In this section, our focus will be on the column design is performed, and process, the generation of a column schedule is generated, and the determination of column tonnage.
Figure 1 showcases the user interface of the Column Design section.
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General
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This is the primary user interface for column design, providing users with the necessary tools and functionalities. By right-clicking on any cell representing a column design line, users can access a range of options, as illustrated in Figure 1a:
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To make specific edits for a particular column design line and/or storey, users can modify the column code check and column design templates as shown in Figure 1c. This provides flexibility to customize the code check and design templates for individual column design lines or specific storeys according to specific design requirements.
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🔬 Revisiting Code Check Templates with a Special Focus on Columns
Under the "Design Criteria" section, you can navigate to the "Code Check Templates" subsection. Once there, you will find a spreadsheet that displays a collection of imported code check templates (as shown in Figure 1d).
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Clicking on this button will open a menu or dialog box where you can make the desired selection for the analysis result source. The available options may include different analysis methods or sources, such as tributary analysis, finite element analysis (SAFE, ETABS), or AECBOLTGlobal. Figure 1g provides a summarized visual representation of the steps involved in selecting the analysis result resource for a column code check template. Selecting the appropriate analysis result source is crucial in accurately assessing the column's capacity and ensuring compliance with design standards.
By allowing users to modify the analysis result source within the code check template, the interface provides flexibility and customization options to accommodate different design scenarios and preferences. This empowers users to tailor the analysis approach to their specific project requirements and achieve reliable and optimized column designs.
The "Design State" spreadsheet cell indicates the current status of the column design. Depending on whether the vertical or stirrup rebars have been assigned from the Columns section geometric data, the design state will be reflected accordingly.
If either the vertical or stirrup rebars are not assigned, the design state will be marked as "No Reinforcement". This indicates that the column design line is not yet ready for code check, as the necessary reinforcement information is missing.
On the other hand, if all the rebar assignments have been completed, the design state will be shown as "Need Verification". This signifies that the column design line is prepared for further verification and code check procedures.
The spreadsheet cell labeled "Changes After Last Code Check" provides information on the modifications made to the model following the completion of a code check. It displays the updates or revisions implemented as a result of the code check analysis.
On the other hand, the spreadsheet cell named "Code Check Timestamp" records the time at which the last code check was conducted. It serves as a reference to indicate the specific moment when the code check analysis was performed on the model.
These two cells, "Changes After Last Code Check" and "Code Check Timestamp," offer valuable insights into the code check process, allowing users to track and review the alterations made to the model and refer to the timestamp for the most recent code check operation.
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Column Tonnage
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By clicking on the "Column Tonnage" button, the column tonnage is reported, representing the combined weight of all the reinforcement bars used in the designed columns (Figure 1h).
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Column Schedule
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The column schedule provides a tabular representation of essential details related to the columns, including their sizes, rebar information, and the ultimate axial force acting on each column at every floor. This schedule is displayed in the drawing space, typically in a table format, as depicted in Figure 2.
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The goal of using these pre-specified rebar templates is to streamline the design process and ensure that columns are efficiently reinforced while meeting the desired design objectives. The templates are designed based on industry standards and best practices, providing users with reliable and effective reinforcement solutions.
🔬 Revisiting Design Templates with a Special Focus on Columns
Under the "Design Criteria" section, there is a dedicated subsection called "Design Templates" that deserves special attention when it comes to column design. Within this subsection, you will find a comprehensive spreadsheet displaying a range of imported design templates (as depicted in Figure 10).
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However, if you need to work at the individual column design line scale and perform specific actions or modifications, it is recommended to refer to the "C n" section. This section focuses on the detailed management and customization of individual column design lines.
To access an individual column design line, you can follow these steps:
Go to the "Column Design" section in the tree view.
Locate the specific column design line you want to access.
Right-click on the desired column design line.
From the context menu that appears, select the "Go To Column Design Line" option.
By selecting the "Go To Column Design Line" option, you will be directed to the individual column design line, allowing you to focus on and work with the specific details and parameters of that column. This option helps streamline the workflow and facilitates easy navigation between different column design lines.
Figure 21 provides a visual demonstration of the process, showcasing the right-click action on a column design line and the subsequent selection of the "Go To Column Design Line" option to access the individual column design line.
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In the next section, we will provide a detailed explanation of the individual column design line parameters.