Planning fastening solutions for entire projects and individual applications in a targeted and cost-optimised manner –fischer’s FiXperience design software makes it possible. Entering standard parameters and just a few clicks are sufficient to obtain the necessary verification in line with the respective requirements. The design software is valid worldwide in terms of current European application documents (ETA) and corresponding standards, in addition to further applicable national and international design standards. Any upgrades that become necessary over the course of the changing standard landscape are free of charge to customers. fischer is keeping this promise for the upcoming update to the DIN EN 1992-4 standard first published in 2019, which regulates the design of fastenings in concrete. The updates to EN-1992-4 will include details on determining sufficiently rigid base plates in addition to further considerations of linear and non-linear force distribution, guidelines on sufficient fixture rigidity as well as additional notes on anchor stiffness. 

To enable access to designs according to the updated DIN EN 1992-4 standard, fischer has unlocked access to the Finite Element Method (FEM), which was previously offered under a license model, to all customers as of 1 September. The fischer FEM module was launched as a premium feature of the fischer FiXperience C-FIX online module (www.fixperience.online) in 2022 to design steel and bonded anchors in concrete. Since then, the tool has helped planners, structural engineers and construction workers to successfully use linear spring models in combination with the FEM to save time, assess the stiffness of the base plate and calculate anchor forces.

With the FEM module, the fixing specialist fischer offers its customers the highest level of design security that software can provide. Unlike other processes, using linear spring models in combination with the FE method allows the behaviour of the entire fastening point to be described. This design method considers the stiffness of the anchor and base plate while taking into account the realistic force distribution on the individual anchors of a group fastening. Since being published in 2019, DIN EN 1992-4 requires sufficient base plate stiffness, which was not defined or regulated in detail beforehand. Since the standard has been updated, it has become clear how the regulations concerning sufficient base plate stiffness can be implemented in practical construction and engineering. The fixing specialist fischer is offering its customers FEM calculation free of charge before the new DIN EN 1992-4 is introduced. 

The FEM module can be activated under various design conditions. In order to optimise the stiffness of the base plate, the software can calculate the necessary minimum thickness of the base plate with one click and increase the base plate thickness, make the attached profile larger, position reinforcements or select a different anchor system for improved force distribution. Multiple loading cases can be defined and calculated. The software displays the deformation, tension and anchor forces for standard or selected loading cases and provides a realistic presentation. It can also provide verification of the steel stress, weld joints, bearing stress and concrete compressive stress of the entire base point.

Always up to date – even on the go 
The fixing specialist launched the online version of the C-FIX software of its fischer FiXperience suite in 2020 to design steel and bonded anchors in concrete. The online platform provides quick and user-friendly calculations, even from mobile end devices such as tablets, meaning there is no need to download, install and repeatedly update the software. 

FiXperience design software is also available as an online browser version containing the C-FIX Online module, as well as a desktop version with specialist application modules for seven different trades. fischer developed the CHANNEL-FIX module to design anchorages using anchor channels in reinforced concrete. The module is available online and as a download. It allows planners, structural engineers and construction workers to model and optimise various combinations consisting of base plates, concrete grades, loads, anchor channels and additional reinforcements for their specific fastening scenarios. 

FiXperience design software offers users the opportunity to quickly and easily define and design secure and efficient anchorages for various applications. The programme offers valuable support in practical engineering and construction. The FiXperience software always provides relevant technical assessments and standards for designing state-of-the-art fixing solutions with the benefit of ultimate safety, transparency and reliability when designing anchors.