Calculation Software
Download our calculation software now!
For several decades, KÖCO shear connectors have enabled the use of anchor steel components in solid concrete constructions.
These transfer forces and moments from the steel to the concrete, in every direction. The positive-type joining of the bolt head allows safe transfer, even in those areas of the concrete subject to tensile stress.
High-velocity welding on of the shear connectors with proven KÖCO stud welding equipment is a key factor in providing a safe and economical connection (for example, the base of a support leg).
Regulation standards
Steel components with welded-on KÖCO shear connectors are subject to European Technical Approval regulations for building construction (ETA-03/0039 for structural steel and for stainless steel) in regards to calculating their dimensions, production and assembly.
Current design methods are based on research findings carried out at the beginning of the 1990s, research conducted mainly on non-reinforced concrete. According to this research, the use of connection reinforcing bars to increase load capacity in the occurrence of tensile stress and transverse forces is possible, but without allowing for any reinforcements already in place. This, alongside some other restrictions, frequently leads to uneconomical anchoring, and in some instances, design solutions calculated for compliance with the relevant approval procedures, have proved to be economically impractical.
CENT/TC250/SC2/WG2 has, for a number of years now, been working on a detailed set of new recommendations for the design of anchoring devices based on new scientific research and findings. Published in 2008, thereafter the approval procedure is subject to the new regulations according to CEN.
The use of Shear Connectors in components with existing reinforcement should thus be considerably less complicated.
Innovation and improvement
After many years of successfully applying the KBZUL design program, KÖCO in partnership with Cutmaster Machines UK Ltd have introduced the improved and extended StudCalc design program, based on the most recent scientific innovations.
StudCalc is equipped with a completely graphical desktop, onto which the steel component and the concrete slab can freely be scaled either up or down, turned, manipulated and moved around. The geometrical data ascertained from the dimensions of the concrete slab and the component to be attached, alongside edge and centre distances, can be entered directly. This enables the immediate graphical realisation of the resulting modifications.
Selected studs are displayed as pictures and their specification data is also shown.
All concrete strength classes from C20/25 to C50/60, as well as a “user-defined” category, are available for selection.
The dimension modifications can be carried out for concrete with or without cracks.
Existing reinforcement (bars from 4mm up to 12mm with freely-selectable spacing) can also be included in the calculation.
- With or without connection reinforcement bars, proof can be established.
- Loads can be entered either as “designed load” (without safety factor) or as “specific load” (payload, with a component safety factor automatically included, by the program, in the calculation).
- A user-defined dynamic factor can be included too.
- Load combinations can be freely selected.
- Anchor plate thickness is calculated by an FE program. Many bracing profiles are available for selection.
- The first result shows the utilisation of the selected anchoring design, on the basis of which the design can subsequently be optimised. Every print out will contain all the necessary details for further examination and modification.
- The program is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. It is available for download, for free. See www.koeco.info or request it directly from Köster & Co.
Please note that optimal dimensioning according to "CEN/TS" is in line with the current state of scientific knowledge, however, dimensioning according to "ETA" is still the only method recognized at present as being in compliance with existing building regulations.
System Requirements
Minimum hardware configuration:
| CPU | Memory RAM | Hard disk | CD-ROM | Monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentium III, 500 MHz | 128 MB | 90 MB free space | 8x | Color monitor with 1024x768 and 16 bpp (High-color) |
Recommended hardware configuration:
| CPU | Memory RAM | Hard disk | CD-ROM | Monitor | Hardware |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel or AMD, 1200 MHz or more | 256 MB or more | 9600 MB free space or more | 24x or faster | Color monitor with at least 1024x768 and 32 bpp (True-color) | Accelerated 3D OpenGL video card with at least 16 MB of graphics memory |
- Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Vista operating system
- The latest official service pack installed for the operating system (can be downloaded from www.microsoft.com for Windows 2000 and for Windows XP)
- Correctly installed OpenGL compatible driver for the video controller. The latest version from the manufacturer is strongly suggested!
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
- Adobe Acrobat Reader v5.0 or later (can be downloaded from www.adobe.com)
In case of any problems with this program, please contact Köster & Co. GmbH by Fax No. +49 2333 830638 or by e-mail under r.trillmich(at)koeco.net.
