AWC Connection Calc vs AnchorTest
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
AWC Connection Calc
Calculate capacities for various fasteners in wood connections, including single bolts, nails, and screws. Supports lateral and withdrawal capacities for wood-to-wood, wood-to-concrete, and wood-to-steel connections based on 2024 NDS standards.
- Calculate single bolt, nail, lag screw, and wood screw capacities
- Determine lateral (single and double shear) capacities
- Calculate withdrawal capacities
- Supports wood-to-wood connections
- Supports wood-to-concrete connections
- Supports wood-to-steel connections
- Based on 2024 NDS standards
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Provides users with a mobile approach to calculating capacities for single bolts, nails, lag screws and wood screws per the 2024 NDS. Both lateral (single and double shear) and withdrawal capacities can be determined. Wood-to-wood, wood-to-concrete, and wood-to-steel connections are possible. LIMITS OF USE SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS Connection capacities are calculated on the basis of design provisions in the 2024 National Design Specification® for Wood Construction (NDS®). The calculated capacities are based on the following assumptions and conditions: · Bolts and lag screws must meet the requirements of ANSI/ASME B18.2.1, wood screws must meet the requirements of ANSI/ASME B18.6.1, and nails must meet the requirements of ASTM F1667. · Bolts, lag screws and wood screws must be installed in predrilled lead holes in accordance with the provisions of NDS Chapter 11. · Bolts, lag screws and wood screws must not be forcibly driven into connection members with a hammer or other impact device. · The faces of adjacent connection members are brought into contact when fasteners are installed. · Adequate edge distances, end distances and spacing must be provided for all fasteners to prevent splitting of wood connection members, in accordance with NDS Chapter 11. · Steel side plates with thickness of ¼ in. or greater must meet the requirements of ASTM A36, and steel side plates with thickness less than ¼ in. must meet the requirements of ASTM A653, Grade 33. · Concrete connection members must have compressive strength (fc') of at least 2500 psi. · The on-line Connection Calculator does not specifically address multiple-fastener connections. See NDS Chapters 10-11 and NDS Appendix E for applicable design provisions. · The on-line Connection Calculator does not address fasteners installed at an angle to grain (e.g., toe-nails). See NDS Chapters 10-11 for applicable design provisions. · The on-line Connection Calculator does not address fasteners subjected to combined lateral and withdrawal loading. See NDS Chapters 10-11 for applicable design provisions. · The on-line Connection Calculator does not address connections with gaps or non-structural spacer blocks between members. GENERAL STRUCTURAL GUIDELINES The quality of structural wood products and fasteners and the design of load-supporting members and connections shall conform to provisions of the NDS. The on-line Connection Calculator is based on design equations for lateral loading and withdrawal loading specified in NDS Chapters 10 and 11, along with fastener characteristics specified in NDS Appendix L. The NDS Commentary, NDS Appendices I through N, and NDS Chapters 12-13 provide additional guidelines regarding the design of connections in wood structures. RESPONSIBILITY FOR DESIGN While every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of the information presented, and special effort has been made to assure that the information reflects the state-of-the-art, neither the American Wood Council nor its members assume any responsibility for any particular design prepared from this on-line Connection Calculator. Those using this on-line Connection Calculator assume all liability from its use. This Connection Calculator is not meant to be a replacement for the NDS and does not encompass all of its design options. The American Wood Council On behalf of the industry it represents, AWC is committed to ensuring a resilient, safe and sustainable built environment. To achieve these objectives, AWC contributes to the development of sound public policies, codes and regulations that allow for the appropriate and responsible manufacture and use of wood products. We support the utilization of wood products by developing and disseminating consensus standards, comprehensive technical guidelines and tools for wood design and construction, as well as providing education regarding their application. Contact AWC via email: info@awc.org or connect with one of AWC’s regional building code experts.
AnchorTest
This iPad app streamlines on-site geotechnical testing for ground anchor post-tensioning. It simplifies data collection, visualization, and analysis using cloud computing and AI, ensuring compliance with international standards. The app facilitates efficient reporting and communication of test results.
- On-site test result recording
- Data visualization and analysis
- Cloud computing integration
- AI-powered insights
- Compliance with international standards
- Simplified reporting and communication
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AnchorTest® is a cutting-edge iPad app designed by geotechnical specialists for recording on-site test results during post-tensioning of ground anchors. AnchorTest simplifies the process of collecting, visualizing, and analyzing test results using modern technologies like Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence. It's compliant with international standards including BS8081, PTI DC35.1-14, and EN ISO 22477-5:2018, ensuring accurate and reliable results. AnchorTest has been used in various building and infrastructure projects worldwide from Australia to the United States, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, including testing the highest capacity anchors on a dam upgrade project in South Africa. It's user-friendly, requires minimal training, and saves time and money by eliminating costly manual labor. The app simplifies the reporting process and allows faster communication of all test results in a tabulated and organized manner via the AnchorTest Cloud(*) website, making it a cost-effective solution for projects of any size. (*) Subscription to AnchorTest Cloud services is required for full functionality of AnchorTest app. Subscription is available via In-App Purchase. Monthly subscription price is $999 or equivalent local currency as determined by AppStore pricing tiers. Subscription automatically renews monthly unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Subscription will be charged to your iTunes Account. You can manage your subscription in Account Settings after purchase. For this auto renewable subscription standard AppStore terms of use apply. By subscribing to AnchorTest, you confirm acceptance of our Terms of Use: https://www.anchortest.app/s/terms_of_use.pdf Please note that the supplied information for subscription is secured under our Privacy Policy: https://www.anchortest.app/privacy-policy#page
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: AnchorTest at 5.0 against AWC Connection Calc's 2.5. AnchorTest also leads on ads (none vs shown). AWC Connection Calc's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. AnchorTest sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $999.99 per 7 days. AWC Connection Calc asks for nothing beyond the download.
AnchorTest holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.
AWC Connection Calc ships an update weekly, AnchorTest every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | AWC Connection Calc | AnchorTest |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.5 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 16.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Ad-supported — better | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 14.2 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 156 MB | 100 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | American Wood Council | hetGE LLC |
Customer experience
AWC Connection Calc
AnchorTest
In-app purchases
AWC Connection Calc
No in-app purchases
AnchorTest
- AnchorTest Weekly$999.997 Days
Questions
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