How to use Smart Design Auto in Anchoring to Concrete module

Prerequisites

Make sure you are logged in to your PROFIS Engineering account and have opened the Anchoring to Concrete module. If you need help accessing the module, click here for step‑by‑step instructions.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Open the Smart Design tab
   In your Anchoring to Concrete design workspace, select the Smart Design tab on the left-hand side of the screen. 

   

2. Turn on Smart Design
   Go to Design selection and switch on Smart Design.
   Note: Enabling Smart Design will temporarily disable other design input tabs.

   

3. Select Design method
   Go to Design and choose the required design method from the dropdown menu.

   

4. Select a Category
   Navigate to Application Builder and select one out of the nine available categories from the dropdown menu.

   

5. Select an Application
   Choose the specific application within your selected category using the dropdown menu.

   

6. Select Anchor
   Under Anchors, choose the Corrosion / Material type form the relevant drop down menu.
   Commonly used products will be displayed and preselected by default. 
   To view additional options, click on Select your preferred anchors (up to three products can be selected).
   Under Size, select one or more diameters.

   

7. Define Profile
   Navigate to Minimum requirements.
   Under Profile, enter the required Profile information.

   

8. Define Concrete
   Navigate to Minimum requirements.
   Under Concrete, enter concrete type, grade, thickness, and edge distance.

   

    

9. Provide Additional input
   Open Additional input. 
   In the pop-up, enter desired utilization, profile and anchor position, and construction options.
   Note: This allows the desired maximum level of utilization be adjusted, aiming for rates as close to 100% as the engineer is comfortable with. High utilization rates help with value engineering to reduce costs and may accelerate the installation process. Adjusting this setting ensures the design is both resource-efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, the inputs listed under “Construction Options” can help narrow down the number of calculated solutions, resulting in faster outcomes. 

   

10. Input Loads
    Enter the loads either directly in the 3D model or in the bottom panel.
     

11. Search solutions
    In the 3D view, click Search solutions to generate multiple proposed design solutions for the anchor layout and baseplate area. The count of results at the bottom will be displayed as calculated.
    Review each option one at a time to see the 3D model and utilization results.

    

Tip

There may be many solutions available, making the final selection a bit overwhelming. This selection process is simplified with convenient ways to filter and sort. The sorting option provides an option to organize solutions by utilization, baseplate size, number of anchors or embedment depth. The filter option is accessed by clicking the relevant icon enabling solutions to be eliminated based on design parameters or preferences. Once the solution is selected, you can review the results, edit the dimensions, and review the report. After editing the anchor spacing or switch the Smart Design toggle to grey, other parameters can be adjusted such as the embedment depth. Next, the baseplate thickness can be analyzed with advanced methods like CBFEM. Once the connection design is complete, you can download the report, copy the specification text and update the construction documents.