Anchor channels are vital components in construction, serving as secure attachment points for façades that connect back to the main superstructure. Often, the challenge lies in effectively transferring loads from the facade to the structure, with the fixing design playing a critical role. This article explores various failure modes of cast-in channels and offers practical tips for enhancing their load capacity.

Fundamental Principles of Anchor Channel Design

Designing anchor channels requires careful selection of channel sizes, materials, and configurations to meet specific load requirements. Engineers must consider several factors, including load types, environmental conditions, and safety standards.

Key Terminologies and Definitions

• Tension Load (Ned): A force that pulls or stretches the anchor channel.
• Shear Load (Ved,y, Ved,x):Forces that act perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and along the longitudinal axis.

The accompanying image categorises these failure modes into two primary load directions: Tension and Shear (both perpendicular and longitudinal). Each direction is further divided into potential failures in steel and concrete. Understanding these failure modes is essential for ensuring safety and reliability in structural applications.

When designing the façade support system, the method of fixing into the concrete often becomes the limiting factor in determining the load that can be transferred back to the structure. While structural supports can typically be made thicker to enhance their capacity, the volume of concrete available is fixed, and options for fixing are limited. Thus, it is crucial to optimise the fixing and channel design. The table below provides straightforward tips for improving performance against steel failure for both tension and shear loads.

If the primary mode of failure is related to concrete, the following tips can help enhance performance when addressing tension loads:

If concrete is the primary mode of failure, consider the following tips to enhance performance in relation to shear loads:

When designing fixings for cast-in channels, several competing factors must be carefully balanced, resulting in a delicate interplay between standardisation and optimisation. An optimal design for each component may yield a wider array of options, yet a more generalised approach can promote greater standardisation across different load cases within a project. This standardisation often takes precedence as it simplifies complexities encountered during construction, particularly on-site where time and precision are critical.

The ability to quickly evaluate various scenarios empowers engineers to efficiently pinpoint the most effective solutions for their projects. By leveraging simulation tools and design software, teams can test different configurations and materials, ensuring that they meet structural requirements while adhering to budget and time constraints.

If you need assistance in optimising your fixing design or exploring tailored solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the CFS team at technical@cfsfixings.com. We’re here to help you streamline your design process and enhance your project’s performance!