Import of anchoring from Connection to Detail

Anchoring in a plain concrete block can be modeled and code-checked in IDEA StatiCa Connection. Sometimes, it could be useful or necessary to reinforce the concrete block. Although, this capability isn't available within the Connection app, we have 3D Detail. 3D Detail is focused on solving anchoring into concrete blocks and analysis of both the anchoring elements and the concrete block itself. Moreover, a direct link is implemented between the Connection and Detail applications to simplify the process.

Connection users who design anchoring according to Eurocode can import their model from Connection to the advanced 3D Detail by one button click.

How does it work?

• Import is allowed just for anchoring. If there is no concrete block in the Connection model, the export to Detail button is disabled.
• The model in Connection has to be calculated. If results are not available, the export icon is disabled with the tooltip: "Results unavailable, calculate the model first"
• When the anchoring model has been calculated, the import button is enabled. 
• Only one concrete block for the import/export is allowed.

For a full list of limitations with further explanation, see the article Known Limitations for 3D Detail

The connection is imported, including 

• The concrete block
• Anchors
• The base plate
• Loads

Additional information and parameters that are set according to the corresponding settings in the Connection:

• Shear transfer (through Anchors, Shear lugs, and Friction) 
• Material
• Anchorage Type: Adhesive/Cast-in place
• Anchorage type at the end: Washer/Straight/Hook
• Friction coefficient

How to export anchoring from Connection to Detail

First, create a model of anchoring in Connection according to Eurocode and click the Calculate button.

When results exist, export of footing is enabled. By clicking the button "RC Check" in the ribbon, a dialog asking for the location and the name of the newly created Detail file appears.

After a successful export, the project in Detail is created. The geometry of the concrete block and the base plate, the position and properties of anchors, and the load are automatically transferred to Detail. Surface support placed at the bottom surface of the concrete block is automatically created.

The most tricky part of this process is the import of the load. For every calculated load effect in Connection, the corresponding load case and the ULS combination are automatically created in Detail.

• The base plate is loaded by forces in welds, which are modeled as a Group of forces. For the loading of the base plate itself, the imported loading is represented by a group of forces following the stresses in welds between the base plate and steel members in the Connection model.

• Anchors are modeled and loaded independently from the base plate, and they are axially loaded by point loads. The loading of anchors is represented in the scene by a double of arrows in opposite directions. One arrow represents the tension force acting only on the top of the anchor. The other one represents the compression force acting on the base plate. 

The Checkbox "Transfer of axial forces" is unticked by default as the anchors are loaded by forces directly. 

• Shear is transferred according to the setting in Connection by one of the options – anchors, shear lugs, or friction. If the shear force is transferred by anchors, you can turn off specific anchors by unticking the checkbox "Transfer of shear". If friction or shear lugs are set, shear in the anchors is never considered in the model.

The only step left is to add reinforcement and calculate the model.

More general information about Detail as a solution for anchoring can be found in the article 3D Detail out of Beta.

Note: Code-checks in the 3D Detail are currently for the Eurocode (EN) only. 

Released in IDEA StatiCa version 24.1.