This guide collects best practices for efficient, accurate anchor channel specification. Following these recommendations helps ensure quality designs and smooth project delivery.
Project Organization
Naming Conventions
Use consistent, descriptive names:
Project: [Building] - [System/Element]
"Tower A - Facade Brackets"
"Podium Level 2 - Handrails"
Connection: [Type]-[Location]-[Sequence]
"FB-03-01" (Facade Bracket, Level 3, #1)
"HR-P2-12" (Handrail, Podium 2, #12)
- Easy to locate specific connections
- Clear cross-reference to drawings
- Logical sorting in lists
Folder Structure
Organize larger projects:
Tower A Facade/
├── Level 01/
│ ├── FB-01-01
│ ├── FB-01-02
│ └── ...
├── Level 02/
├── Level 03/
└── Typical Details/
Load Case Naming
Be explicit about load combinations:
Good: "ULS: Dead + Wind (pressure)"
"ULS: Dead + Wind (suction)"
"SLS: Characteristic"
Bad: "LC1", "LC2", "Case A"
Load Verification
Before entering loads:
Garbage in, garbage out. Clariti assumes your loads are correct design
values. Verify your structural analysis before specifying fixings.
Geometry Verification
Confirm dimensions against drawings:
| Error | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|
| Unfactored loads | Unconservative design | Always use factored values |
| Wrong edge | Incorrect capacity | Sketch the connection |
| Units confusion | Order of magnitude error | Check units in inputs |
| Missing load case | Governing case missed | Review all combinations |
Design Approach
Start Conservative
Begin with:
- Cracked concrete (unless proven otherwise)
- No supplementary reinforcement credit
- Standard material factors
Refine only when needed and justified.
Iterate Efficiently
When a design fails:
- Identify the cause — Which mode governs?
- Target the solution — Address that specific limitation
- Avoid brute force — Don’t just pick the biggest product
Maintain Margin
Target 70-85% utilization:
- Provides tolerance for site variations
- Accommodates minor load changes
- Covers calculation uncertainties
- Allows for future modifications
Standardize Where Possible
Use the same product throughout similar applications:
- Simpler procurement
- Reduced installation errors
- Easier quality control
- Bulk purchasing benefits
Rather than optimize each connection individually, select one product
that works for the typical case and verify it covers all locations.
Documentation
Record Your Assumptions
Document key decisions:
- Why cracked/uncracked was chosen
- Basis for load values
- Reason for material selection
- Any special considerations
Version Control
Track changes:
- Save project before major modifications
- Note revision history
- Date all issued documents
Export Appropriately
| Audience | Export Level |
|---|
| Checking engineer | Full calculations |
| Building control | Standard report |
| Contractor | Summary + specification |
| Procurement | Product schedule |
Quality Checks
Self-Review Checklist
Before finalizing:
Sanity Checks
Quick reasonableness tests:
| Check | Expectation |
|---|
| Utilization spread | No mode much higher than 95% while others below 30% |
| Edge effects | Close edges should show reductions |
| Channel size | Larger profile = lower utilization |
| Material | Steel capacity ↑ with better grade |
Peer Review
For critical applications:
- Have another engineer review Clariti outputs
- Spot-check key calculations manually
- Verify inputs against structural drawings
- Confirm product selection is sensible
Coordination
With Structural Engineer
Ensure:
- Concrete strength confirmed
- Reinforcement positions known
- Edge beam dimensions coordinated
- Post-tensioned zones identified
With Architect
Verify:
- Edge distances achievable
- Channel positions don’t conflict with finishes
- Exposed channels acceptable (if any)
- Access for T-bolt installation
With Contractor
Communicate:
- Channel positions and tolerances
- Installation sequence requirements
- T-bolt torque specifications
- Concrete strength at installation
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Ignoring Interaction
Individual mode checks pass, but combined fails.
Prevention: Always check the interaction utilization, not just individual modes.
Mistake 2: Wrong Concrete Assumption
Using uncracked capacity without justification.
Prevention: Default to cracked. Only use uncracked when you can prove compression throughout service life.
Mistake 3: Missing Load Cases
Designing for dead load only, missing wind suction.
Prevention: List all load combinations systematically before starting Clariti input.
Mistake 4: Edge Distance Confusion
Measuring to wrong edge or using centerline vs. face.
Prevention: Sketch the connection with dimensions labeled. Clarify measurement conventions.
Mistake 5: Material Mismatch
HDG channel with stainless T-bolt (galvanic corrosion).
Prevention: Match all components to the most demanding exposure requirement.
Continuous Improvement
Learn from Projects
After project completion:
- Review any site issues
- Note what worked well
- Identify improvement opportunities
- Update your standard details
Stay Current
- Monitor EN 1992-4 updates
- Review new product releases
- Check Clariti feature updates
- Attend CPD on anchor design
Build Your Library
Create templates for:
- Common connection types
- Standard project settings
- Preferred product selections
- Specification text formats
A well-organized library of past projects accelerates future work
and improves consistency across your practice.
