Design code configuration

This option opens a pop-up window where you can select the standard the program will use for the design. To do this, click the button on the right and select the code or combination of codes 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 code.

Concrete types

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 for 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 the aggregate" in the relevant field in this window.

Steel types

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

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

Steel 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" steel types available in certain codes for each country or region. To do this, use the tools at the top of the list of types.

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 dialog 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)
  This table allows you to select or deselect the bar diameters or designs 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 spacing (vertical reinforcement)
  • Maximum spacing (vertical reinforcement)
  • Minimum spacing (stirrups)
  • Maximum spacing (stirrups)
  • Separation increment (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 if (the parameters L_EB,i, L_EB,f, L_s and t_s are detailed in the help diagram available 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 ratio of the vertical reinforcement of the edge elements" are specified.

Design options for coupling beams

• Perimeter reinforcement (longitudinal reinforcement on vertical faces, stirrups)
  This table allows you to select or deselect the bar diameters or designs 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 spacing between longitudinal bars
  • Maximum spacing between longitudinal bars
  • Minimum distance between stirrups
  • Maximum distance between footrests
  • Spacing between stirrups
  • Diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement at corners
  • Diameter of the longitudinal reinforcement in horizontal sections
  • 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 separation between longitudinal bars
  • Maximum separation between longitudinal bars
  • Minimum spacing of stirrups
  • Maximum distance between footrests
  • Spacing between stirrups
  • Brackets should be fitted to the diagonal elements (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)

Properties

This option opens a window where you can edit the following properties for all beams:

• Concrete
  In this section, you can select and/or edit one of the concrete types created in the specific library.
• Longitudinal reinforcement
  In this section, you can select and/or edit one of the steel types created in the specific library for use in the longitudinal reinforcement of the connecting beams.
• Stirrups
  In this section, you can select and/or edit one of the steel grades created in the specific library for use in the brackets of the connecting beams.
• Top cover
  Value of the top geometric cover of the beam assembly.
• Bottom cover
  Value of the lower geometric cover of the beam reinforcement.
• Side cover
  Value of the geometric lateral overlap of the beam assembly.
• Seismic reinforcement criteria
  The seismic design criteria applicable to an "Ordinary structural wall" or a "Special structural wall" may be adopted.
  

Display options

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