Spring models in fastening technology
Why structural engineers, planners and construction engineers should be familiar with this realistic anchor design method.
Spring models in fastening technology

Current standards and guidelines such as EN 1992-4 and ACI 318 have their limitations when it comes to designing fastenings in concrete. Spring models provide a solution to this, as they additionally consider the displacement and deformation of an anchorage in addition to transferrable forces. They also aren’t restricted to rectangular anchor layouts with a maximum 3x3 anchor configuration. fischer’s white paper provides all the answers to key questions surrounding the spring model design approach:  

  • What distinguishes linear and non-linear spring models?
  • For what calculation purposes can the two approaches be used?
  • What design limitations do the models remove regarding current standards (EN 1992-4, ACI 318)?
  • How does the base plate thickness affect the calculation result?
  • How are spring models taken into account in the Fixperience planning software?

 

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Spring models as problem solver

The current methods for the design of anchorages given in the codes are deemed valid only if the baseplate is sufficiently stiff. The quantification of the required stiffness of the baseplate is one of the most discussed topics in the code committees since several years. The use of spring models can offer an innovative solution to this problem. The design of the anchorage as well as the baseplate can be optimized using linear spring models. Nonlinear spring models automatically account for the stiffness of the baseplate as well as the anchor stiffness within the linear and nonlinear range, thereby providing a direct calculation for the resistance of the anchor group. Therefore, with the nonlinear spring modelling approach it is possible to perform realistic calculations for anchorages that lie beyond the scope of the CC Method.

This is what a typical load displacement curve of an individual fastening looks like under concrete failure. The linear anchor characteristic is idealised through the initial stiffness of the curve (red line in the below image).
So sieht eine typische Last-Verformungskurve einer Einzelbefestigung bei Betonversagen aus. Die lineare Dübelcharakteristik wird über die Anfangssteifigkeit der Kurve (rote Linie unten) idealisiert.

Expert opinions

Prof. Akanshu Sharma
It is a great leap forward to perform displacement-based nonlinear analysis using the spring model, which offers engineers unlimited possibilities for safe and reliable anchorage design
Junior Professor Innovative Strengthening Methods with Fastenings, Institute of Construction Materials, University of Stuttgart
Dr.-Ing. Boglárka Bokor
Knowledge transfer through scientific publications and open discussions with experts and end users are essential for us to implement innovative approaches in design.
Senior Expert Technology Transfer and International Standardisation at fischer
Dr. Thilo Pregartner
When it comes to the geometry of base plates in particular, standards such as EN 1992-4 have their limitations. Spring models will therefore play a major role in future fastening technology.
Head of Technology Transfer and International Standardisation at fischer
Dr. Oliver Geibig
FiXperience Online with the integrated spring model is just one of many components within the context of digital transformation. fischer is also advancing additional digital solutions for its customers with BIM Engineering.
Head of Business Units & Engineering, Member of the Executive Board, fischer fixings systems

fischer FiXperience

Safety becomes calculable with the design software’s C-Fix module.

Verification is required to prove that a selected product is suitable for the required load in order to prevent an anchor from failing. This makes simple design software for planners, structural engineers and construction engineers an essential.

Fixperience undergoes continuous development to meet the design standards and requirements of planners and structural engineers. The new Norm EN 1992-4 standard has already been fully integrated into C-Fix-Online.

Finite element modules have also been implemented into the latest version and is useful to check the sufficiency of the baseplate’s stiffness with the help of the linear spring model. The base plate stiffness can then be optimised, for example, by applying additional stiffeners. The non-linear spring model will be implemented in the upcoming versions of C-Fix Online. The “spring model” module is available exclusively in the online version.

 

More about the design software FiXperience

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