In this section, column design is performed, and a column schedule is generated.
Figure 1 showcases the user interface of the Column Design section.
General
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:
Go to Column Design Line:
By selecting the "Go to Column Design Line" option from the right-click menu, selection/view of column design and code check templates and analysis source can be managed through column design line spreadsheet (Figure 1b). Another way to access column design lines is by navigating to the corresponding “C n” column design line under the Column Design section of the tree-view.
The Column Design Line spreadsheet displays the related Code Check Template for the columns that have been assigned in the Design Criteria section. It's important to note that the templates assigned in the Design Criteria apply to all the corresponding members.
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.
🔬 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).
This spreadsheet provides an overview of the available code check templates that have been imported into the design project. Each template represents a specific set of design criteria and standards that can be applied to columns and other structural elements.
To access and interface with the column design code check templates, you can click on the "Code Checks" button. This will open a menu where you can select the specific code check template that corresponds to the geometry of your column: rectangular, circular, or arbitrary (as shown in Figure 1e).
By clicking on the specific column code check template, you will have access to a comprehensive set of code check parameters based on the ACI 318-14 standard. These parameters encompass various design considerations and requirements specific to column elements (Figure 1f).
One important aspect of the code check template is the source of the analysis result, which determines how the ultimate capacity of the column is calculated. To modify the analysis result source for the selected code check template, you can click on the button located under the "Analysis Result Source" cell.
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.
Select in 3DView:
Column Schedule
The column schedule displays information such as column size, rebar data, and the ultimate axial force acting on the column at each floor. This information is presented in a table format in the drawing space, as shown in Figure 2.
By default, the ultimate force analysis source is set to tributary analysis. However, it is possible to set a different analysis source by referring to the section Column Schedule.
Figure 2
Figure 3
When there is a discontinuity in the column design line, a red point is created on the corresponding cell in the spreadsheet. By moving the cursor over this red point, additional information is displayed.
Specifically, the load distribution fractions of the load-bearing vertical members neighboring the discontinuous column are shown. This information helps to understand how the loads are distributed among the adjacent members and provides insights into the structural behavior at the point of discontinuity.
Figure 3 demonstrates this feature, allowing the user to visualize and analyze the load distribution fractions for a more comprehensive understanding of the structural response.
Figure 3
→ Click Verify All to verify all the columns in the project. This verificatiın may take sometime.
OR
→ Click Verify Selected and select columns from pop up window shown in Figure 4
→ Click Run Code Check to verify selected columns
Figure 4
→ Click Showing w/o DC button to see the maximum demand/capacity ratio of the verified columns in the spreadsheet illustrated in Figure 5
Figure 5
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