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Hilti Handbook for Steel-To-Concrete connections using post-installed systems.

Hilti Engineering Centre
Reading time: < 10 minutes
Article

Designing safe, compliant steel‑to‑concrete connections requires more than just selecting an anchor—it demands the right engineering approach. Read more to find out how Hilti can support you.

Baseplate
Civil
Structural Connections

Introduction

Post-installed anchors provide necessary flexibility for modifications, repair, addition of new steel structure to existing concrete structures cast at a previous point in time ensuring the connection is securely established. This technology can be used in a wide range of applications including structural and non-structural connections with simple installation and contribution to sustainable construction practices complying to modern standards. For steel to concrete (S2C) connections, post-installed anchors create reliable, safe and code compliant solution maintaining structural integrity of primary, secondary, temporary structural and non-structural applications.

Highlights from the book

This Handbook aims to provide an overview of working principle, factors influencing performance, qualification and assessment guidelines, design details followed by some examples with calculations, software and tools for design and installation of post-installed anchors. The Handbook is written and presented in a user-friendly and comprehensive way to provide guidance to the engineers involved in designing S2C connections. Furthermore, it is also useful for contractors, in-house technical teams and others who are directly or indirectly associated with such applications.

After a brief introduction, Chapter 2 focuses on the applications, definition of different type of structural and non-structural connections and elements of fastening systems.

Flowchart showing types of connections: Structural (Primary, Secondary, Temporary) and Non‑Structural (Non‑engineered, Engineered, Temporary).

Fig. 2.1: Different types of connections

Diagram of a steel profile fixed to concrete with a baseplate and anchor fasteners, showing stand‑off distance and base material labelled.

Fig. 2.2: Elements of fastening in steel-to-concrete

Chapter 3 describes the types of post-installed anchors (mechanical, chemical and combined system) along with their working principles, influence of several factors (condition of concrete, environment, installation, loading etc.) on performance of anchors, loading types and directions which anchors can experience during their working life.

Flowchart of post‑installed anchors showing mechanical, bonded, and combined types, including expansion and undercut anchors, concrete and hybrid screws, and bonded expansion anchors.

Fig. 2.3: Classification of post-installed anchors

Three diagrams of anchors in concrete showing load behaviour: tension (N), expansion forces (Fexp), and bonded load transfer (τᵦ) along the anchor length.

Fig. 2.4: Load bearing mechanism in fastening technology

Chapter 4 talks about the qualification and assessment criteria defined in relevant European Assessment Documents (EADs), design summary in standards including EC2-4, EOTA Technical Reports and product performance mentioned in European Technical Assessments (ETAs).

Table comparing mechanical, chemical, and bonded screw anchors, showing qualification standards and design codes for static, seismic, fatigue, and fire performance.

Table 2.1 Details of design and assessments

Infographic showing design methods, product qualification, and technical data for anchors, referencing Eurocodes, EADs, and ETAs with CEN and EOTA logos.

Fig. 2.5: Design and qualification scope briefly defined

Chapter 5 showcases the main Hilti solutions mentioning the key properties and available s

izes. It describes the main three phases of construction workflow considering design and installation of anchors as well as their inspection.

Circular infographic showing a “Total system provider” linking design, build, and inspection roles, with benefits like optimized design, faster delivery, and safe installation.

Fig. 2.6: Hilti as total solution provider

Chapter 6 is dedicated for detailed design method, design examples using Hilti latest products against relevant failure modes for different load cases (static / seismic / fire / fatigue) under the scope of EC2-4 and other complementary EOTA TRs.

Diagram showing design principle Ed ≤ Rd, comparing design action (load) with reduced design resistance, including safety factors and EAD/ETA assessment steps.

Fig. 2.7: Design concept (amplifying action and lowering down resistance)

Flowchart of anchor design checks for tension and shear, showing steel and concrete failure modes, selecting minimum resistance values, and verifying combined load conditions.

Fig. 2.8: Verifications against failure modes in tension, shear loading

Two diagrams showing anchor layout: a 3D baseplate with dimensions and loads, and a top view with four anchors connected by diagonal load paths within a rectangular grid.

Fig. 2.9: Design checked in PROFIS and snapshots presented

Chapter 7 covers the features of Hilti PROFIS Engineering, cloud-based structural engineering software for code state-of-the-art code compliant anchor design. The main features including modelling of the application, definition of loading and environmental and loading conditions are described. Additionally, the most advanced and realistic simulation of the steel baseplate with the component-based finite element method (CBFEM) is highlighted.

Infographic of anchor design software features, including modelling, code compliance, advanced analysis, integration with CAD tools, support, and cost and time savings.

Fig. 2.10: PROFIS, the design software for complete S2C baseplate and anchorage applications

Three panels showing anchor design workflow: stress simulation, software checks for tension and shear, and a detailed engineering report with specifications and results.

Fig. 2.11: CBFEM analysis and sample design report in PROFIS

Chapter 8 describes all relevant steps of installation process, use of proper tools, technologies (SPEC2SITE), jobsite services, inspection, onsite testing and quality control process offered by Hilti.

Step‑by‑step infographic showing proper specification, planning, tools, and safety checks leading to good quality installation of anchors.

Fig. 2.12: Steps for proper installation

Two images showing anchor installation: tightening bolts on a baseplate with an impact wrench and injecting chemical resin at the base of a steel column fixed to concrete.

Fig. 2.13: Use of latest tools, jobsite services, spec2SITE

Chapter 9 presents some worldwide projects of S2C applications with highlights on the support and end-to-end solutions provided by Hilti.

Comparison of bridge construction: close‑up of anchored baseplates on a concrete deck and aerial view of a long viaduct under construction across a green landscape.

Fig. 2.14: Reference projects highlights

References

  1. EN 1992-4-Eurocode 2 - Design of concrete structures - Part 4: Design of fastenings for use in concrete, Brussels: CEN, 2018.

  2. R. Eligehausen, M. R and F. J. Silva, Anchorage in Concrete Construction, Berlin: Ernst & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG., 2006.

  3. fib bulletin 58: Design of anchorages in concrete, Lausanne: IFSC, 2011.

  4. EN 1992-1-1:2004-12: Eurocode 2 - Design of concrete structures - Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings, Brussels: CEN, 2004.

  5. Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures - Part 1-2: General rules - Structural fire design, Brussels: CEN, 2004.

  6. Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance -Part 1 : General rules, seismic actions and rules for buildings, Brussels: CEN, 2004.

  7. EN 1990:2002+A1: Basis of structural design, Brussels: CEN, 2005.

  8. EOTA TR 061: Design method for fasteners in concrete under fatigue cyclic loading, Brussels: EOTA, February, 2024.

  9. EOTA TR 075: Design of bonded screw fasteners for use in concrete, Brussels: EOTA (in preparation).

  10. EOTA TR 082: Design of bonded fasteners in concrete under fire conditions, Brussels: EOTA, April, 2024.

Technical Guides