This tab covers the concrete extents of the beam. Note that some of the entries on this tab can be input in either decimal inches or feet-inches (this is true of all the input tabs). If input is in decimal inches, it will automatically be converted to feet-inches. You can also input feet and inches using the single (feet) and double (inches) quote characters.
Typical Section
At the top of this block, you have a choice of several pre-defined section types, along with a user defined section type (polygonal). The contents of this block will change based upon which pre-defined section type you select.
T-Beam
T-Beams are used to model both single T and double T beams. By default only the stems are considered for shear.
Flange
This section contains the width and thickness of the precast top flange. The full width may be entered with a joint gap if you want the true width of the concrete section to be used.
Stem(s)
In this section you will need to input the top and bottom widths of the stems, along with the height (as measured from the bottom of the top flange) and number of stems in the member. The stem spacing is also input here. Typically, the stems are centered about the flange, but you can offset the stems within the flange by unchecking ‘Center Legs’. If you do so, you will be prompted for the location of the first stem (which is assumed to be the left-most stem).
Inverted T
The inverted T section can be used to design both IT-Beams and L-Beams (if the eccentricity is used). This section by default assumes only the stem is used for shear and torsion, but options exist to enable the ledges for both.
Flange
The flange section contains all information about the bottom flange, including both ledges. The full width of the bottom flange is entered with the ability to vary the thickness of each ledge.
Stem
The stem geometry is entered as the portion above the bottom flange. By default the stem is centered on the flange but this may be moved if the user uses the eccentricity input.
Ledge Options
Options exist here to instruct the program how to handle the ledge in both shear and torsion. The user may also enter a ledge draft here if desired.
I-Beam
Section
This portion of the input contains the minimum width of the web and the overall height of the precast section.
Top Flange
In this section you define the width and thickness of the top flange, along with the additional thickness (or bottom slope) and the contours of the web where it joins with the top flange (web slope and height).
Bottom Flange
In this section you define the width and thickness of the bottom flange, along with the additional thickness (or top slope) and the contours of the web where it joins with the bottom flange (web slope and height).
Hollow Core
The hollow core section is used to approximate the geometry of hollow core planks. The true geometry is often complex and for more accurate modeling, with non elliptical cores and non uniform size and spacing, a polygonal section must be used.
Slab
This section contains the overall width and thickness of the precast slab.
Cores
In this section you will need to input the dimensions of the cores, along with the number of cores and their horizontal locations. Note that all cores are assumed to have the same dimensions and vertical locations, and will have equal spaces between them. Cores are assumed to be elliptical.
Spandrel / L-Beam
Flange
This section contains the width and thickness of the bottom flange of the member. Note that the width is measured from the inside face of the stem.
Stem
In this section you will need to input the width and height of the stem. Note that the height is measured from the top of the ledge. You can also place the bottom flange (also known as a ledge) on either side of the web.
Rectangular
Section
This portion of the input contains the width and height of the precast section.
Stadium Riser
Stadium risers are assumed to be non-composite sections (always). The deck is the horizontal portion of the cross-section, the leg is the vertical portion below the deck, and the riser is the vertical portion above the deck.
Riser(s)
This section contains the height of the typical section, as measured from the top of the deck. Note that the top (or rightmost) riser may have a different height. You can also input the quantity of risers (1-3).
Deck
This section contains the thickness and width of the deck. You can also input a cross slope of the top of the deck, which are always assumed to be sloping down from the ‘back’ leg to the ‘front’ leg. Note that the width is measured from the inside face of the riser to the outside face of the leg.
Leg(s)
In this section you define the dimensions of the legs, including the top width and draft (applied to both faces), and the total extension (as measured from the bottom of the deck). Unchecking ‘Extend 1st Leg’ will remove the leftmost leg.
Barrier
Checking this box will prompt you to input the width and height of a bottom ‘riser’. The height of this section is measured from the thickest part of the deck, and the width is measured from the end of the deck (that is, the deck width is not additive to this dimension).\
Polygonal
The polygonal section editor allows the user to ‘fine tune’ a typical section to meet the requirements of a specific precaster. Start with a typical section (such as a T-Beam), and then select ‘Polygonal’. The typical section will then be automatically converted to a polygonal section. Pressing the ‘Edit Verticies’ button will display a dialog box that allows you to do just that, edit the individual verticies of the section.
See more about polygonal sections in the Polygonal Section Editor section.
Fillets and Chamfers
Fillets are assumed to be segments of circles, so you will be prompted for a radius. Chamfers are assumed to be triangular, so you will be prompted to input a leg length. Fillets and chamfers at a corner where the external angle is less than 180 degrees will add area where if the angle is greater than 180 degrees they will remove area.