Locstone Kantstensförankring : Analys av Locstone kantstensförankring utan betong.

Sammanfattning

This bachelor thesis, carried out in collaboration with Locstone AB, investigates and evaluates an innovative curbstone anchoring system designed to replace traditional concrete-based methods. Conventional curbstone anchoring typically relies on large quantities of concrete, which increases both material use and environmental impact. Locstone’s system, instead, uses a mechanical anchoring method involving a steel arm and backplate, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative for installation and maintenance.The primary goal of this project was to develop a reliable simulation model that can predict the product's behavior under load without requiring extensive physical testing. The work began with a geometric and material analysis of the anchoring system. Manual calculations were first conducted to establish an understanding of the force distribution and mechanical behavior of the components. Finite element simulations were then carried out using Abaqus, gradually increasing in complexity as software proficiency improved.Various load scenarios were simulated, including vertical, horizontal, and combined forces that mimic real-world situations such as snow plow impacts or traffic collisions. Special focus was given to the behavior of the backplate and hooks under extreme stress. The simulations revealed that the backplate can be intentionally designed to fail before the load-bearing anchoring arm, allowing for controlled failure without full system replacement—a practical benefit in real-world applications.As this is a relatively unexplored area of research, the project required extensive exploration of methods, tools, and computational strategies. This included studying material yield limits, plastic deformation, stress concentrations, and contact behavior between components. Despite limitations in simulation software and available time, a credible simulation environment was created, and several design improvement opportunities were identified.Overall, this work enhances the understanding of how the Locstone system performs under real-world loading conditions and highlights opportunities for further development in design and materials. It also demonstrates how engineering simulation tools can be effectively used for early-stage product development and evaluation