This article is the first part of a series "Connection Design RFIs."
Read all articles in the series.
Minor misalignments = big pain
In construction projects, misaligned anchor bolts and notches in base plates are common issues faced by engineers and contractors. While minor misalignments can be addressed through adjustments on-site, larger deviations will need more complex solutions. These unconventional solutions, often requiring detailed recalculations and EOR approval, can lead to project delays ranging from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the complexity of the issue and the speed of approval.
The picture below represents the issues in the field. The Disalvo Engineering Group shared this example, in which they wanted to represent the notch on the base plate using IDEA StatiCa, as they needed to approve the on-site changes.
AISC Design Guide 1 offers traditional solutions for addressing misalignments, such as shimming, notching, or enlarging holes. However, each of these methods carries specific limitations. One significant challenge is the need to recalculate connection strength to ensure that any modifications maintain structural integrity. These field changes can transform simple designs into complex issues that require advanced analysis, complicating the approval process and potentially leading to costly delays.
How IDEA StatiCa makes it easier
IDEA StatiCa helps engineers to visualize how different modifications, such as repositioning anchor rods or adjusting base plates, impact the overall connection performance in real time. The ability to quickly model and simulate multiple design scenarios can cut down the time for testing potential fixes from several hours or days to just a few minutes.