This section discusses the bar placement checks that are implemented within the RAM Concrete Wall module and the assumptions made by the program when performing the checks. Table below provides a summary of the sections of ACI 318-11 covering bar placement that have been implemented within the program.

Section 14.3.4 is not considered during the optimization process. The number of bar layers is assigned directly by the user in the Bar Pattern Template assignment or by changing the number of Layers on the Reinforcing page. Rather, designs that violate Section 14.3.4 will generate a design failure.

Section 14.3.6 likewise does not drive the design process and a warning (see Design Warnings for an explanation of the differences between design warnings and design failures) will be delivered if the check does not comply with the code requirement. In calculating the ratio of the vertical reinforcing area to the gross concrete area, the following methods are employed:

• The area of vertical steel per unit length for each Bar Pattern is divided by the thickness of the respective Wall Panel.
• For individual bars that have been modified by the user, the area of the bar is divided by half the total distance to the adjacent bar on each side, and divided again by the Wall Panel thickness.

If either of the quantities calculated above fail the code check, a design failure will be delivered to the user.