Versione 2014.b

Calculation of the properties of the masonry construction elements

The homogenised values of the properties of the construction elements that are introduced in CYPECAD, to consider their effect in the dynamic analysis of buildings exposed to seismic action, are, as of the 2014.a version: the Thickness of the masonry, Modulus of elasticity X, Modulus of elasticity Y, Shear modulus XY, Poisson’s ratio XY and the Surface load.

All this data is introduced in the Masonry properties – homogenized values – (Beam Definition tab > Loads > Construction elements > Add or Edit option > edit selected type button  or edit type list button  and add ). It is the manufacturers, who due the tests they have carried out on their products, will be able to provide more exact values.

For those cases in which the manufacturers have not provided the required data, a tool has been implemented in the 2014.b version that calculates the homogenised values of the masonry properties based on geometric and resistance data that users can know more easily. This tool is accessed from the previously mentioned dialogue box: Masonry properties – homogenized values, selected using the Property analysis button ().

The properties required by the tool are:

• Type of construction element
  • Internal partition
  • External wall, visible
  • External wall, to be covered
• Number of leaves (single or double)
• Material
• Type of mortar
• Type of joint
• Mortar resistance
• Standard compressive strength of the unit

In order to define the material, type of mortar, type of joint, mortar resistance and the standard compressive strength of the unit, users must select the adequate option amongst those offered by the program in a drop-down list.

Vertical openings in beams

Implemented in the previous version (2014.a) was the introduction and check of horizontal openings in beams, for dropped rectangular, “L” or “T” sections (without lattice reinforcement) using the Advanced beam editor of CYPECAD and Continuous beams.

Now, with the 2014.b version, vertical openings (rectangular or circular) can be introduced in flat or dropped rectangular, “L” or “T” beams (without lattice reinforcement).

A new option, New vertical opening, has been implemented to introduce the vertical openings, within the Openings dialogue box (Edit a beam from the Results tab of CYPECAD using the advanced beam editor > select the  button of the editor).

The program allows for vertical openings to be introduced in the flanges and webs of flat and dropped beams, as long as the following conditions are met:

• The transverse dimension of the vertical opening must be less than one third of the width of the web or less than two thirds of the width of the flange, depending on the zone in which the opening is situated.
• The length of the opening must be less than the width of the web and the depth of the beam.
• The position of the vertical opening must guarantee that the cover is respected at all the surfaces of the opening.
• The free distance between a vertical opening and the support of the beam must be greater than the lateral confinement length of the opening.
  

Furthermore, the free distance between consecutive openings, be they horizontal or vertical, must be greater than two times the depth of the beam and greater than the width of the web of the beam.

Neither horizontal nor vertical openings may be introduced in the confinement zones established in the selected seismic code.

The resulting section of the beam, having applied the reduction due to the presence of the opening, will be checked using the criteria of the selected code as will, besides the reinforcement of the beam, the reinforcement provided in the opening.

Horizontal and vertical openings in beams are not eliminated after analysing or redesigning

As of the 2014.b version, the horizontal and vertical openings are not eliminated even if the job is analysed or the frame is redesigned. The program rechecks the openings of a frame when they are edited by users.

Capacity design criteria for seismic design with CIRSOC 103-2005 (Argentina)

Information on the improvements that have been carried out upon applying CIRSOC 103-2005 when applying a seismic analysis can be found in the section on Loads on structures. Seismic loads - CIRSOC 103-2005 (Argentina) of this webpage.

Analysis time optimisation during the design of columns using the IS 456: 2000 code (India)

The time required to design the concrete columns, especially using the IS 456: 2000 Indian code, has been optimised.

Move tendon anchorages

A new option Move anchorages, has been implemented in the Post-tensioned dialogue box (Beam Definition tab or Results tab > Post-tensioned > Post-tensioned > Move anchorages) which allows users to move the anchorage in the direction of the tendon (by selecting the anchorage to be moved with the left mouse button) or move the both anchorages and the tendon perpendicularly to it (if any part of the tendon, except its ends, is selected).