CYPECAD

Definition of the panels outline

In order to insert any floor slab, you must first draw a closed outline of beams and/or walls using the "Insert beam" or "Insert wall" options.

At this point, a question mark on a yellow circle will appear on the screen in the geometric centre of the panel. This means that the outline has been entered correctly and that the panel is pending definition.

Entering slabs

Once the outline of the floor slab has been defined, to insert it, select the "Panel manager" option from the "Slabs" menu. This menu is available in the "Beam input" tab.

Then, in the menu that appears, select the option "Enter panel".

In the next window, select the type of floor slab from those offered by the program:

• Floor slab systems
• Joist floor slabs
• Hollow core slabs
• Composite slabs
• Waffle slabs
• Flat slabs / Lightweight slabs
• Mat foundations
• Awaiting definition

The options for entering flat slabs, mat foundation, and panels to be defined are described below.

Flat slabs

To introduce a solid slab, select the option "Flats / Lightweight slabs" and keep the box "Lightweight slab" unchecked.

Solid slabs are discretised as a mesh of bars during the analysis.

For solid slabs, the programme only requires the definition of their "Depth". The "Direction of the longitudinal reinforcement" must also be selected, which can be "Perpendicular to a beam" selected on the floor plan, or by entering "Two pass-through points".

Mat foundation

The following option allows you to enter "Mat foundations".

These elements, like solid slabs, are also discretised as a mesh of bars, adding elastic external connections at their intersections to simulate support on the ground.

In addition to the "Depth" and the "Direction of longitudinal reinforcement", the value of the subgrade modulus must be indicated, which will influence the rigidity of these connections, as well as the "Allowable soil bearing pressures" in "Persistent situations" and in "Seismic and accidental situations". You can "Import usual design values" using the button on the right.

Panels awaiting definition

The "Awaiting definition" allows you to keep a panel without completing its definition, indicating only whether the "Depth" is "Known" or "Unknown".

These types of panels are included in the 3D view of the project; furthermore, it is possible to assign them to inclined plans and establish their slope in relation to the floor plan. However, the program will not allow the project to be analysed until the characteristics of all the panels have been fully defined.

Layout of the panel on the floor plan

After accepting the panel, click on the floor plan. If necessary, define the direction of the reinforcement by clicking on a beam or selecting two points, depending on the option previously chosen.

If entered correctly, the program will display the symbol for the panel entered. For example, for solid slabs, the corresponding symbol is two lines crossed in the centre of the slab.