Find out more about the features for anchor design in IDEA SttaiCa Connection:

Anchor type selection for better understandability
Cast-in plates (Eurocode)
Anchoring on different planes
Two base-plates (operations) in one block
General anchor database

Anchor type selection for better understandability

When defining the anchor configurations, there is now a two-step anchor selection process in IDEA StatiCa Connection, designed to improve clarity, consistency, and user control. The new workflow separates the installation process from the anchor type, making it easier for designers to select the correct anchoring method and ensuring a unified experience between the Connection and Detail applications.

Anchor definition now follows a two-step logic:

1. Installation process selection – first define whether the anchor is Post-installed or Cast-in-place
2. Anchor type selection – based on the installation process, relevant anchor types become available:
   • Post-installed: Threaded rod, General anchor
   • Cast-in place: Washer plate (Rectangular or Circular), Hooked anchor, Headed stud, Reinforcement

The feature is implemented in all operations supporting anchor definition, including Base Plate and Fastener Grid or Contact operations.

Cast-in plates (Eurocode)

IDEA StatiCa Connection introduces comprehensive support for cast-in plates anchored with headed studs and reinforcement in IDEA StatiCa Connection. This enhancement allows designers to perform anchorage checks directly in the application without relying on external tools. The implementation follows the provisions of EN 1992-4, enabling verification of both tension and shear resistance for cast-in connections.

Headed studs

A device type for headed studs can be found under the Design tab. The shear force transfer is limited to the Anchors option, with Direct stand-off only. Supported materials include ISO 13918 grades SD1 and SD2, ensuring compatibility with standard construction practice. Headed studs are defined by diameter, material, head diameter, and anchoring length, with visualization indicating the plate embedded in concrete.

Implemented design checks follow EN 1992-4 and cover the following:

• Tension
  • Anchor tensile resistance: EN1992-4: 7.2.1.3
  • Concrete breakout resistance of anchor in tension: EN 1992-4: 7.2.1.4
  • Concrete pullout resistance: EN 1992-4: 7.2.1.5
  • Concrete blowout resistance: EN 1992-4: 7.2.1.8
• Shear
  • Shear resistance
  • Concrete edge failure resistance: EN 1992-4: 7.2.2.5
  • Concrete pryout resistance: EN 1992-4: 7.2.2.4
  • Interaction of tensile and shear forces in concrete: EN 1992-4: Table 7.3

Reinforcement

An option for reinforcement anchorage is also introduced in the Design tab. Again, the shear force transfer is limited to the Anchors option, with Direct stand-off only. 

The only available shape is the L-bar, using materials already implemented in the concrete apps (EN 1992, ÖNORM B 1992-1-1). Reinforcement properties include diameter, material, hook length, and embedment depth.

Design checks follow EN 1992-4 and EN 1992-1-1, covering

• Tension
  • Anchor tensile resistance
  • Concrete breakout resistance of anchor in tension: EN 1992-4: 7.2.1.4
  • Concrete pullout resistance: EN 1992-1-1: 8.4.4
• Shear
  • Shear resistance
  • Concrete edge failure resistance: EN 1992-4: 7.2.2.5
  • Concrete pryout resistance: EN 1992-4: 7.2.2.4
  • Interaction of tensile and shear forces in concrete: EN 1992-4: Table 7.3

Limitations: It is not possible to define different directions of specific rebars. The group of rebars, together with the cast-in plate, can only be rotated as a whole using the rotation parameter of the base plate.

Combining headed studs and reinforcement 

In case of higher load, the headed studs and reinforcement can be combined. This is practically modeled using the Fastener Grid or Contact operation.

The redistribution of tension and shear is among all anchors based on their stiffness. The users can‘t change the force distribution (SCI 416).

The checks are evaluated in line with CEB-FIP Bulletin 58, marking anchors as failed, even below 100% utilization. The other steel component checks remain available (except anchoring). And for advanced analysis of the concrete block with reinforcement, the model can be exported to IDEA StatiCa Detail.

For cast-in plates with headed studs and/or reinforcement, the base plate is embedded in the concrete.

In the Materials tab, the Headed studs grade and Reinforcement material are placed in the top ribbon as well as in the left tree when used in the model. 

Multiple base plates on one block

To model such a geometry, the workaround with the stiffening plate is no longer necessary. You have the possibility to use the Base plate operation directly to add another set of anchors to an existing foundation block.

To add the baseplate operation onto a stiffening member, place the baseplate at the origin of the stiffening member. For inspiration, take a look at the sample project.

Please note that the "one node" principle still needs to be followed (i.e., when modeling, e.g., more columns anchored to a single foundation block, the internal forces may not be correct).

Anchoring at the concrete block edge

IDEA StatiCa Connection supports anchoring to multiple concrete block surfaces, significantly extending modeling capabilities for complex base plate configurations. Designers can now define anchors on two planes of a single concrete block, enabling accurate representation of real-world connection details such as members anchored at both horizontal and vertical faces. 

This removes the need for time-consuming workarounds involving stiffening plates, manual cuts, or multiple block simulations, and ensures consistent, traceable anchoring behavior across design codes. Integration with the Detail app ensures proper concrete checks (EN, ACI, AS).

Define the base plate on a given surface

In the Base Plate operation, you can choose between creating a new block or selecting an existing one. In case of an existing block, there is a new option for specifying the surface. Surfaces are numbered in the same way as in the Detail app.

For the Fastener grid or Contact operation, a new logic has been implemented. When the referenced plate is located on the face of the concrete block, and the operation is set to Anchors, the surface is automatically recognized and used for the creation of the subsoil model.

When an existing block is selected, the anchor properties (Offset, Depth, Shear force transfer, Stand-off) are automatically reused.

Locate the stiffening plate on the surface

There is also a new option for the Stiffening plate – its Origin can now be defined on the Existing block of concrete. When selected, the stiffening plate is automatically placed on the selected concrete block and its surface. Location is in the middle of the surface.

Check of anchors

By default, the anchor checks are marked as failed due to the interaction of the base plates, which is not checked in the Connection app.

You can change this status in the Project settings and modify the Concrete breakout resistance to None. In this case, both tension and shear reinforcement in the concrete block are assumed, and the concrete checks are not performed.

The steel code checks remain valid, and users can export the model to Detail for advanced concrete verification. The software automatically redistributes forces according to anchor stiffness, compression subsoil stiffness, and load paths, allowing engineers to investigate and validate critical load transfer conditions manually.

For the overview of the anchor types in IDEA StatiCa Detail, see the Single anchor definition article.

Safe behavior of the model in Connection

The force distribution and, therefore, the safety of the results depend heavily on engineering input. By default, all forces are redistributed into all devices in the model, tension/shear stiffness of the anchors, compression stiffness of the Winkler subsoil, according to their stiffnesses. 

See the example, where the anchoring is modeled at two surfaces. By default, all anchors transmit tension and shear. That assumes precise holes or fit-in holes. In a two-plane anchoring case, a horizontal force of 100 kN is transferred as tension through anchors on the vertical face (A3, A4) and as shear through anchors on the horizontal face (A1, A2). 

If slotted holes are applied to the horizontal anchors, shear transfer is released, doubling tension in vertical anchors. 

Such examples highlight the importance of the user's engineering judgement. The ideas about correct behavior should always be critically evaluated in the most critical state. By switching the anchor groups on and off, you are able to find out the most critical state not only for the anchor check but also for other components, obtaining correct structural behavior.

General anchor database

The General Anchor Database introduces a new framework for managing and integrating third-party anchor data within IDEA StatiCa Connection. This functionality allows expanding the range of available anchors beyond the predefined library. 

The new system allows anchor suppliers to prepare and maintain their own anchor databases in a structured format (.json) that can be imported into the MPRL database of IDEA StatiCa by the end-user. Each dataset retains ownership on the supplier side, ensuring data accuracy and regular updates. 

Remark: Currently, the .json files are not available yet. Publicly shared databases will be accessible to all users once they have been approved and validated, supporting collaboration with leading anchor manufacturers (the list will be published upon approval).

Import the .json file provided by the vendor in the MPRL database (under the Materials tab - MPRL).

Once imported, the material of the General anchors may be reviewed using the button in the top ribbon. 

The uploaded anchor types will then be available in the drop-down menu under the Post-installed anchor type. The + button opens the library of available general anchors.