Design of Anchor Plates Based on the Component Method

Steel or composite joints can be designed and optimised by the component method according to Eurocodes [EN 1993-1-8:2005] and [EN 1994-1-1:2004]. The structural behaviour (strength, stiffness, ductility) of these joints is defined by assembled components. Their individual behaviour is described by a mechanical spring model. For the extension of the component method to anchor plates, which are used to transfer loads between steel and concrete structures, a mechanical model has been developed. The model is based on several test series with anchor plates carried out by the Institute of Structural Design (Universität Stuttgart) and describes the load-carrying capacity of anchor plates. In some tests supplementary reinforcement has been taken into account influencing the load capacity and ductility of these steel-to-concrete joints. Additional tests have been performed to study the influence of a flexible anchor plate on the structural behaviour of the joint. Altogether, the component model shows transparency of load distribution and may easily be transferred to alternative situations.