Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
(OP)
What software or design references do you use for design of baseplates (or embeds) and anchors?
We frequently deal with non-concentrically loaded baseplates. With combinations of shear, moment, and axial forces. Whether due to the cross sectional shape of the column or the position of the column relative to the plate center, forces are concentrated unevenly. This results in uneven loading of the plate and anchors. These calculations can be time consuming by hand, and are often trial and error in order to determine a pattern, anchor size, and plate thickness.
We have similar issues with embed plates.
We frequently deal with non-concentrically loaded baseplates. With combinations of shear, moment, and axial forces. Whether due to the cross sectional shape of the column or the position of the column relative to the plate center, forces are concentrated unevenly. This results in uneven loading of the plate and anchors. These calculations can be time consuming by hand, and are often trial and error in order to determine a pattern, anchor size, and plate thickness.
We have similar issues with embed plates.






RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
According to Hilti, PROFIS considers the plate as rigid and thus no tension amplification due to prying. This will be more clearly stated in version 2.1. See attached response from Hilti.
http://www.FerrellEngineering.com
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
EIT
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
Both cheap and may solve your problems
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
I used a trial run of Dimensional Solutions anchor bolt programe and it seemed pretty robust regarding ACI appendix D solutions.
John Southard, M.S., P.E.
http://www.pdhlibrary.com
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
EIT
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
The TEDDS report seems nicely laid out. I compared it to RAM Connection and noticed a mistake. Under pullout strength, TEDDS shows Abrg=1.5 in^2 for a 3/4" bolt but RAM gives 0.654 in^2. I believe RAM is correct. If you agree, I recommend you report this as a bug.
Another difference I noticed is that RAM will only let you consider friction if you use a shear lug. That doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I'll try to post the RAM output when I get a little more time.
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
http://www.FerrellEngineering.com
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
One thing I like about RAM is that it gives the utilization ratio for each mode of failure so you can easily see what controls.
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
EIT
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
As far as the embedment goes, this has been a thron in the side of a lot of engineers in my office. A lot of guys use the old school method of 17d, where d is the diameter of the bolt or rod but I'm not one to just blindly follow something because "that's the way its always been done". I reccommend ACI 349.2R-07.
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
it's only easy to make a spreadsheet for basic cases. I made a spreadsheet a while back and it's exceptionally involved. This is especially true where the breakout cone is controlled by three sides for tension or where the shear force is parallel to the edge instead of perpendicular. Also, if there are eccentricities for shear or tension makin sure that the correct anchors see the additional forces from an elastic bolt group analysis only for the appropriate conditions is no smal feat either.
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
Are you accessing the forums during the lunch break while taking the PE? :)
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
RE: Tools for Baseplate and Anchor Design?
You are correct, the spreadsheet I have only uses 4-bolts but it does take into account moments and eccentricities.
I haven't made one for any type of embedment though. Unfortunately I do that one by done by hand if abnormal conditions exist. And repetitious numbers calc'd out for reference. However, going through the steps once and creating a nice clean calc to reference back to when doing multiple runs is nice.
For reference, Powers Fasteners makes a program similar to Hilti Profis but not as aesthetically pleasing. Easy to use though.