CYPECAD, as of previous versions, takes into account the capacity design criteria of concrete beams and columns, for specific codes when undertaking the seismic analysis of the structure .
The geometric and mechanical properties of the columns and beams are automatically contemplated with the capacity checks (as of previous versions) as are, optionally, the properties of the floor slabs bearing on beams reaching a column (as of the 2014.d version).
To define the geometric and mechanical properties of the floor slabs, with regards to the capacity checks for concrete beams and columns, a new option has been implemented in the program: Assign data for the capacity check (Beam Definition tab > Beams/Walls).
The aforementioned option will only be visible if a seismic analysis is carried out with a design code which has the capacity check implemented for CYPECAD .
When this option is activated, a dialogue box appears where users can define the following data:
- Effective width (1)
- Effective width (2)
- Effective depth (3)
- Mechanical steel area of the top reinforcement
- Mechanical steel area of the bottom reinforcement
Users can assign them freely to any side or end of beams reaching columns. This way, slabs which have different geometric or mechanical properties at either side of the beam, or beams which only have the floor slab on one side can be contemplated.
To identify each of the sides and ends of the beam to which the data has been assigned for the capacity checks, the program displays small magenta triangles at these zones, which are displayed when the option Assign data for capacity check is selected. The triangles will be displayed in green at zones where the properties of the slab have not been assigned, in which case, the dimensions and steel areas of the slab will not intervene in the capacity checks for the concrete beams and columns.
