Hilti

Highlights

Complete solution for designing structural connections

Easily design, calculate and analyse multiple connection types, including anchoring to concrete, masonry, post-installed reinforcing bar, concrete overlay and handrail designs

Stay up-to-date with the latest international codes and approvals automatically

Save hours of research time as the software automatically updates to the latest versions of international codes and approvals, including: ACI, CSA, Eurocode, Australian Standards and many others

Free version available for everyday structural connections

PROFIS Engineering Standard gives you free access to all the application modules and allows you to generate detailed, step-by-step calculation and design reports (including baseplate rigidity cheque) for post-installed or cast-in-place anchors

Import from structural analysis software and export to BIM and CAD

With PROFIS Engineering Premium, import loads from Excel or directly from other structural analysis software programmes (e.g. RISAConnection, RAM Structural System, STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, ETABS, Robot, Revit and Dlubal RFEM and RSTAB) and export your final designs in 2D and 3D to integrate them into your standard BIM and CAD programmes

Improve productivity with advanced anchor and baseplate design features

With PROFIS Engineering Premium, use CBFEM (Component-based Finite Element Method) to design your full baseplate connection, including calculations for anchors, stiffeners, welds, profiles and concrete

Streamline your design of post-installed reinforcing bar connections and overlays

Easily calculate t-joints, lap splices and shear dowel loads in just a few clicks and use the concrete-to-concrete module for efficient designs compliant with common design methods (Eurocode 2, TR069, ACI and many others)

Technical Data

Documents & Videos

PROFIS Engineering Suite

All-in-one software for structural connection and fastening design

PROFIS Engineering Suite makes designing and analyzing structural connections faster and easier than ever.

New to PROFIS? Try the premium version for free for 30 days. After the trial, you can access the free version. Or choose premium for the full range of advanced design features and third party integrations.

HOW CAN PROFIS ENGINEERING IMPROVE YOUR DESIGN PROCESSES?

All-in-one solution

Design and calculate fixings including steel to concrete, concrete to concrete, steel to masonry, handrail, post-installed and cast-in façade fastenings, anchor channels, and more, while seamlessly integrating your workflow with multiple structural and BIM/CAD software programs.

Peace of mind

Stay up to date with codes and approvals automatically. As a leading manufacturer of anchors, we leverage our expertise to help ensure your designs comply with the latest regulations.

Time and material savings

Extract the maximum capacity from your anchors with Smart Design. When anchoring to concrete, you get rapid analysis of key inputs to help make baseplate design faster, simpler, and more cost efficient.

Learning and support

Technical training including e-learnings, enabling you to create fast, compliant designs. Plus you get easy in-software access to Engineering Center, Hilti's hub for engineers. Ask questions, watch webinars, download technical documents, and more.  

Anchoring to Concrete

Design complex and day-to-day structural baseplate connections

Use preset templates to design concrete fixings including post-installed and cast-in-place anchors, baseplates, welds and stiffeners quickly and accurately. With just a click you can analyze baseplates using CBFEM and perform rigidity checks to determine whether to adapt the design or the loads. Optimize fixture points and perform stress and strain checks – PROFIS considers applied loads such as seismic and fatigue and can find economical solutions for avoiding breakout using supplementary reinforcement. Smart baseplate design further simplifies your design process.

Generate a customized report complete with code references, calculations, product information and images.

Smart design for anchoring to concrete

Swap trial and error for automated, optimized anchor calculations

  • Streamline selection of optimal anchor design for steel-to-concrete connections: PROFIS Smart Design feature rapidly analyzes factors such as loads, profile geometry, base material strength and geometry, and last anchor type to help give you the best, most efficient solution by reducing baseplate area or embedment depth
  • Advanced inputs option for your utilization goal (for example, >90%) or project conditions. See all compliant designs in descending baseplate size with one click and streamline final selection with sorting and post- filtering options.

Concrete to Concrete: PIR

Everything you need to design post-installed rebar applications

Add or extend concrete elements whether you're working with existing rebar or missing starter bars. Solve concrete structural joints and splices, and then verify the shear resistance at the interface between the old and new concrete.

Need to adapt the layout or geometry of your PIR design? PROFIS lets you easily customize the diameter, embedment depth and spacing parameters for existing concrete as well as post-installed.

Concrete to concrete: Overlay

Design for concrete overlay and post-installed shear dowels

With PROFIS you can dimension post-installed shear connectors and verify the interface between the concrete cast at different times. Establish whether your design has edges or is symmetric, and then define different areas of acting shear. You'll know your designs are sound thanks to intuitive 3D graphics that show how stresses vary throughout the connection.

Ready for installation? PROFIS has already saved you time by optimizing the layout.

Anchoring to masonry

Design masonry fixings more productively and accurately

PROFIS Engineering Suite can help you design accurate baseplate connections using masonry-approved anchors. Save time with intuitive built-in templates that combine your on-site data with factors such as allowable tension and shear loads while considering load reductions and geometry requirements.

Select from multiple sizes and types of brick or concrete masonry units, adjust their layout and define whether grout is present. You can even create your own templates to reduce design time on similar projects.

Façade and anchor channel design

Simpler, faster design of certified products in line with the latest codes

Design cast-in and post-installed fastenings for façades with certified products according to the latest regulations (including ACI, Eurocode). Switch between the two fastening technologies simply in a few clicks. Find the controlling design more quickly with automatic calculation of tolerances, slotted holes and multiple load combinations​.

Designing anchor channels for other applications such as elevators, data centers or tunnels? Achieve faster calculation of anchor channel systems for multiple design regulations including ICC-ES AC232, ACI318-11, ACI318-14, ACI318-19, CSA A23.3-14, CSA A23.3-19, EN1992-4, AS5216:2021, CEN TR17080.

Need help with a challenging design issue? Get experct advice from our engineers.

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Checkbot plug-in for improved workflows

Simplify processes, improve data mapping and boost collaboration

PROFIS Engineering is integrated with the IDEA Statica Checkbot structural design hub. This gives you simpler, faster and more transparent design and calcuation workflows in three steps:

  1. Export thousands of connections at at time from your finite element analysis (FEA) or BIM software to Checkbot. 
  2. Use Checkbot for functions such as status checks of imported connections, 3D visualization of imported members and loads, and management of load combinations. 
  3. Export your data to PROFIS Engineering to design your steel-to-concrete connections.

GENERAL PROFIS ENGINEERING FAQS:

Is PROFIS Engineering Suite free?

Yes. There is a free version of PROFIS Engineering. With the Standard Licence, you gain access to all of the Structural Connection Applications within PROFIS Engineering Suite including anchoring to concrete, anchoring to masonry, concrete-to-concrete, and more.

You can select this free version after you have completed a 30-day trail of the Premium version.

For more details of the difference between the different versions, see our licence overview.

What is the difference between the free version and the premium version of PROFIS Engineering?

The standard license (free version) for PROFIS Engineering gives you access to structural connection applications including anchoring to concrete, anchoring to masonry, concrete-to-concrete, and more.

With PROFIS Engineering Premium, you can also carry out full base plate analysis, load imports from a large range of structural analysis software, run multiple load combinations simultaneously and more. With PROFIS Engineering Premium you can choose an individual license or a "floating licence" for an unlimited number of users.

For more details of the difference between the different versions, see our licence overview.

Is PROFIS Engineering cloud-based only?

Yes PROFIS Engineering is cloud-based software. Your files are stored securely and remotely. You also get the benefit of automatic updates so you have the extra peace of mind of knowing that you are always designing accordingf to the latest codes and regulations.

For quick access to PROFIS Engineering from your own computer, you can put a shortcut on your shortcut bar or desktop.  

Is PROFIS Engineering available in multiple languages?

Yes, PROFIS Engineering is available in most major languages. You can select your language and region in the software application settings.  

Where can I get PROFIS Engineering training?

We have a range of training options for PROFIS Engineering including:

  • Step-by-step video tutorials (available on our website and on YouTube)
  • Elearning modules (available within the sofware itself)
  • Small-group training courses to get an overview of design and regulatory issues 

Integrations and file sharing in PROFIS Engineering: FAQs

Is file sharing supported with PROFIS Engineering?

With the Premium version of PROFIS Engineering, you can share projects and files. Latest versions of all these files are stored in on the Hilti cloud.

Can I import loads from Structural Analysis software packages?

Yes. With the standard licence, you can import loads from RAM Structural System.

With the premium version, your PROFIS Engineering software is integrated with the IDEA Statica Checkbot structural design hub. Simply download the Checkbot plug-in from IDEA StatiCa to import from other structural analysis software programs and automatically check thousands of connections before exporting to PROFIS Engineering. Supported finite element analysis (FEA) software includes Robot, STAAD.Pro, Tekla, Advance Steel, SAP2000, ETABS, Dlubal RFEM, RSTAB, and more.

Can my PROFIS Engineering designs be exported to BIM and CAD software?

The Premium version of PROFIS Engineering includes BIM/CAD exports and exports to Revit Plugin.  

How to set up PROFIS and Checkbot integration

PROFIS Checkbot integration for Tekla Structures, Revit, Advance Steel, Robot, SCIA Engineer, SDS2, STAAD.PRO, AxisVM, RFEM 5, RSTAB 8

For Tekla Structures, Revit, Advance Steel, Robot, SCIA Engineer, SDS2, STAAD.PRO, AxisVM, RFEM 5, and RSTAB 8, The IDEA StatiCa BIM link installer automatically launches after the installation of any IDEA StatiCa software and can also be accessed manually from IDEA StatiCa's main interface. It locates all structural design and BIM software packages on your machine. Once integrated, IDEA StatiCa Checkbot is available through the FEA/BIM partner application, enabling the seamless export of baseplate data to PROFIS Engineering.

Before you start: Ensure you have an active PROFIS Engineering Premium License (can be purchased here: PROFIS ENGINEERING and confirm that your required FEA/BIM software* is installed and up to date. Only the two latest versions are supported. Then follow these steps:Before you start: Ensure you have an active PROFIS Engineering Premium License (can be purchased here url: local HOL PE) and confirm that your required FEA/BIM software is installed and up to date. Only the two latest versions are supported. Then follow these steps:

  1. Download and account setup: Create an account with IDEA StatiCa (here) and download their latest suite version (here).
  2. Installation: Install the suite as an administrator. The required plugin to connect with PROFIS Engineering is included in the download package.
  3. BIM link activation: During installation, you will be prompted to “Activate your BIM links.” Ensure this step is completed successfully.
  4. Finalizing installation: Click “Install.” Once the installation is complete and displays green, you will find a new tab in your FEA/BIM software for exporting to Checkbot.
  5. Exporting data: Once the file is imported to Checkbot, under the Hilti PROFIS tab, click the red logo of PROFIS Engineering to transfer your data and start designing your connection.

PROFIS Checkbot integration RFEM 6 , RSTAB 9

For RFEM 6 and RSTAB 9, The IDEA StatiCa BIM link installer automatically launches after the installation of any IDEA software and can also be accessed manually from IDEA StatiCa's main interface. It will locate all structural design and BIM software packages on your machine. The BIM link to Checkbot is NOT available in the partner application user interface. It is a separate executable file that you can find on your desktop and needs to be run every time a user wants to proceed with an export.

Before you start: Ensure you have an active PROFIS Engineering Premium License (can be purchased here: PROFIS ENGINEERING and confirm that your required FEA/BIM software is installed and up to date. Only the two latest versions are supported. Then follow these steps:

  1. Download and account setup: Create an account with IDEA StatiCa (here) and download their latest suite version (here).
  2. Installation: Install the suite as an administrator. The required plugin to connect with PROFIS Engineering is included in the download package.
  3. BIM link activation: During installation, you will be prompted to “Activate your BIM links.” Ensure this step is completed successfully.
  4. Finalizing Installation: Click “Install.” Once the installation is complete and displays green, you will find a new shortcut icon on your desktop for exporting to Checkbot. Ensure you open the software and navigate to the menu “Options and Program”, then activate the WebService to enable data transfer.
  5. Exporting Data: Once the file is imported to Checkbot, under the Hilti PROFIS tab, click the red logo of PROFIS Engineering to transfer your data and start designing your connection.

PROFIS Checkbot integration for SAP 2000, ETABS

IF you are using SAP 2000 and ETABS, IDEA StatiCa Checkbot is integrated manually according to a step-by-step tutorial. Instructions are accessible through a URL in the BIM link installer, via IDEA StatiCa's web pages, or by following the steps below.

Before you start: Ensure you have an active PROFIS Engineering Premium License (can be purchased here: PROFIS ENGINEERING and confirm that your required FEA/BIM software is installed and up to date. Only the two latest versions are supported. Then follow these steps:

  1. Download and account setup: Create an account with IDEA StatiCa (here) and download their latest suite version (here).
  2. Installation: Install the suite as an administrator. The required plugin to connect with PROFIS Engineering is included in the download package.
  3. BIM link activation: During installation, you will be prompted to “Activate your BIM links.” Ensure this step is completed successfully.
  4. Finalizing installation: Click “Please install our add-in for your SAP2000 (here), ETABS (here), and follow the activation guideline provided by our partners from IDEA StatiCa.
  5. Exporting data: Once the file is imported to Checkbot, under the “Hilti PROFIS” tab, click the red logo of PROFIS Engineering to transfer your data and start designing your connection.

PROFIS Checkbot integration for RISA-3D, RAM Structural System

If you are using RISA-3D or RAM Structrual Systems, you need to use file-based import to IDEA Checkbot. There is no direct communication between IDEA Checkbot and the partner application.

Before you start: Ensure you have an active PROFIS Engineering Premium License (can be purchased here: PROFIS ENGINEERING and confirm that your required FEA/BIM software* is installed and up-to-date. Only the two latest versions are supported. Then follow these steps:

  1. Download and account setup: Create an account with IDEA StatiCa (here) and download their latest suite version (here).
  2. Installation: Install the suite as an administrator. The required plugin to connect with PROFIS Engineering is included in the download package.
  3. Finalizing installation: Follow the workflow using these links: RISA-3D (here) and RAM Structural Systems (here).
  4. Exporting data: Once the file is imported to Checkbot, under the “Hilti PROFIS” tab, click the red logo of PROFIS Engineering to transfer your data and start designing your connection.

 

Technical design in PROFIS Engineering: FAQS

What is Advanced Base Plate design / CBFEM in PROFIS Engineering Premium?

The calculation CBFEM –Component Based Finite Element Method – uses advanced structural modelling to determine the loads acting on the anchors to assess the rigidity of the plate. The baseplate is modelled as shell elements with a bilinear stress strain behavior. As the plate stress exceeds yield, the FEM module also calculates a plastic strain in the base plate and the overall deformation.

PROFIS Engineering also compares the FEM anchor forces with equivalent forces that would be obtained from a "rigid" assumption. From the plastic strain, deformation and equivalent rigid anchor forces, the user can conclude if the design is close to rigid or not.

How many load combinations can be designed at the same time using PROFIS Engineering?

Using the Premium version of PROFIS Engineering, for most designs you can add up to 1000 load combinations. For the base plate analysis using the Component Based Finite Element Analysis Modeling (CBFEM) functionality, you are limited to 20 load combinations.

How can I set PROFIS Engineering to default to a particular Design Code?

In the settings menu, you can select all your design defaults which will apply to any new project file created.

What is the Hilti SOFA method ?

What possibilities does a design engineer have if the anchor layout is beyond the scope of EN 1992-4, or if the design provisions in EN 1992-4 (utilisation > 100%) do not lead to a solution?

The basis for anchor design in Europe is the design approach given in EN 1992-4. However, there are many cases where solutions cannot be found by strictly following this standard. Therefore, in addition to the design provisions of EN 1992-4, Hilti offers a design approach per the so-called “SOFA method”. SOFA stands for “Solution for Fasteners” which is a design method which goes beyond existing codes. The provisions in SOFA are based on state-of-the-art industry research and undergo extensive review by technical key experts before implementation into PROFIS Engineering.

Use PROFIS to its full potential

Access on-demand PROFIS training materials, webinars and testimonials. Learn how to navigate modules, create and modify templates, optimize designs and much more.

Get started with free PROFIS Engineering e-learning Watch tutorials in the web shop

Exchange ideas with PROFIS users

Have a question about anchor reinforcement? Curious about concrete breakout? Looking for cast-in-place anchor solutions? Search videos and exchange ideas with the Hilti community.

Learn more at Ask Hilti

Find out about anchors

You've done the design – now learn more about the anchors. From cast-in anchors to injectable adhesive anchors to undercut anchors, you'll find all you need at our webshop.

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