In the 2017.a version, a new option was implemented in the program where users could define the seismic-resistant category of beams, and in the 2017.c version, of beams. As of the 2019.b version, the seismic-resistant category of columns can be defined.
Secondary structural elements against seismic action are those that are not part of the seismic-resistant system of the building against this action.
As of the 2019.b version, CYPECAD allows users to assign and define three seismic-resistant categories for columns:
- Primary column
- Secondary column
- Wall edge reinforcement column
By default, all the columns of a project are considered as primary. It is users who decide which columns are to be considered as secondary or as wall edge reinforcement. For this purpose, the "Seismic Resistant Category" option has been implemented in the column introduction and edit dialogues. With this option, the desired seismic-resistance category can be assigned to each column span.
For the purposes of the seismic analysis, the stiffness of the secondary elements will be reduced by applying the factors defined in the "Inertia reduction factors" dialogue ("Project"> "General options" > "Inertia reduction factors”). This reduction will not be applied to the mass of the secondary elements.
In terms of capacity design and seismic design requirements, the design and verification options defined in the “Secondary columns against seismic action” dialogue will be applied to the "secondary columns" and the "wall edge reinforcement columns" ("Project" menu> "General data"> "By position" button> "Options for columns, shear walls, walls and corbels”> "Design/ Code checks" section> "Secondary columns against seismic action" option).
The indicated inertia reduction factors and the capacity design options depend on the selected seismic code. Users, however, can define other reduction factors and select the capacity design options to apply.
For all these options to be active, users must have activated the seismic analysis with a seismic code that is compatible with the selected concrete code.
