Design User Defined Column

In order to download the PDF version press here

The model is a simple one member column, loaded with an axial load and moment; the column has the following cross-section:

The example shows how to -

create the section in the CROSEC section generator
copy the section to STRAP
arrange the column reinforcement temple (corner bars and groups) in the concrete design module.

The section will be imported into the program from a DXF file. Please download the file from www.goo.gl/5dWnu (note the upper-case "W")

tip_1_dr1

Geometry - general

click the new model icon
select Space Frame and click
rotate the model to the X1-X3 plane:
click the Dynamic rotate icon
click the button
click
click in the side menu and define the following two nodes:
X1=0 ; X2=0 ; X3=0
X1=0 ; X2=0 ; X3=5
click and define a beam connecting the two nodes.
click and define the following supports at the two nodes:
Bottom node:
Top node: restrain the node against horizontal movement and allow vertical deflection: select
and -

tip_1_rstr tip_1_g1

The defined geometry is displayed as:

Geometry - section

The section is defined in the CROSEC section generator program:

select File in the menu bar and "Section generator" in the menu:

There are three ways to define a section in CROSEC:

define the lines
select a standard section from the library
import a DXF format file

We will use the third option.

If you have not downloaded the DXF file as explained at the beginning of this example, please do so now.

tip_1_g2

select File in the menu bar and "Import DXF file" in the menu (or click in the icon bar):
select the file (in the folder where you saved the file) and click .

tip_1_cr2

Select the layers to import:

tip_1_cr1

the program displays the section. Select -

tip_1_cr6

to display the section properties:

copy the section to the computer's "clipboard";
select

tip_1_cr5

select File in the menu bar and "Exit" in the menu

tip_1_cr4

Geometry - continued ...

click and then select in the side menu.

click and highlight the first row in the table ("- Not used -") and click .

tip_1_g3

check the section orientation and material:

tip_1_g4

click to display the rendered drawing:
click in the tab bar.

tip_1_dr2

Loads

Define joint loads at the top of the column:

click in the side menu and enter a title.
click in the side menu and define the following axial load and moment:

tip_1_ld1

click and
click the tab

Concrete design module

click
click
click and click .
click and specify various design parameters - design code, concrete type, reinforcement grade, cover, etc.

To arrange the reinforcement template for the solid section:

click
click
The program displays the default reinforcement arrangement:
- a "corner bar" and every perimeter corner
- a reinforcement line between every pair of adjacent corner bars:

tip_1_cpp1

The following changes will be made:

lines 8 to 15 will be deleted as the corner bars along the arc are sufficient.
the following symmetric line pairs will be specified as identical: 7-16, 3-5 and 2-6.
click : highlight line 8 and click the mouse. Repeat for line 9 to 15
click :click on line 7 and then on line 16; line 16 is renumbered "7". Repeat for lines 3-5 and 2-6.

When completed the section should appear as:

tip_1_cpp2

click
click

click in the side menu; the column result summary is displayed.

to display the detailed results, right-click on the column:

tip_1_cpp3

and select RAD___95 Design combination only

tip_1_cpp4

Finally, you may modify the diameter of quantity of bars in any reinforcement group:

tip_1_cpp5

and select the column. The program displays the following screen:

tip_1_cpp6

Note:

The "solid section"option can also be used to calculate a beam with any section by defining it as a "column". However it is the user's responsibility to ensure that all Code requirements for beams are satisfied.