2016.a Version

As of the 2016.a version, CYPE 3D analyses, designs and checks reinforced concrete beams and columns; and checks composite steel and concrete columns. It also provides reinforcement and U.L.S. check reports for columns, reinforcement and U.L.S. and S.L.S. check reports for beams, the column schedule and column details drawings and beam details drawings.

All the options that have been mentioned in relation with reinforced concrete columns and composite columns are available for the design codes implemented in the Advanced column editor and those in relation with reinforced concrete beams are available for the design codes implemented in the Advanced beam editor.

Columns and beams are defined as being structural element types in the CYPE 3D model when they are introduced. As of the 2016.a version, CYPE 3D allows users to define 4 types of structural elements: Generic, Tie, Column and Beam.

The “General data” option provides users with a central management dialogue box of all the options affecting the design and check parameters of the program (for both Structure and Foundations tabs).

Added to the existing options, which were previously located in other menus, are the following options:

• In the reinforced concrete section
  
  • Cover
    By clicking on this option, users can edit the cover of the reinforcement bars of beams and columns.
  • Aggregate properties
    The nature and maximum size of the aggregates for columns, floor slab beams and foundation beams can be defined here.
  • Steel fabrication loss
    Allows users to define the steel fabrication loss of columns and beams, as well as the fabrication loss for foundation elements.
    

• Loads section
  
  • Construction process
    By using this option, users can edit the construction process for deflection checks of reinforced concrete beams. The editing process is carried out per level, and so only the beams located in each level are affected. The construction process of beams not located on a level can be defined by selecting the “Construction process for elements not associated to levels” button.
    
    The editing process consists in defining the instant when the beam is unpropped, the instant when the dead loads are applied and the instant when the live loads are applied.
    
• Options section
  
  • Columns
    Options regarding the design and check of columns are found in this section. Reinforcement tables can be configured, as well as design and check options, reinforcement arrangement options and stiffness coefficients.
  • Beams
    Options regarding the design and check of beams are included in this section:
    • Reinforcement and layout tables
    • Error valuation
    • Deflection limits
      Users can configure the deflection limits depending on their material (concrete beams, rolled steel beams and cold-formed steel beams).
    • Numbering of continuous beams
      The program numbers frames based on a base reference provided by users and the established configuration.
    • Numbering of beams
      The program offers users the option whether or not to number beams. Beams are numbered based on a base reference provided by users and the established configuration.
      
• Environment section
  The exposure class and specific exposure class for beams are defined here. The configuration defined in this section affects all beams, although users can, however, configure a specific environment for each beam in the Bar menu.

• Levels
  Levels are horizontal planes parallel to the XY global plane, situated at a given global elevation where users can introduce a spatial sub-division as is the case in structural buildings. Assignment of the elements to the different levels is automatic. Elements situated between two levels are assigned to the closest lower level.
  
  Levels are defined to support the introduction of structural elements as well as to define views of a level (which help when working on the elements of the structure). If columns are introduced, levels must be defined. Columns must begin and end at two different levels (although they may do so with there being an elevation change with respect to the two levels).
  
  With this option, users can edit or delete levels. If the elevation of a level is modified, any elements contained in that level will be automatically displaced to the new position.

• Grids
  A grid is a mesh composed of lines parallel to the global x and y axes. These lines define a spatial division of the structure in its elevation. Users can assign a name to each gridline and control the position of the name. Gridlines are defined as support for the introduction of structural elements as well as for when defining elevation views (which help when working on the elements of the structure).
  
  This option allows users to introduce, delete or edit Gridlines. A rectangular grid generator has been implemented. If the position of a gridline is modified, all the elements contained on the line will be automatically displaced to the new position.
  
  By default, the grid will always be visible on-screen, unless it is deactivated using the option: “Planes > References”. The grid can also be displayed on drawings.

1. By introducing a bar using the “New bar” option and selecting a column-type structural element description (Bar > New – see previous image).
2. By assigning a column-type structural element to a previously introduced element (Bar > Describe).
3. Using the “New column” option of the Bar menu.
   

Regardless of how they are created, the program will manage the composition/decomposition of the previously introduced columns. It is recommended columns be created using option 3. The “New column option” allows users to create a column between a range of indicated levels with the reference and sections defined by users by clicking with the mouse button at the position where the column is to be introduced.

The element must be vertical and be defined as being between two different levels. The element must be divided into bars, however, in the case of concrete columns, the reinforcement will be continuous along its complete length.

• Create continuous column
  Creates a single column from a group of aligned elements
• Edit floor slab depth
  Allows users to edit the depth of the floor slab at a column node if they wish to assign a different value to that assigned automatically. The depth of the floor slab determines the free height of the column between levels.
• Edit reinforcement
  Allows users to edit column reinforcement by opening the column schedule.
• Block
  Blocks the reinforcement of a column so it is not modified during the design process.
• Unblock
  Unblocks any blocked reinforcement.
• Edit reference
  Edits the column references.
• Number
  Allows users to number consecutively all the columns of the job as of an initial reference.

Beams (and continuous beams) can be created in 3 ways:

1. By introducing a bar using the “New bar” option then applying a beam-type structural element.
2. By assigning beam-type structural element to a previously introduced element.
3. Using the “New beam” option in the Bar menu.
   

In all these cases, the program will manage the composition/decomposition of beams that were introduced previously. The recommended option is option 3. The “New beam” option allows users to easily create a continuous beam by introducing the bars it consists of. To finish off the introduction, click on the right mouse button and at that moment, CYPE 3D will create a continuous beam with all the elements that have been introduced, if possible.

The element cannot be vertical, it does not have to belong to a level, however when they have been defined, they will be assigned to the closest level below the beam. The element can be divided into bars, but if it is a concrete beam, the reinforcement will be continuous along its complete length.

• Create continuous beam
  Creates a new continuous beam by selecting the beams which wil become part of the new continuous beam.
• Edit nodes
  Edits the geometry of a continuous beam node if it is to be different to that which was established automatically. The geometry of the node affects the free span of the beams which is represented in the beam reinforcement editor, and therefore, the length of the reinforcement that is provided.
• Edit adjacent floor slabs
  Allows users to describe the floor slabs next to the bars making up the beams. With this option, the depth of flat beams can be defined and whether or not floor slabs are to be shown in the beam details drawing. Floor slabs are taken into account when checking the fire resistance of steel beams.
• Edit reinforcement
  Edits the beam reinforcement and opens the Advanced beam editor.
• Assign reinforcement
  Allows users to copy reinforcement from one beam to another.
• Block reinforcement
  Blocks the reinforcement of a beam to avoid if from being modified during the design process.
• Unblock
  Unblocks blocked reinforcement.
• Edit beam or continuous beam references
  Allows users to edit the beam references.