Hilti Group and IDEA StatiCa s.r.o. have entered into a software development agreement focusing on a component-based, finite element method (CBFEM) for anchoring/footing topologies to help improve workflow efficiency.
Hilti and IDEA StatiCa have entered into an agreement to further improve the speed and accuracy of steel-to-concrete connection analysis for structural engineers. With this development, Hilti and IDEA StatiCa strengthen seamless workflows and increase the productivity and safety in construction projects.
The new software solutions will support structural engineers with advanced base plate design, weld and stiffener design and finite element analysis.
“We see that connections and anchoring, as well as workflows, are getting more and more complex. We support structural engineers with the latest analysis technology to further help them improve their speed, accuracy, and processes,” said Oliver Glockner, head of application software product management at Hilti.
New solution launched
To solve today’s/future challenges, a fundamentally new approach to steel-to-concrete connection analysis was needed. With Hilti’s knowledge in anchors and concrete and 10+ years of construction software experience combined with IDEA StatiCa’s knowledge in steel design and FEM, a unique solution for these problems has been developed.
The new approach is based on a robust finite-element solver with accurate material models as well as a unique description of the anchor behaviour to allow a realistic design of the full connection. In addition, the two companies have been working together to solve challenges in the current design process such as multiple, manual data transfers; design assumptions that don’t fit together, such as rigid and non-rigid baseplate; and improving the management efficiency of changes across the workflow.
Early involvement and feedback of customers supported the improvements. "Design of a plate (full connection including anchors, stiffeners, base plate, etc.) might take up to 4 hours plus 2 hours to create the report. PROFIS Engineering Suite could save us up to 50% of the time. We've been waiting for this!" said Marianne Johannsson, structural engineering manager at Balco Group.
"We can save up to 50% in time spent - from 2-6 hours to 1-2 hours - by doing all checks with one piece of software,” commented Per Jørstad, structural engineer at Sweco.
“We believe that the new component-based finite element method (CBFEM) is the right approach to break the limits of anchoring/footing topologies while keeping safety first. We put the CBFEM into the core of our product, IDEA StatiCa Connection, and Hilti has integrated it in their new PROFIS Engineering Suite”, said Lubomir Šabatka, CEO at IDEA StatiCa.
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