Concrete Column Layout

Columns can be located at the intersections of gridlines (On-Grid) or at any other location on the layout (Off-Grid). Throughout the program output, columns are identified by the grid intersection they are on, so it is recommended to place the column On-Grid. Placing columns On-Grid is also the best way to assure that they line up from level to level. If a column is at the confluence of three or more grid lines, you may want to stop all but two of the grid lines short of the intersection so that the program can identify the column correctly.

Concrete Column and Wall layout (2^nd Floor Type)

To begin modeling the columns:

Select Layout > Columns > Add On-Grid. The Add Concrete Column On-Grid Mode dialog box should appear.
Enter 4 for f’c (30 for fcu).
Enter 145 (2350) for Unit Weight
Enter 150 (2400) for Unit Weight for Self-Weight
Enter 0.20 for Poisson’s Ratio
Select Normal Weight Concrete
Select Use Calculated Value for Elastic Modulus
For Reinforcement, enter 60 (410) for fy Longitudinal and 60 (410) for fy Shear
Set Framing to Gravity.
Set Orientation to (this is zero degree orientation).
Click [Single].

This will take you back to the graphics screen with the plus sign cursor .

With the cursor, place a column (Left Click one time) at these grid intersections:
- A-1, A-2,
- B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5,
- C-5,
- D-5,
- E-1, E-2, E-3, E-5,
- F-1, and F-2.
Right Click with the mouse to return to the Add Concrete Column On-Grid Mode dialog box (right clicking in the Modeler always returns you to the previous dialog box):
Change Framing from Gravity to Lateral.
Click [Single] to return to the graphics screen:
Place lateral columns by clicking at Grids
B-4, C-4, D-4 and E-4.
Right Click to return to the Add Concrete Column On-Grid Mode dialog box.
Change Orientation to (90 degrees).
Click [Single] to return to the graphics window.
Place 3 lateral columns on the remaining grid intersections for grid lines A and F.

Note: If you accidentally place a member with an incorrect setting, you can undo the last command Using Edit - Undo. If it's too late to undo the command, then you can delete the erroneous column and model it again, or you can fix it by using the Change Properties command. This is covered later in the tutorial.

Now assign concrete column section sizes.

Select the Layout > Columns > Assign Size Command. The Assign Concrete Column Size Mode dialog box will appear.
Select C18x26 (C45x66) from the list box and click [Fence]. This will take you back to the graphics screen:
With the cursor drag a window large just enough to encompass all of the columns. Window selections in the modeler only work on items entirely within the window.
Right click to return to the Assign Size command.
Select the C12x24 (C30x60) from the list and click [Single].
This time select only the gravity (blue) columns. This will override the previous assignment.

This completes the layout of concrete columns on the 2nd Floor. We have a few steel columns to add, but we are going to put the concrete walls in first.

Concrete Column Layout

Concrete Column and Wall layout (2nd Floor Type)

Concrete Column and Wall layout (2^nd Floor Type)