The column-to-base plate connection plays a critical role in ensuring efficient load transfer between the steel structure above and the concrete foundation below. Proper base plate design involves selecting the correct plate dimensions—especially thickness—accurately positioning anchor rods, and determining the appropriate weld size.
SkyCiv Base Plate Design simplifies this process by offering powerful tools and intuitive features to help you design base plates efficiently. Its key features include:
- User-friendly interface with 3D rendering
- Support for various column shapes and sizes
- Customizable properties for base plate, concrete, anchors, and welds
- Illustrative guides for dimensions and anchor failure checks
- Design Check Summary to compare demand vs. capacity ratios
- Detailing Check Summary to evaluate constructability requirements
- Detailed calculation reports, available for download in PDF or HTML format
Supported Design Standards and Key Features
SkyCiv Base Plate Design supports industry standards for structural steel and concrete design, including:
- Column and Base Plate Design Checks
- AISC 360-22, EN 1992-1-8:2005, AS 4100:2020, CSA S16:19, NSCP 2015
- Concrete Design Checks
- ACI 318-19 (Metric & Imperial), EN 1992-1-1:2004, AS 3600:2018, CSA A23.3:19, NSCP 2015
- Anchorage Design Checks
- ACI 318-19 (Metric & Imperial), EN 1992-4:2018, AS 5216:2021, CSA A23.3:19, NSCP 2015
- Additional Features:
- Adheres to AISC Design Guide 1 (3rd Edition) for base connection design
- Allows selection of Wide Flange (WF) and Hollow Structural Section (HSS) shapes
- Supports compression and tension loads (more load types coming soon)
- Advanced anchorage design checks with graphical representation of concrete breakout and side-face blowout
Current Limitations
While SkyCiv Base Plate Design offers extensive capabilities, the following limitations currently apply:
- Supports limited loading types (more will be added in future updates)
- Only concentric loading is supported at this time
- Base plate and foundation must be aligned with the column center (eccentric support is not yet available)
- Supports only rectangular or square base plates and foundations
- Anchors must be within the tension zone for tension-loaded designs
- Stiffeners are not yet supported
Try the Free Tool
Experience the full capabilities of SkyCiv Base Plate Design today with our free tool! Test how our features cater to your needs and see how easily you can create accurate base plate designs—all online, with no download required.
