Data entry

Using the “Concrete columns” module, CYPECAD and CYPE 3D check rectangular and circular reinforced concrete columns in accordance with the selected code.

CYPECAD and CYPE 3D also design composite steel and concrete columns using the Composite steel and concrete columns module, and steel columns (only CYPECAD requires the Steel columns module).

CYPECAD allows users to define, for each column that is entered, specific values for the following parameters during its entry (whose values are defined in the general data of the job or the analysis options):

• Effective length factors
• Fixity coefficients at the top and bottom of each column span
• Axial stiffness coefficients
• Cover
• Concrete resistance
  

In CYPE 3D, these properties are defined using different options in the Bar menu.

In CYPECAD, when entering the data, the fixed point of the columns can be defined (at corners or faces) when the section size of a column varies from one floor to another. In CYPE 3D, the fixed point is defined using the “Describe disposition” option in the “Bar” menu.

Columns entered in CYPECAD and CYPE 3D must be vertical. CYPECAD does not allow for them to be entered any other way, however, in CYPE 3D, users could define a bar, as being a column-type structural element, whose local X-axis is at an angle with respect to the global Z-axis. In these cases, CYPE 3D marks the bar as containing an error (if the “Show/Hide incidents” option in the “Analysis” menu has been activated) with the following message: “The element must be vertical, with its local X-axis in the ascending direction”. The program does not allow for the structure to be analysed (and also displays this problem if the analysis is launched regardless of whether the “Show/Hide incidents” option has been activated or not) until the direction of the local X-axis of the bar does not coincide with that of the global Z-axis.

Design options

Users can also configure a series of options that affect how the columns are designed. For example, reinforcement symmetry criteria, reinforcement bar continuity criteria (sections, bars or diameters at faces and corners), fixity coefficient at the last floor, etc.

In CYPECAD, these options are centralised in the columns, shear walls, walls and corbels options dialogue (“Job” menu in the “Column Definition” tab or “Beam Definition” tab > “General data” > “Reinforcement bar steel” button > “Column options” button. See image).

In CYPE 3D, the column options can be found in the Columns dialogue box (Job > General data > Columns button in the Options section. See image).

Automatic generation of reinforcement tables

CYPECAD and CYPE 3D automatically generate reinforcement tables for concrete columns, for the design codes available for use with the Advanced Column Editor.

This feature is of great use to users who wish to use their own reinforcement tables since they do not have to perform the laborious task of creating their own tables and there is the added guarantee that the reinforcement table that is generated is coherent and responds to their expectations. Furthermore, users, which in previous versions did not create their own tables due to the complexity of the task, can now customise them easily.

For design codes that do not use the Advanced column editor, reinforcement tables are not generated automatically. Included in CYPECAD are longitudinal and transverse (stirrups) reinforcement tables for each section type. If seismic loads are applied to the structure, special reinforcement tables exist, which users must choose depending on the ductility of the structure and the basic acceleration. All these reinforcement tables can be configured by users. New tables can be created based on existing tables and users can choose to use the original or modified tables as they wish.

Please remember that CYPE 3D does not design reinforced concrete columns if the selected concrete and seismic codes are not available for use with the Advanced column editor. More information on the Advanced and Classic column editors can be found in the next section.

Classic column editors

Using the editor of versions earlier than the 2012.a version, column force graphs can be consulted by loadcase in a dialogue box, which also displays the numerical results as the cursor is moved along the graphs.

The program marks the column sections that fail in red at each floor in question. Users can view a dialogue box in which the program provides information on the problem that has been detected. The worst case forces used to design the column can be viewed, and its section and reinforcement can be modified. If changes are carried out, using the forces obtained from the last analysis, users can redesign the column in the same dialogue box. It is, however, recommended that the job be reanalysed if the column sections have been modified.

CYPECAD contains tools to match column dimensions and reinforcements after the analysis. This allows users to obtain more feasible construction plans. Sometimes, due to small changes in the structure, the job must be reanalysed. So as not to lose any reinforcement modifications, the program allows users to block the reinforcement. The program will emit a warning if any of the columns with blocked reinforcement fails any checks after the structure has been reanalysed.

The program provides reports indicating forces, reinforcement, displacements, quantities, etc.

Drawings

Using the "Edit drawing " dialogue box (File > Drawings) in CYPECAD and CYPE 3D, users can configure the drawings for the job, amongst which are the "Column schedule" and "Detailing of columns" drawings. These drawings include all the modifications users may have carried out using either column editor (classic or advanced).