A new section, "Lightweight slabs", has been added to the "Panels" menu, which includes all the specific functions for this type of slab:

• Enter lightweight slabs
  Opens the "Insert lightweight slabs" dialogue box, where users can choose between:
  • Lightweight slabs
    Insert this type of slab by selecting an interior point of the panel and a beam to define the direction of the reinforcement. To do this, users need to set the depth, select a compatible lightweight element (from the manufacturer's catalogue) and define the direction of the longitudinal reinforcement.
  • Lightweight mat foundations
    In addition to the above parameters, the allowable bearing pressures of the soil must be indicated.
• Generate lightweight elements
  Automatically establishes an optimal layout of the lightweight elements. If the solid or lightweight areas are modified, the lightweight elements will need to be regenerated.
• Move insertion point
  Moves the lightweight elements from the predetermined position to a user-defined position, indicating a new insertion point in the panel.
• Generate solid zones
  Analyses the required shear reinforcement for solid areas or generates it from the current results. Three options are available to simplify the design model.
• Solid zone - Rectangle
  Defines a solid area in the panel, in the form of a rectangle, by inserting two points.
• Solid zone - Circle
  Defines a solid area in the panel, in the form of a circle, by inserting a central point and a radius.
• Solid zone - Polygon
  Defines a solid area in the panel, in the form of a polygon, by entering three or more points.
• Solid zone - Segment
  Defines a solid area in the panel, in the form of a segment, by inserting two points.
• Solid zone - Point
  Defines a solid area in the panel, in the form of a point, by inserting a single point.
• Lightweight zone - Rectangle
  Defines a lightweight zone in the panel, in the form of a rectangle, by inserting two points.
• Lightweight zone - Polygon
  Defines a lightweight zone in the panel, in the form of a polygon, by inserting three or more points.
• Delete zones
  Removes solid or lightweight zones previously defined by the user.
• Panel data
  A dialogue box opens in which the slab edge, the slope and the fixity coefficient can be modified. Furthermore, the type and characteristics of the lightweight element, as well as the basic reinforcement of the slab, are displayed.
• View shear reinforcement
  Displays the shear reinforcements on the screen by means of cyan blue lines.
• View ‘deleted’ solid zones
• Displays the solid zones where lighteners have been removed in a cyan blue grid on the screen.

The "Lightweight slabs" type can also be selected in the "Layer" menu in the "Layer management" section of the "Layer management" menu. Here, the "Enter panel" option opens a dialogue box, in which "Infilled slabs / Lightweight slabs" can be selected.

The following data must be defined when entering "Lightweight slabs" type panels:

• Edge
  The edge of the panel must be stated in centimetres. Each panel can have a different edge. The edge of the slab must be sufficient to hold the lightener, and the program offers the option of displaying only those that are compatible with this edge.
• Lightweight element
  A lightweight element must be selected from the manufacturer's catalogues integrated in the program and available through the Open BIM Database. When selecting a lightweight element, the program displays a warning if the space for the reinforcement is limited or not compatible.
• Longitudinal reinforcement direction
  Three layout options are available: "Parallel to a beam", "Perpendicular to a beam" and "Two intersection points".