Reinforced Deep Beam with with non-aligned openings (ACI)

1 Starting a new project

Let’s launch the IDEA StatiCa Detail application (download the newest version). In the main window of IDEA StatiCa, open the Detail application to start a new project.

In this tutorial, we’ll create a Reinforced Deep Beam with with non-aligned openings from scratch, so choose the option to start without using a template. However, templates can be very helpful for your future designs - they contain pre-define Geometry, Reinforcement and even Load cases.

In this step, you also define the design code (choose ACI) as well as the concrete grade and cover (use concrete 5000 and cover 1.50 in). You can change your choice of material (or add another one) later. Nevertheless, the design code can be chosen only in this first step of the project.

2 Geometry

The Detail application will open with the Design tab automatically selected. You can define new items using commands in the top ribbon and then you can edit this items in the tree menu. If you want to get to know the application environment better, check out the following article - General interface in Detail application.

We will start with creating the Members. Use bottom in top ribbon to add a new model entity - Wall. Then, edit dimensions and position of the wall as shown in the image.

Use the same way to add Opening and then copy it to create second one.

To finish the geometry, add supports. Insert a new model entity - this time choose Point bearing plate.

Use copy to create the second support. Don´t forget to adjust parameters.

Trough New Model entity button you can also add Load transfer devices. In this case we will use two Bearing plates.

Geometry of our model is now finished.

3 Loads and Combinations

To add a load, click on Load case in the ribbon. A load case LC1 is created. Use the plus (+) button to insert a load impulse within this load case — choose Point Load and then repeat adding another Point Load and another load impulse with Self-Weight.

Create two more load cases LC2 and LC3, both with two Point load impulses as shown in images below.

In order to be able to distinguish between short-term and long-term effects, make sure to correctly assign Dead and Live load case types.

Load combinations can be created from the top ribbon command Combination. Add six combinations C1-C6, and then click on the Pencil icon to edit the combination factors.

In the tree list, the combinations are divided into Strength (U1-U3) and Serviceability (S1-S3) groups. To activate crack width or deflection checks, tick the corresponding checkboxes in the property window under Serviceability combinations.

4 Reinforcement

The next step is to reinforce the model. First, we can switch to the Tools tab and start the Topology Optimization in Design tools that help you to design the reinforcement).

Now design the reinforcement. Click on the Rebar assembly in the section New. Select reinforcement type Group of bars and define the properties of GB1.

Repeat the same process for GB2.

True Rebar assembly button you can add not only Group of bars, but also other types of reinforcement, which will speed up your modeling process. In this tutorial we will use Wire fabrics WF1 and Cages around openings RO1 and RO2.

5 Calculation and Check

Start the analysis by clicking on the Calculate button in the ribbon.

The analysis model is automatically generated. Navigate to Check. On the left, you can see the overall results such as the material utilization.

To go through the detailed checks of each component, start with Strength. This will show concrete checks such as utilization in stress, the direction of principal stresses and strains_, which can be switched on in the ribbon. Also, you can change directions and scale of stress.

For detailed results of reinforcement, you need to switch to the Reinforcement tab. This will change the ribbon icons and also will unroll the table for results. You can display results for strains and stresses in each bar and their utilization.

Let's go to the Crack limitation check. Besides the icons to switch between the results, there are settings in the ribbon to specify the limit value.

6 Printing report

Now it is time to print a report of your calculations. Go to the Report tab. You can choose Brief or Detailed type of report and further adjust the report based on your needs in the tree menu. Select the preferred options and press Generate in the top ribbon.

The report is generated, and we can save it as a PDF or export it to an open Microsoft Word file.

You have designed, optimized, and code-checked the Reinforced Deep Beam with with non-aligned openings.