StruBIM Shear Walls

When you launch the app and click on “New”, you are given the option to create a “New project”. After entering the “File name” and “Description”, the project can then be added to an existing project on BIMserver.center.

This is done in the "Project selection" window, which offers the following options:

• On the left-hand side, you can log in using a BIMserver.center account.
• On the right, use the "Select project" option to choose an existing project. You also have the option to "Create a new project". In that case, the project you create will be visible on BIMserver.center from that point onwards.
• You have the option to start the project without linking it to the BIMserver.center platform. To do this, simply uncheck the box labelled "Link to a BIMserver.center project", which is located in the top-left corner.

Once the new project has been created, you will be taken to the program’s main interface. At any point during the project, you can share or import project files via the "BIMserver.center" panel, located in the top right-hand corner of the main interface.

Importing BIM models

When creating a new project, if you have selected a project hosted on the BIMserver.center platform via "Select project", the "Import BIM models" window will appear, displaying the files contained in that project in IFC format.

If there are several .ifc files in the project, a pop-up window will appear in which you must select the "Main (initiator)" file from the available options. This is the file from which the information will be extracted in the data import wizard.

In addition, in the "Select the files you want to include" section, the app allows you to include auxiliary files for viewing within the program. To do this, tick the "Import" box and confirm.

Shear wall and coupling beam import wizard

Shear walls and coupling beams can be imported from data read from the BIM model within StruBIM Shear Walls.

To do this, after selecting the main or starter file to be imported, the program opens a "BIM Model Import" wizard comprising the following steps:

1. In the first stage, you select the shear walls to be imported. Each one appears in the list with its "Reference" and can be "Imported" by ticking the box in the left-hand column.

2. In the second phase, you must select the "Coupling beams" you wish to import from the list provided by the program. Each beam is displayed with its “Reference” and can be “Imported” by ticking the box in the left-hand column.

3. The settings for various "Options" required for the calculation are reviewed below. You can "Join adjacent segments" by ticking the relevant box. In addition, the program identifies and allows you to select the "Design code" to be complied with from the drop-down menu and, where applicable, review and configure the parameters relating to the selected standard.

4. In the final stage, the "Properties" of the imported elements are imported and checked. This includes:
   • In the "Shear walls", the steel for the "Horizontal reinforcement" and the "Vertical reinforcement" is identified, as is the "Clear cover", and, depending on the selected standard, the choice of reinforcement criteria based on ductility or seismic performance.
   • In the case of "Coupling beams", the steel for the "Longitudinal reinforcement" and the "Stirrups" is also identified and can be selected; the "Top cover", "Bottom cover" and "Side cover" are defined; and, depending on the selected standard, the reinforcement criteria for ductility or seismic performance are specified.

To complete the import wizard, click "Finish".

Reinforcement layout criteria

Once the import process is complete, the program will display a window allowing you to review the settings for the "Reinforcement layout criteria".

These can also be viewed later via the relevant option in the "General data" section.

Import results

Once you have clicked "Accept" in the final dialogue box and completed the import process, the program will load and open the main interface.

The imported shear walls and coupling beams will be displayed in the element lists on the left-hand side panel, available under the relevant tabs ("Shear walls" and "Coupling beams"). From here, you can add further elements if required.

The program will also incorporate the results of the analysis of each component, such as the forces in the shear walls and tie beams, as well as the deflections of the shear walls.

From this point onwards, users can modify the data for any of the imported walls and/or beams, as well as apply a specific reinforcement scheme and/or carry out the checks and design.

Design code configuration

This option opens a pop-up window where you can select the code the program will use for the design.

To do this, click the button on the right and select the standard or combination of standards from those available in the program.

In addition, at the bottom of this window, you can adjust the values of various parameters relating to the selected standard.

Concrete

This option allows you to access the concrete type library. For each concrete type, you must define the following parameters:

• Reference
• Specific compressive strength of the concrete, f_ck
• Modulus of elasticity of the concrete, E_c

Concrete types can be added from scratch by the user, imported and/or exported to .bibgen files saved to disk, or created using the wizard from the "Predefined" concrete types available in certain standards for each country or region. To do this, use the tools at the top of the list of types.

You can also set the "Maximum size of aggregate" in the relevant field in this window.

Steels

This option allows you to access the library of rebar types. For each type of rebar, you must define the following parameters:

• Reference
• Specified yield strength, f_yk
• Modulus of elasticity, E_s

Steel grades can be added from scratch by the user, imported and/or exported to .bibgen files saved to disk, or created using the wizard from the "Predefined" steels available in certain standards for each country or region. To do this, use the tools at the top of the grade list.

Reinforcement layout criteria

This option opens a window where you can configure the various reinforcement layout criteria for shear walls and tie beams, which the program will use in the design calculations.

Firstly, the button at the top opens a dialogue box where you can add the available "Reinforcement diameters". The "Predefined bars" button on the right allows you to load this information based on the selected standard, region or country.

On the right-hand side, the program also offers a feature that "Restores the default installation values", as well as tools for exporting or importing the information defined in this window to .bib548 files on the hard drive.

The design options for shear walls and/or connecting beams are configured later in various drop-down sections:

Design options for retaining walls

• Unconfined reinforcement (Vertical, Horizontal)
  This table allows you to select or deselect the bar diameters or sizes that the program may or may not use in the unconfined reinforcement of shear walls. You can subsequently adjust the following parameters for this reinforcement:
  • Minimum spacing
  • Maximum separation
  • Increased spacing
  • Align the distributed reinforcement of all segments in a span (optional)
• Confined reinforcement (Vertical, Stirrups)
  Selects or deselects the bar diameters or sizes that the program may or may not use in the confined reinforcement of shear walls. You can subsequently adjust the following parameters for this reinforcement:
  • Minimum separation (vertical reinforcement)
  • Maximum separation (vertical reinforcement)
  • Minimum clearance (brackets)
  • Separation increment (stirrups)
  • Increased separation (stirrups)
  • Both the number of bars per layer and the number of layers must be greater than or equal to the corresponding values for the upper section (optional)
  • The diameter of the bars must be greater than or equal to that of the upper section
  • The length of the reinforcement must be greater than or equal to that of the upper section
  • Confine entire segment (the parameters L_EB,i, L_EB,f, L_s and t_s are detailed in the help diagram on the right):
    • (L_EB,i + L_EB,f)/L_s ≥ [value]
    • L_s / t_s ≤ [value]

In addition, the "Minimum number of layers" and the "Maximum amount of vertical reinforcement for edge elements" are specified.

Design options for connecting beams

• Perimeter reinforcement (longitudinal reinforcement on vertical faces, stirrups)
  This table allows you to select or deselect the bar diameters or sizes that the program may or may not use in the perimeter reinforcement of the connecting beams. You can subsequently adjust the following parameters for this reinforcement:
  • Minimum separation between longitudinal bars
  • Maximum separation between longitudinal bars
  • Minimum spacing of stirrups
  • Maximum spacing interval
  • Stirrup spacing interval
  • Diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement at corners
  • Diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement in horizontal faces
  • Maximum spacing between horizontal face bars
• Diagonals (Longitudinal reinforcement, Stirrups)
  This table allows you to select or deselect the bar diameters or sizes that the program may or may not use in the diagonal reinforcement of the coupling beams. You can subsequently adjust the following parameters for this reinforcement:
  • Minimum spacing between longitudinal bars
  • Maximum spacing between longitudinal bars
  • Minimum distance between stirrups
  • Maximum distance between footrests
  • Spacing between stirrups
  • Brackets should be fitted to the diagonal members (optional)
  • Minimum width of the diagonal member, b_diag/b
  • Minimum height of the diagonal element, h_diag/b_diag
    (the parameters b_diag, h_diag and b are explained in the help section on the right)

Anchorage options

From here, you can adjust the anchorage geometry of the shear wall bars for both the horizontal and vertical reinforcement.

In the case of "Horizontal reinforcement", the program offers the following options:

• For the "Free end" and the two-segment "Intersection", the following is possible:
  • "Extend" the reinforcement, specifying the type of "Hook" ("None", "90°", "135°" or "180°") and the "Horizontal reinforcement position" ("Exterior" or "Interior");
  • Use "Loops", specifying the "Position of the horizontal reinforcement" ("External" or "Internal");
• Use "Bars at 90°", specifying the "Position of the horizontal reinforcement" ("Outer" or "Inner");
  • Specifies a "Horizontal reinforcement up to the end of the segment, anchored in the opposite layer", indicating the type of "Hook" ("None", "90°", "135°" or "180°");
  • Or provide "Horizontal reinforcement up to the end of the segment, spliced with hook".

• The "Stirrup hook" can be set to "90°" or "135°", whilst the "Tie" can be "with 90° and 135° hooks", "with 135° and 135° hooks", "With 180° hooks" and "180°" or "Closed".

In the case of "Vertical reinforcement", the program offers the following options:

• "At the top of the last floor", the bars can be installed either "without anchoring" or "with leg anchoring".
• "At the top of the intermediate floors", the bars may be arranged "without anchoring", "with anchoring in a straight extension" or "with anchoring in a straight extension with a joint" (in which case the "ratio between the horizontal and vertical displacements at the bar joint" must be specified).
• "At the bottom of the first floor", the bars can be arranged "Without anchoring", "With spares" or "With anchoring".
  In all cases, it is possible to "Increase the anchorage and lap lengths of the vertical reinforcement for special walls" by the percentage specified in the relevant field.

Representation options

From here, you can configure the symbol for the "Abbreviation for separation between bars" (by default, '@') used to represent reinforcement in drawings.

'Project reports' options

By ticking the relevant boxes, you can include the "Summary by diameter" in the site lists, as well as the "Steel leftovers", specifying the percentage.

You can also adjust the "Text size for 'Bar bending'".

Properties

This option opens the "Properties" window, where you can edit the following properties for the shear wall selected in the list:

• Concrete
  In this section, you can select and/or edit one of the concrete types created in the specific library.
• Horizontal reinforcement
  In this section, you can select and/or edit one of the steel types created in the specific library for use in the wall’s horizontal reinforcement.
• Vertical reinforcement
  In this section, you can select and/or edit one of the steel types created in the specific library for use in the wall’s vertical reinforcement.
• Clear cover
  Value of the geometric overlap for the wall assembly.
• Seismic reinforcement criteria
  The program determines the seismic design criteria based on the structural system selected, whether it is an "Ordinary structural wall" or a "Special structural wall".

Sections

This option opens the "Sections" window, where the following actions can be performed on the shear wall selected from the list, including editing the reinforcement bars that make up each wall and the geometry of its cross-section:

• In the table at the top left, the sections that make up the wall are defined. For each section, you enter its "Reference", "Initial elevation" and "Final elevation".
• The "Top elevation of wall" and "Bottom elevation of wall" are defined below the table.
• The information for each selected section is shown on the right:
  • The "Materials" and "Cover" sections retrieve information on the concrete, steel and geometric cover from the previous definition (set via the "Properties" option). These sections can be locked or unlocked by clicking the buttons on the right, should you wish to modify their values for a specific section of wall.
  • In the "Nodes" section, the nodes used to define the geometry of the wall section are identified (by their "ID" value) and their position is defined (by their "X" and "Y" coordinates).
  • The "Segments" section is used to define the segments that make up the wall section. These are defined by an "ID" value, an editable "Reference", the "Initial node" and "Final node" selected from the list of previously defined nodes, and a "Thickness on the left" and "Thickness on the right" relative to the reference line on the plan view that connects the coordinates of both nodes.
  • The "Section" tab displays the plan view of the section defined for the selected span, showing the reference number of each segment and its start and end nodes.

Segment classification

This option opens the "Segment classification" window, where the segments that make up each section of the wall are classified as either a web or a flange, depending on the direction of the horizontal forces acting on them.

This is necessary when designing retaining walls in accordance with different standards for determining the effective cross-sections and the required reinforcement.

The top-left corner of this window displays the list of spans for the selected shear wall. When one of these is selected, a plan view of the "Section" of that span is displayed on the right, and, at the bottom, the "Classification" as a "Flange" or "Web" for the segments of that section at each angular interval (‘α₁’, ‘α₂’, …, ‘α_n’).

The bottom left-hand corner shows a diagram with the following parameters, which are common to all sections of the wall:

• "n" is the number of angular intervals to be considered within which the direction of the horizontal force may lie. Generally, this value is 4. All angular intervals (if there are 4, α₁, α₂, α₃ and α₄) are assumed to be equal.
• "β" is the clockwise angle of the start of the first angular interval (α₁) relative to the X-axis.

Where a horizontal or seismic force is acting, the segments parallel to that force are regarded as webs, and the perpendicular segments as flanges. If the direction of the force falls within a different angular range, the segments may be treated differently.

The program automatically generates the parameters "n" and "β" based on the wall geometry, as well as the classification of each segment for the resulting angular intervals. Both parameters can be edited; in this case, the program recalculates the classification of the segments.

Furthermore, in the table at the bottom right, you can view and/or modify the "Classification" of the segments in response to forces acting within each angular interval, so that the user can adjust them if deemed necessary in the case of complex geometries.

At least one of the segments must be of the "Web" type in each angular interval.

Lateral bracing levels

This option opens the "Lateral bracing levels" window, which displays the levels at which the wall is braced in each direction.

You can define the "Reference" for each level, its "Elevation", and specify whether it is braced in the "X" and "Y" directions by ticking the boxes in the relevant column cells. You can also define the "Floor slab depth".

The "Top elevation of the wall" and "Bottom elevation of the wall" are shown at the bottom.

Drifts

This option opens the "Drifts" window, which displays and allows you to edit the drifts of the selected shear wall.

On the left-hand side, a list is displayed showing the "Elevation" at which the overhangs are defined. On the right-hand side, a list is displayed showing the wall overhangs at the selected elevation in the "X direction" and "Y direction" directions for each "Load combination".

The program retrieves this data during the initial import process from the analysis results included in the BIM model.

Forces

This option opens the "Loads" window, which displays and allows you to edit the loads acting on the selected shear wall.

Table of forces

In the top-left corner is the "Table of forces" button. This opens a table where, for each "Location" ("Base", "Head" or "Other"), "Elevation" and "Load combination", you can specify whether it is a "Seismic action" or not (by ticking the relevant box), the values of the axial force ("N"), the shear forces in both directions ("Vx", "Vy"), the torsional force ("T"), and the bending moments in both directions ("Mx" and "My").

The forces are defined in general directions relative to the centre of gravity of the shear wall. The sign convention can be found in the diagram accessible via the "Help" button at the top.

The program retrieves this data during the initial import process from the analysis results included in the BIM model.

Displaying forces

The main window that appears when you click on the "Forces" option displays a graphical representation of the selected forces.

In the "View" section on the left-hand side, you can configure this view:

• Firstly, you can select the "Initial" and "Final" sections that you wish to display.
• Next, the "Selection of forces" is carried out. To do this:
  • Tick this box if you want to display the forces With automatic scale calculation" according to the zoom level.
  • Next, in the table, tick each "Force" that you want to make "Visible", and enter its "Scale". The program displays the colour for each effort.
  • Below, select the set of loadcases to be displayed.
  • Finally, in the "Settings" options, tick the boxes to "View values" by hovering the cursor over each stress-strain curve, "Show maximum values" on each graph, or "Draw the stress-strain curve filled in" with colour.

Force amplification

This option opens the "Force amplification" window, which allows you to set the amplification of the moments, axial forces and shear forces for the selected shear wall as follows:

• "Moment amplification" is defined by the parameter "ΔH", which is used to derive the law of amplified moments.
• The "Axial force amplification" is determined by the parameter "K_P", such that the amplified axis is equal to P' = K_P·_P
• "Shear force amplification" is defined by the parameters "K₀", "h1" and "K_H", which determine the amplified shear law such that V'(0) = K₀·V(0) and V'(H) = K_H·V'(0)

The program provides helpful diagrams to make these parameters easier to understand.

The "Checks" panel, located at the bottom of the interface, displays a table of checks for the reinforcement bar selected in the "Reinforcement" panel. From here, you can access the checks for normal stresses in the cross-section and the detailed check reports.

The table shows the following columns:

1. Normal loading
2. Segment
3. Initial edge element / Final edge element
4. Edit
5. Report

Each of these is detailed below:

Normal loading

This section provides the following information regarding the standard stress checks for the section:

• Demand Capacity Ratio
• Edit
  This option opens a pop-up window where you can do the following:
  • In "Section", the effective areas of the wall cross-section are shown in shading for each of the angular intervals defined under "Segment classification" (accessible via the "α₁", "α₂", …, "α_n" tabs).
  • On the left, using the "Show editing panel" option, you can edit the input data for standard section stress checks, including parameters relating to "Materials" and "Buckling", as well as the gauge, layout and contribution of the reinforcement. In addition, you can edit the "Contour" of the effective sections numerically.
  • The "Check" section at the bottom displays a summary of the standard checks, which can be refreshed if any changes have been made in this window. It includes:
    • Its demand capacity ratio in relation to these checks
    • The report of "Worst case checks"
    • The "Equilibrium diagram of the section for the worst case section", which is displayed in a separate window, shows the "Equilibrium diagram of the section for the worst case section" and the position of the "Resultant" forces
    • Using the "Combinations" option, the ability to view the worst-case stresses and the section equilibrium diagram for each combination.
• Report
  This option provides access to a specific report for checking the limit state of fatigue under normal loads. This report can be printed directly or exported to various formats.

Segment

This section provides the following information regarding the verification of compliance with regulatory requirements for each section of the wall:

• Reference
  Segment reference.
• Shear D/C
  The demand/capacity ratio of the shear resistance in the wall plane.
• Layouts
  Status of the segment’s compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Seismic layouts
  Status of compliance of the segment with regulatory seismic requirements.

Initial edge element / Final edge element

These columns show the compliance statuses of the segment’s start and end edge elements.

Edit

Selecting this option opens a pop-up window where you can do the following:

• At the top, a list is displayed of each of the regulatory "Code checks" carried out on the wall section, indicating their compliance "Status", the "Type" of check, the "Zone" where it is carried out, and a summary of the "Code checks".
• The lower section displays the details of the check selected in the upper section, including a reference to the applicable regulatory provision, the terms and data used, and the calculations performed by the program.
• On the left, using the "Show editing panel" option, you can edit the "Segment verification data", including general data, the wall's geometry and materials, the forces considered, and the reinforcement laid out.

Report

This option provides access to a list of detailed checks against regulatory requirements in each segment. This report can be printed directly or exported in various formats.

Check all the walls

This option allows you to check all the reinforcement bars in all the retaining walls on the site.

Check a wall

This option allows you to check all the reinforcement sections of the shear wall selected from the list.

Design all walls

Checks and designs all the reinforcement sections in all the shear walls in the project.

Design a wall

Checks and designs all the reinforcement sections of the shear wall selected from the list.

Design a span

Checks and designs the reinforcement section of the selected shear wall.

Anchorage lengths and splice lengths

This option opens a window where, after selecting the "Concrete / Steel" combination from the drop-down menu, you can define the "Anchorage length" and "Overlap lengths" for each bar's "Diameter" and "Class", as well as the length of the "Hook", by entering the desired value in the table cells.

The button on the right allows you to import the standard values for each diameter.

This information is used when the program exports the required reinforcement for each section to the BIM model.

Resistant sections

This option opens a window that allows you to view the interaction diagrams and the load-bearing sections of shear walls in a three-dimensional environment.

In the left-hand side panel, you can enable the display of the following information:

• Interaction surfaces
  Interaction surfaces are 3D visualisation tools that use curves in space to represent the load-bearing capacity of wall sections under different load combinations.
  • Faces
    Displays the faces that make up the interaction surface on each wall section.
  • Edges
    Displays the edges that form the interaction surface on each wall section.
  • Failure forces
    Places the points on the interaction surface corresponding to the stress concentrations in the cross-section for each section of the wall.
  • Acting forces
    Places the points corresponding to the applied forces on the diagram for each section of the wall.
  • Axes
    Displays the axes of the interaction surface corresponding to the axial force and the moments in both directions.
• Resistance sections
  The program also displays the following information about the project’s shear walls in this view:
  • Section
    Displays a two-dimensional representation of the cross-section of each section of the retaining walls.
  • Reinforcement
    Displays a two-dimensional representation of the reinforcement cross-section for each bay of the shear walls.
  • Concrete volumes
    Displays a three-dimensional representation of the concrete volumes of the shear walls.
• BIM Model
  Enables the display of the models included in the project.

Reinforcement

This option opens a window that displays a three-dimensional representation of the reinforcement for the project’s structural elements, including both “Shear walls” and “Connecting beams”.

In the side panel, you can enable or disable the display of elements of each type, for each wall or section of wall, and for each beam or group of beams.

In addition, the "BIM Model" option can be used to display the models included in the project.

Updating

Update the information contained in the "Main (Initiator)" file template previously imported into the project, and import any additional templates if required.

The update process launches an import wizard for shear walls and connecting beams, similar to the one that appears when creating a new project, allowing you to carry out the "Shear wall selection", the "Connecting beam selection" and the "Options" configuration.

Sharing

Exports the installation data generated by the program to BIMserver.center so that you can share it with other users.

During the export process, you can specify the details of the .ifc file to be exported and select any additional files you wish to share:

• Name
• Description
• Options
  In this section, you can include the following documents and information in the export:
  • Reinforcement report (optional)
  • Interaction surfaces (optional)
  • Code check (optional)
• IFC (Reinforcement bars) (optional)
  If this option is enabled, a file in IFC format containing information about the model’s reinforcement can be generated. The following options can be configured:
  • Include the description of the bars in BVBS format (optional)
    In the .ifc file, an additional parameter is added to each bar containing its description in BVBS format, which provides the necessary information on the shape of each member for manufacturing purposes.
  • Quantities (optional)
    Selecting this option includes information about the quantities in the template in the export file.