> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.clariti.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Selecting a Channel

> Guide to choosing the right anchor channel for your application

Selecting the appropriate anchor channel involves balancing capacity, cost, material, and practical considerations. This guide helps you make informed choices.

## Selection Criteria

When choosing an anchor channel, consider:

1. **Load capacity** — Must exceed design demands
2. **Material compatibility** — Match exposure conditions
3. **Geometric fit** — Profile must suit member thickness
4. **Availability** — Product accessible in your region
5. **Cost efficiency** — Appropriate for application

## Step 1: Determine Required Capacity

### Review Your Design Loads

From your structural analysis:

* N<sub>Ed</sub> — Design tension (kN)
* V<sub>Ed</sub> — Design shear (kN)

### Account for All Load Cases

Different load combinations may govern:

* Dead + live
* Dead + wind
* Seismic combinations
* Accidental cases

<Tip>
  Enter all relevant load cases in Clariti. The tool identifies which case governs for each failure mode.
</Tip>

## Step 2: Match Material to Environment

### Exposure Classes

| EN 206 Class | Environment       | Recommended Material   |
| ------------ | ----------------- | ---------------------- |
| XC1          | Dry interior      | HDG steel              |
| XC2          | Wet, rarely dry   | HDG steel or stainless |
| XC3          | Moderate humidity | Stainless steel        |
| XC4          | Cyclic wet/dry    | Stainless steel        |
| XD/XS        | Deicing/marine    | High-grade stainless   |

<Warning>
  Don't mix materials in a connection. Galvanic corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals contact in the presence of moisture.
</Warning>

## Step 3: Check Geometric Compatibility

### Member Thickness

The concrete member must be thick enough for:

* Full embedment depth (h<sub>ef</sub>)
* Cover to reinforcement
* Fire protection requirements

```
Required thickness ≥ hef + cover + margin
```

### Channel Profile Selection

| Profile | h<sub>ef</sub> (mm) | Min. Thickness |
| ------- | ------------------- | -------------- |
| ATA40   | 81                  | ≥ 90 mm        |
| CPRO38  | 72                  | ≥ 100 mm       |
| ATA50   | 107                 | ≥ 120 mm       |
| CPRO50  | 99                  | ≥ 130 mm       |
| ATA52   | 157                 | ≥ 170 mm       |
| CPRO52  | 151                 | ≥ 185 mm       |

### Edge Distance Check

Compare your edge distances to critical values:

```
If c ≥ ccr,N = 1.5 × hef → No reduction
If c < ccr,N → Capacity reduced
```

Channels with larger h<sub>ef</sub> require larger edge distances for full capacity.

## Step 4: Verify Selection

### Check All Failure Modes

Don't just look at overall utilization. Review each mode:

* Is one mode much higher than others?
* Are edge-related modes critical?
* Is steel or concrete governing?

### Review Warnings

Clariti flags potential issues:

* Close edge distances
* Spacing interactions
* Member thickness concerns
* Material recommendations

### Consider Constructability

* Can the channel be placed accurately?
* Is there reinforcement conflict?
* Can the T-bolt be accessed for tightening?
* Is the channel length practical?

## Special Situations

### High Tension, Low Shear

Focus on:

* Concrete cone capacity
* Embedment depth (larger h<sub>ef</sub> helps)
* Supplementary reinforcement possibility

Consider deeper profile channels.

### High Shear Toward Edge

Focus on:

* Concrete edge capacity
* Edge distance (increase if possible)
* Edge reinforcement

Consider moving channel away from edge or adding reinforcement.

### Combined Loading

Focus on:

* Interaction equation
* Both tension and shear modes
* Multiple T-bolts to distribute load

Consider larger channels or multiple fixings.

### Limited Member Depth

Focus on:

* Shallow profile channels
* Splitting capacity
* Blow-out potential

ATA40 (min. thickness 90 mm) is suitable for shallow members.