ProStructures Help

Adding a Standard Reinforcement Cage to Columns

To add reinforcement bars to a column, use the following procedure.

  1. Select (Column Reinforcing). The Column Reinforcing dialog opens.
  2. Use the Column Info tab to specify general member and reinforcing information.
    1. Click within the Section Dimensions group and then select the column in your model. The Column Reinforcing dialog returns and preliminary reinforcing is displayed in the selected column. The column geometry is used to complete some of the dialog parameters.
    2. Type a Bar Quantity value for both the Long Face and Short Face.
    3. (Optional) Set the Opposite Quantity option on either to specify a different bar quantity for the opposing face (i.e., asymmetric layout).
    4. Type a Clearance value for each face (and optional opposing faces, if used).
    5. Complete the Lift Dimension group options for the top of the column.
  3. Use the Vertical Reinforcing tab to determine how your reinforcement is placed.
    1. Click to add a vertical bar detail to the table.
    2. Click a vertical bar pattern button () to assign the vertical bar to the cross section.
    3. Type a Label and select a Bar Size. The Quantity is determined from the face Bar Quantity values entered on the Column Info tab.
    4. Type a Top Offset and Bottom Offset value and select Top End Condition and Bottom End Condition to specify the reinforcement detailing at column ends.
    You can add a single row of reinforcing details to the table for regular cages or multiple rows to describe complex reinforcing arrangements. As you make changes, bars update on the selected column.
  4. (Optional) Select the Lap Options tab to set lap method. Set a desired Lap Method.

    Complete the settings in either Automatic or Manual Lap, as required.

  5. Use the Ties tab to create tie zones and define the tie bars within each zone.
    1. Click adjacent to the left table to add a tie zone.
    2. Type a Label and select a Bar Size.
    3. Select the Location and type Spacing, Start, and End dimensions.
      Tip: The Start and End dimensions are measured from the same point and describe the length of the tie zone.
    4. Click adjacent to the right table to add a tie detail.
    5. Click the bars in the cross section —in order— around which the stirrup is placed.
      Tip: If you make a mistake, you can click to delete the bar stirrup detail and start again.
    6. Type a Label.
    7. Type a Offset value and select Top End Condition and Bottom End Condition to specify the tie detailing for the zone.
    Repeat steps 5a through 5c to add additional tie zones and steps 5d through 5g to add tie details within each. Multiple zones are used to create different spacings or tie arrangements along the height of the column and multiple tie details can be added to each zone to create complex tie arrangements.
  6. When you are finished, click OK to apply the reinforcing to selected columns.