Distribute tensile load across anchor locations using anchor coordinates and a simplified elastic tension-distribution model.
Anchor Group Inputs
Enter anchor coordinates relative to the anchor-group centroid. Positive and negative coordinates are allowed. Moments create an uneven tensile-load distribution across the anchor group.
Anchor Locations
Ready to calculate anchor tension distribution.
Anchor Tension Result
Maximum Anchor Tension
—
Active Anchors
—
locations
Total Tension
—
applied
Average Tension
—
per anchor
Max / Average
—
ratio
Group J
—
length²
Anchor Tension Distribution
Applied Actions
Total tensile load—
Moment about X—
Moment about Y—
Resultant moment—
Distribution
Active anchors—
Average tension—
Maximum tension—
Minimum tension—
Detailed Anchor Tension Takeoff
Anchor
X
Y
Radius
Direct Tension
Moment Component
Calculated Tension
Share
Anchor Tension Distribution Preview
Applied tension
Anchor locations — simplified distribution
The illustration is a simplified anchor-group concept. Actual anchor forces depend on the complete base-plate, anchor and supporting-material behavior.
Direct Tension Distribution
If the tensile load passes through the anchor-group centroid and no eccentric moment is present, the simplified elastic model distributes the direct tension equally.
Tdirect = P / n
Where P is the total tensile load and n is the number of active anchors.
Moment-Induced Tension
When an eccentric moment acts on the anchor group, the simplified elastic model adds a tension component based on each anchor's coordinate relative to the group centroid.
Ti = P/n + (Mxyi + Myxi) / J
J = Σ(xi² + yi²)
The sign of the moment component determines whether a particular anchor receives more or less tension than the direct-load share.
Anchor Load Share
The percentage share of the total tensile load is calculated from each anchor's resulting tensile force.
Share (%) = Ti / ΣT × 100
This provides a convenient way to identify which anchor locations attract the greatest portion of the calculated tensile demand.
Important Limitations
This is a preliminary anchor-group tension distribution calculator.
It uses a simplified elastic distribution model.
It assumes the entered coordinates are measured from the anchor-group centroid.
It does not design anchor bolts.
It does not check anchor steel tensile capacity.
It does not check concrete breakout.
It does not check pullout or pry-out.
It does not check base-plate stiffness.
It does not account for prying action.
It does not determine whether all anchors remain in tension.
It does not model nonlinear contact between the base plate and foundation.
Final anchor forces should be determined using the applicable structural design method and complete connection geometry.
Engineering warning: Use this tool for preliminary load-distribution and layout assessment only. Final anchor design requires checks of anchor steel, concrete, base plate, welds, prying action and applicable structural requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Steel Anchor Tension Split Calculator calculate?
It estimates how a tensile load is distributed among multiple anchor locations using their coordinates and a simplified elastic model.
Do all anchors receive equal tension?
Only when the tensile load acts through the anchor-group centroid without an eccentric moment. An eccentric moment produces an uneven distribution.
Why are anchor coordinates needed?
The coordinates determine each anchor's distance and position relative to the group centroid, which controls its share of moment-induced tension.
What is J?
J is the simplified polar second moment of the anchor-group layout, calculated as the sum of each anchor's x² + y².
Does the calculator check anchor capacity?
No. It only estimates the tension distribution. Anchor steel, concrete breakout, pullout, pry-out and other resistance checks require separate design.
Can this be used for final anchor design?
No. It is intended for preliminary engineering estimation and load-distribution assessment.