Select either the option of computing moment capacity by AASHTO method or by Strain Compatibility method. By default the AASHTO method of computing moment capacity will be activated in order to have backward compatibility with the older version of Precast/Prestressed Girder. To switch to the strain compatibility method, click on the Strain Compatibility option and input a parameter value in the Ultimate Concrete Strain text box. The algorithm used in Precast/Prestressed Girder for computing moment capacity by Strain Compatibility method is described in the Moment Capacity by Strain Compatibility topic. If the Consider Bottom Tension Steel Contribution option is included, and you specify bottom rebar (below half the beam height) on the Beam tab on the Rebar/Rebars in Beam dialog box, the moment capacity is increased by computed amount.

Precast/Prestressed Girder can now compute the negative moment reinforced design Moment (Mu), excluding the non-composite moments as an alternative option. By default, non-composite moments in Mu options will be selected in order to have backward compatibility with files generated using older versions of the program. Select the Non-Composite Moments in Mu option to exclude the effect of moment due to self weight of the beam and slab from the total negative moment on the section. When a user chooses to exclude non-composite effects, Precast/Prestressed Girder also removes the moment due to diaphragms or moments due to dead loads on the precast beam.

Precast/Prestressed Girder can compute horizontal shear without the effect of beam and slab as an alternative option.

By default the Include Beam and Slab Contribution in Vu options will be selected in order to have backward compatibility with the files generated with older version of Precast/Prestressed Girder. Click on the Exclude Beam and Slab Contribution from Vu option to exclude the effect of beam and slab from the horizontal shear acting on the section. When a user chooses to exclude Beam and Slab effects, Precast/Prestressed Girder removes the following while computing horizontal shear:

By default Precast/Prestressed Girder considers the top flange width of precast section to be the effective flange width in contact, however, by checking the User Input Interface Width bvi option you can manually enter a value to override the program default. You can also specify which criteria to consider for the auto design of Horizontal Shear design steel either intentionally roughened or smooth.

In the LRFD mode, you can choose which specific method to apply for the Vertical Shear computation. The choices are either the General Method, as per LRFD art. 5.8.3.4.2 (based on Modified Compression Field theory), or the Simplified Method art. 5.8.3.4.3 (based on Modified Standard Vci/Vcw method). Under the General method, Beta Theta can be computed using equations or Tables (as in LRFD Appendix B5).

In the LRFD mode, you can choose to use the AASHTO LRFD (Article 5.4.2.6) recommended fr, modulus of rupture value, or you can select the user input value option and input your own factor to be used by the program when computing cracking moment.