening and anchoring products have also been added.
Installation Guide
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 (Canada)
T-C-SCLCLMCAN17
A one-page Canadian Limit States version of the technical bulletin discussing the structural properties of two different surface sides of columns made from structural composite lumber (SCL).
Technical Bulletin
ZMAX® Post Bases Installed with Stainless-Steel Titen HD® Heavy-Duty Screw Anchors
L-PBTHDSS18
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

Part IAPMO UES ER ICC-ES ESR City of Los Angeles State of Florida
ABASee specific model numbers for code listings.
ABA44RZ No evaluation report listing.
ABA44Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523 ESR-3096 RR25910 FL10860
ABA46Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523 ESR-3096 RR25910 FL10860
ABA66RZ No evaluation report listing.
ABA66Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523 ESR-3096 RR25910 FL10860
ABU1010RZ No evaluation report listing.
ABU1010Z No evaluation report listing.
ABU1212RZNo evaluation report listing.
ABU1212ZNo evaluation report listing.
ABU44Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523 ESR-3096 RR25712 RR25910 FL10860
ABU46RZ No evaluation report listing.
ABU46Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523 RR25712 FL10860
ABU5-5 No evaluation report listing.
ABU5-6 No evaluation report listing.
ABU66RZ No evaluation report listing.
ABU66Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523 RR25712 FL10860
ABU88Z No evaluation report listing.
ABW44RZ ESR-1622 ESR-2523
ABW44Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523
ABW46RZ ESR-1622 ESR-2523
ABW46Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523
ABW66RZ ESR-1622 ESR-2523
ABW66Z ESR-1622 ESR-2523
ABW7-7ZNo evaluation report listing.

ESR-2523 is an Index of many of Simpson Strong-Tie Stamped and Welded Cold-formed Steel Products for Wood or Cold-formed Steel Construction

Drawings

Part Orthographic Perspective
ABA44RZNone None
ABA44Z
ABA44Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABA44Z Left View
DWG DXF
ABA44Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABA44Z Top View
DWG DXF
ABA44Z Installed Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABA46Z
ABA46Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABA46Z Left View
DWG DXF
ABA46Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABA46Z Top View
DWG DXF
None
ABA66RZ
ABA66R Front View
DWG DXF
ABA66R Left View
DWG DXF
ABA66R Right View
DWG DXF
None
ABA66Z
ABA66Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABA66Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABA66Z Top View
DWG DXF
None
ABU1010RZ
ABU1010RZ Front View
DWG DXF
ABU1010RZ Right View
DWG DXF
ABU1010RZ Top View
DWG DXF
ABU1010RZ Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABU1010Z
ABU1010Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABU1010Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABU1010Z Top View
DWG DXF
ABU1010Z Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABU1212RZ
ABU1212RZ Bottom View
DWG DXF
ABU1212RZ Front View
DWG DXF
ABU1212RZ Left View
DWG DXF
ABU1212RZ Right View
DWG DXF
ABU1212RZ Top View
DWG DXF
ABU1212RZ Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABU1212Z
ABU1212Z Bottom View
DWG DXF
ABU1212Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABU1212Z Left View
DWG DXF
ABU1212Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABU1212Z Top View
DWG DXF
ABU1212Z Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABU44RZ
ABU44RZ Bottom View
DWG DXF
ABU44RZ Front View
DWG DXF
ABU44RZ Left View
DWG DXF
ABU44RZ Right View
DWG DXF
ABU44RZ Top View
DWG DXF
ABU44RZ Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABU44Z
ABU44Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABU44Z Left View
DWG DXF
ABU44Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABU44Z Top View
DWG DXF
ABU44Z Installed Perspective View
DWG DXF
High Wind Resistant Construction Detail D91: Post/Column to Foundation - HWRC D91 PostColumn to Foundation
DWG DXF
ABU46RZ
ABU46RZ Bottom View
DWG DXF
ABU46RZ Front View
DWG DXF
ABU46RZ Left View
DWG DXF
ABU46RZ Right View
DWG DXF
ABU46RZ Top View
DWG DXF
ABU46RZ Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABU46Z
ABU46Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABU46Z Left View
DWG DXF
ABU46Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABU46Z Top View
DWG DXF
None
ABU5-5None None
ABU5-6None None
ABU66RZ
ABU66RZ Bottom View
DWG DXF
ABU66RZ Front View
DWG DXF
ABU66RZ Left View
DWG DXF
ABU66RZ Right View
DWG DXF
ABU66RZ Top View
DWG DXF
ABU66RZ Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABU66Z
ABU66Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABU66Z Left View
DWG DXF
ABU66Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABU66Z Top View
DWG DXF
High Wind Resistant Construction Detail D91: Post/Column to Foundation - HWRC D91 PostColumn to Foundation
DWG DXF
ABU88Z
ABU88 Front View
DWG DXF
ABU88 Left View
DWG DXF
ABU88 Right View
DWG DXF
ABU88 Top View
DWG DXF
High Wind Resistant Construction Detail D91: Post/Column to Foundation - HWRC D91 PostColumn to Foundation
DWG DXF
ABW44RZ
ABW44RZ Front View
DWG DXF
ABW44RZ Right View
DWG DXF
ABW44RZ Top View
DWG DXF
ABW44RZ Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABW44Z
ABW44Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABW44Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABW44Z Top View
DWG DXF
ABW44Z Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABW46RZ
ABW46RZ Front View
DWG DXF
ABW46RZ Right View
DWG DXF
ABW46RZ Top View
DWG DXF
ABW46RZ Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABW46Z
ABW46Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABW46Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABW46Z Top View
DWG DXF
ABW46Z Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABW66RZ
ABW66RZ Front View
DWG DXF
ABW66RZ Right View
DWG DXF
ABW66RZ Top View
DWG DXF
ABW66RZ Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABW66Z
ABW66Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABW66Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABW66Z Top View
DWG DXF
ABW66Z Perspective View
DWG DXF
ABW7-7Z
ABW7-7Z Bottom View
DWG DXF
ABW7-7Z Front View
DWG DXF
ABW7-7Z Left View
DWG DXF
ABW7-7Z Right View
DWG DXF
ABW7-7Z Top View
DWG DXF
ABW7-7Z Perspective View
DWG DXF

Related Products