Column Design

In this section, our focus will be on the column design process, the generation of a column schedule, and the determination of column tonnage.

Figure 1 showcases the user interface of the Column Design section.

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Figure 1

General

Open

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. If multiple analysis sources are selected, the envelope of those selections will be considered.

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.

Column Tonnage

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).

Column Schedule

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.

By default, the ultimate force analysis source for the columns is set to tributary analysis. However, it is also possible to specify a different analysis source for determining the ultimate forces of the columns. To make changes to the analysis source or explore further options related to the column schedule, refer to the Column Schedule section.

When there is a column transfer 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 transfer 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.

Verify All

The "Verify All" button provides a convenient way to perform a comprehensive verification of all column design lines in the project. By clicking on the "Verify All" button, the software will automatically evaluate the code check criteria for each column design line (Figure 4) and display the corresponding results.

The results of the verification process will be reflected in the corresponding cells of the column design line spreadsheet as in Figure 5.

The "Verify All" button is a valuable tool to ensure the overall integrity and adherence to code requirements of all column design lines in the project with just a single click.

Verify Selected

By clicking on the "Verify Selected" button located within the "Column Design" section, a dialogue box will appear (Figure 4), providing the option to select specific column design lines based on their code check status and column shape.

This dialogue box allows users to filter and choose the desired column design lines for verification, making the process more streamlined and efficient.

After selecting the desired column design lines, proceed by clicking on the "Run Code Check" button (Figure 4).

Upon completion of the code check process, the corresponding column design line cells will undergo a visual transformation. Specifically, the cell color will change to either green or red, as demonstrated in Figure 5. The green color indicates that the code check was successful, indicating that the column design meets the specified criteria and requirements. On the other hand, the red color signifies that the code check detected issues or violations, indicating that further attention and modifications are necessary to ensure compliance with the designated standards.

Showing w/o DC

The "Showing w/o DC" button in the column design spreadsheet allows you to toggle between two modes: "Showing w/o DC" and "Showing DC".

Figure 6 illustrates the “Showing DC” mode.

If a column transfer is present in a column design line, the column design spreadsheet will report the distributed load from the column above to the adjacent columns. This information is displayed in the relevant cells of the spreadsheet, as shown in Figure 7.

Ignore Changes For All

If any changes are made to the model after a code check has been performed, the colored cells in the corresponding column design lines will revert to an uncolored state, as shown in Figure 8. This serves as an indication that the code check results may no longer be valid due to the modifications made in the model.

The design state of the individual column design line spreadsheet will also change to "Need Verification" if any changes are made in the model as in Figure 9.

In the subsequent section, labeled as "C n," additional details regarding the column design line will be explained in depth.

Design Columns

By clicking on the "Design Columns" button, users can initiate the column design process utilizing pre-defined rebar templates. These templates are carefully crafted to offer optimal reinforcement configurations for columns, taking into account various design scenarios and requirements such as achieving the best tonnage or minimizing the number of rebars.

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).

This spreadsheet serves as a centralized hub where all the design templates applicable to columns and other structural elements are organized and presented. Each template represents a unique combination of design parameters.

By clicking on the "Design Templates" button (refer to Figure 10), you can unlock a diverse selection of pre-defined templates that are tailored to meet the specific requirements and considerations of various structural members. To select a column design template, simply click on one of the options displayed, as illustrated in Figure 11.

The ability to choose from a range of pre-defined column design templates streamlines the design process, saving you time and effort. Instead of starting from scratch, you can utilize these templates as a starting point and make adjustments as needed to meet your specific project requirements.

Whether you require a template for a rectangular, circular, or arbitrary column, the "Design Templates" feature provides a user-friendly interface to explore and select the most suitable option for your specific design scenario.

For the rectangular column design scenario selected in Figure 11, particular spreadsheet window is opened with the corresponding design parameters (Figure 12).

To assign the required reinforcement data, refer to the corresponding row in the spreadsheet, as exemplified in Figure 13, Figure 14, and Figure 15.

To set the stirrup rebar data for your design, you can utilize the drop-down menu that contains the previously imported rebars. To select the "Long. Rebars", (Figure 13), click on the corresponding button, which will open a new window (Figure 14).

Import Column Design Template

To import a design template for rebar arrangement, simply click on the "Import Column Design Template" button as shown in Figure 14. This will open a database window (Figure 15) where you can make your selection based on your specific needs, such as the best tonnage, the least count, or any user-defined rebar arrangement database.

On the right side of the window (Figure 15), you will find information about the selected column design template database.

Furthermore, by clicking on the blue link-text provided, you can open a browser window (Figure 16) that will display the corresponding library object. This library object represents the rebar database selected as design template.

Once you have made the appropriate selection, click on the "Import" button as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 18 illustrates the state after the selected rebar arrangement options have been imported.

Add

By clicking the "Add" button, you have the option to include a custom rebar arrangement, along with assigning its priority throughout the column design process (Figure 19).

Once you have filled in all the necessary parameters, simply click on the "Back" button to proceed.

Once you have prepared the column rebar template(s), you can return to the "Column Design" section in the tree view. From there, click on the "Design Column" button to initiate the design process for all the columns in your project (Figure 20).

It is important to understand that the buttons located within the hierarchical structure of the "Column Design" section (as shown in Figure 1) serve the purpose of managing all column design lines collectively. These buttons are designed to perform actions and operations that apply to multiple column design lines simultaneously.

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:

1. Go to the "Column Design" section in the tree view.

2. Locate the specific column design line you want to access.

3. Right-click on the desired column design line.

4. 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.

In the next section, we will provide a detailed explanation of the individual column design line parameters.