AFOS Software Help

Q: Do all anchors in AFOS comply with AS 5216:2021?

Yes, AFOS is strictly based on ETA (European Technical Assessment) certified anchors, which meet the requirements of AS 5216:2021 for NCC compliance. Allfasteners also supplies a large number of other anchors that may not require AS 5216 compliance. Please refer to our website for more information.

Q: I can’t find a compliant anchor I need in AFOS?

Allfasteners also supplies other special order anchors for more unique applications, please contact us for further assistance.

Q: Why is AFOS running slow?

AFOS runs the calculations automatically after any modification of design inputs by the user. When in “Rigid base plate” design mode, this happens instantly. When in “Elastic base plate” mode, FEA takes a few moments to run, especially if in “Multiple design” mode. Please create and modify the model while in “Rigid base plate” mode, then switch to “Elastic base plate” for final calculations and fine tuning of the design. Design with elastic base plate is optional and at the discretion of the user.

Q: What is the difference between h_nom & h_ef?

h_nom is the physical embedment depth to the bottom of the fixing that the builder should install the anchor to.

h_ef is the effective depth of the anchor that is used in calculating the concrete cone size engaged by the fixing. h_ef is smaller than h_nom. For chemical anchors h_ef=h_nom. Diagrams for each anchor in this publication illustrate both.

Q: How do I specify an anchor?

If the packing thickness or the total fixture thickness is not known during design, then specifying the anchor length or part number is not appropriate. It will be determined by the builder during construction. However, the total fixture thickness (packing/grout + base plate) has an impact on anchor shear capacity, and mechanical anchors have limited length. Therefore, the designer should specify the maximum packing thickness or the maximum total fixture thickness if applicable.

• Example 1: “Allfasteners WA-S1 M10 h_ef60”, base plate thickness and maximum grout/packing thickness need to be specified on the drawing as well.
• Example 2: “Allfasteners 10mm XSAH-Z, 85mm min. embedment, max. fixed thickness 30mm”, or “Allfasteners XSAH-Z 10mm, h_nom 85mm, max fix 30mm”
• Example 3: “Allfasteners EF500R+ M20 G8.8 Gal stud 200mm embedment”

Q: What is gap filling?

A gap filling solution fills the gap between the anchor and the base pate hole (e.g. 12mm hole for M10) with an approved chemical anchor. This fills the hole tolerance to ensure even shear load distribution between all anchors. Allfasteners filling washers provide a solution for this.

Pro Tip: Embedment Options

Select an anchor on the right of screen by clicking on the image. Then an embedment option will be highlighted. Check various embedment options (if available) as these may have different minimum edge distance and spacing limitations.