Rapt 12
Rapt 12
Then the user can then move around the graph using the Scroll Bars or the movement keys. and buttons will
still move the cursor to the next and previous points. If the point is outside the viewable area it, the area of graph
shown will adjust automatically to position the requested point near the left of the View Window.
Clicking this button again or on the or buttons will return the Window to Span Zoom Mode.
Clicking will change the mode to Span Zoom Mode in the span in which the cursor is positioned in the Select Zoom
mode.
1. Focus in Data Windows:- The section graphics windows show representations of the data in the current
data row in the Data Grid. See the discussion on what is shown in each case in the help section for each
section of concrete frame input.
2. Focus in Frame Graphics Window:- Shows the complete frame cross section shape immediately each side
of the cursor location. The cross-sections are shown as viewing from the right end of the frame. In most
cases there is graphical interaction between graphics in this window and the data. See the discussion on what
interaction is available in each case in the help section for each section of concrete frame input.
The section graphics windows show concrete sections in two equal sized windows to a consistent vertical/horizontal
scale. The grid scale is printed in the top right corner of each section window and by default is equal in both directions
and the scale factor is 1. This grid dimension will always apply for the direction which controls the scale in the window.
For a wide flattish shape in the window the horizontal direction will control the scale and the horizontal grid dimension
will always be equal to the scale dimension. For tall thin shapes, the vertical direction will normally control and the
vertical grid dimension will always be equal to the scale dimension.
The centre splitter can be used to adjust the relative sizes of the two section windows.
The vertical axis line is the column/support centreline while the horizontal axis line is the zero depth datum.
If the mouse cursor is held steady over a and individual element shape in the section windows (do not click), an
information window which defines the dimensions of that shape will appear as shown below. The cursor can be moved
to each element comprising the overall shape to view the information for each element. Depths are positive
downwards and widths are positive to the right. The information given is shown graphically below.
Reset Splitter and Scale:- Resets the window splitter location to divide the section windows equally within their
space and resets the scale factor to 1
Set Scale Factor:- Allows the designer to set a scale factor that controls the ratio of the
vertical/horizontal scale. A value of 2 will result in a distorted scale of 4:1 with the grid dimension in the non-
controlling direction being divided by 4. The first diagram below shows the slab with a scale factor of 1 with the grids
1000mm in both directions. The second diagram below shows the same slab with a scale factor of 4. The horizontal
grids are still 1000mm but the vertical grids are 1000 / 4 = 250mm each.
Refer to 7.2.3 Frame Shape Screen Layout for discussion of the general principles of the RAPT Frame Screen layout
and to 4.5.1 General Screen Layout Principles for discussion on the general layout features of windows in RAPT.
This Input Screen is used to define general structural span and slab shapes. For more complicated cross sections,
users should first enter their basic data in this screen and then refine the structure using Layers (7.2.3.6), Steps
(7.2.3.7) and Elements (7.2.3.8).
The screen is set up with the span numbers down the left hand side and zero's for all data required. A left cantilever is
identified by the term LC and a right cantilever by RC. When no cantilever exists, RAPT replaces the cantilever names
with LE (left end) and RE (right end). The user can input a length in these fields which defines the location of the left
and right slab ends from the respective column centre lines. This value can be negative and the slab can edge can be
placed as far into the adjoining span as the front face of the column. The concrete shape in these end sections is a
continuation of the shape in the adjoining spans. If ends are defined, tendons can extend into them and they are
included in the analysis as cantilevers. No design is carried out in these end sections. The location of the ends affects
the shear perimeter in the punching shear calculations.
Graphic Interaction
Clicking the left mouse button in a span in the graphics will automatically move the current row in the data to the row
for that span. The section views will show the cross-section shape either side of the selected point.
Select a row in the data and the section graphics will show the data for that row in section. See below.
Section Views
When the program focus is in the spans data view, the Section Graphics Windows will show the slab shape as it is
defined in this view, at the left (left panel) and right (right panel) ends of the span in which the cursor is positioned.
Nothing is shown for Left Ends and Right Ends.
Ctrl + D, Ctrl + R
Refer to 4.4.4 Cell Repeating for a general discussion on repeating data automatically in other data cells. A few specific
applications of the key apply to this screen when a range of repeat data cells is not selected. These are listed below
(i) Span Lengths:- This column is made up of two fields. These are
a) spans and
(ii) Panel Width Left:- When a value is placed in the current cell and the repeat key combination is pressed, the
value will be repeated in all zero cells in both the left and right panel width columns.
(iii) Panel Width Right, External Edge Distance Right, Column Strip Width Right:- When a repeat key
combination is used on a current cell with a value of zero in it, the data will be copied from the similar data column for
the left end of the span.
Spans Toolbar
The special Spans Toolbar allows the user control over adding and deleting spans and cantilevers. Only the toolbar
buttons available at any time will be active for use. The remainder will be shown in background colour.
The buttons available are
Add Spans: Adds spans at the current cursor location. All spans at and to the right of this span will be moved to
the right. This button will only be available when the cursor is in a span or right cantilever/end. It will never be
available at the left cantilever/end. The user is presented with the following dialog box to define the number of spans
to be added.
When spans are added, a default set of data will be inserted by RAPT based on the joining spans. All data associated
with spans will be updated to suit this new data. This will include prestress, loads, reinforcement, steps and elements
that are affected. Wherever data has been added/modified by RAPT the cell background colours will be modified to
indicate that changes have been made (refer Section 4.4.3). The Tree Control will indicate views that have changes
made with similar colour changes. The user should then go through all the screens where changes have been made to
check and modify the data as appropriate.
Delete Spans: Deletes selected spans. To delete a group of spans, the user must select a group of whole data
rows. The selection does not have to be continuous. This button will only be available when the cursor is in a span or
when a group of spans has been selected. It cannot be used to convert cantilevers to ends.
The user is presented with the following Dialog nominating which spans will be deleted and asking which column to
delete.
When spans are deleted, RAPT will adjust other affected data to suit the changed span arrangement. The main effects
will be in prestress, loads, reinforcement, steps and elements. Any step, etc that is within a deleted span will be
deleted. Loads prestress tendons and reinforcing bars that extend outside the deleted spans will be modified to suit
and the cell background colours will be modified to indicate that changes have been made (refer Section 4.4.3).
Add Left Cantilever: Adds a cantilever at the left end. Effects on other data are as for adding spans.
Remove Left Cantilever: Removes a cantilever at the left end and replaces it with a Left End. Effects on other
data are as for deleting spans.
Add Right Cantilever: Adds a cantilever at the right end. Effects on other data are as for adding spans
Remove Right Cantilever: Removes a cantilever at the right end and replaces it with a Right End. Effects on
other data are as for deleting spans.
Recalculate Strip Width: Recalculates the column and middle strip widths, for two way slabs based on strip
design methods, to the code calculated values. If no span selection is made, the values for all spans will be
recalculated. If a span or group of spans is selected, the widths for those spans only will be recalculated.
Data Definition
Figure 7.2.3.1 shows all of the data columns available in this input screen. The data required in this screen varies
depending on the structure type selected in the General Screen. Only those columns requiring data will be available for
input for each case. Fig 7.2.3.2a -7.2.3.2c show the different data sets for different structure types. 7.2.3.2d shows
the extra data items that are added for External Panels.
Figure 7.2.3.2a Span Data Screen Headers - 1-way slab full width, 1-way beam system
Figure 7.2.3.2b Span Data Screen Header s- 1-way slab Nominal Width
Figure 7.2.3.2c Span Data Screen Headers - 2-way, 2-way beam system
Figure 7.2.3.2d Span Data Screen Headers - 2-way, 2-way beam system - External Panel
Span Length
The span length is measured from centre to centre of columns. Cantilever lengths are measured from the cantilever
edge to the column centreline and must extend past the end of the columns, otherwise a Left/Right End should be
selected. In end overhangs (i) The concrete shape in these end sections is a continuation of the shape in the adjoining
spans. If the user wants to vary the shape a cantilever must be nominated or steps, etc can be added in the end
overhangs. (ii) The length can be negative allowing the slab end to be placed at any point up to the inside face of the
column.
Slab Depth
The underside of the slab may step at the centre line of each column or at the faces of a transverse beam or band. If it
varies either side of a longitudinal beam then the user should calculate an average value or users can use the
Elements Input (7.2.3.8) to model the step correctly. Slab depth cannot equal 0 in any span. If the user wishes to run
a beam without any slab, the user should input a nominal slab depth and restrict the one way width to the beam width
by overriding the default figure.
The top of the slab as defined in this Input Screen is the DATUM for vertical measurements.
For a One Way Slab- Nominal Width a different slab design width may be input in each span. The Slab Design Width is
used for all self weight and design calculations. In this way the self-weight of the slab need not be input manually by
the user unless the load contributing area is not able to be defined in the RAPT input. All output results except
Punching Shear will be based on this slab width.
Define the transverse dimension of the slab at each column centre-line (left column and right column) in each span
(see Figure 7.2.3.3 and Figure 7.2.3.4). This allows the user to input a tapered slab (in plan) or steps in the slab width
at the column centre-lines. These dimensions are not used to calculate the torsional beam stiffness for the equivalent
column calculation (see Transverse Column Spacing in Columns data).
(i) one-way slabs: At least the one-way width in each span. The self-weight and other load calculations for Panel
Loads will be based on the one way width. For RAPT to default the correct value of Transverse Column Spacing in the
Column Input Screen, the overall transverse width should be entered here.
(ii) beams: The overall transverse panel dimension at each column which the user considers to be the area of slab
contributing self-weight loading to the beam. Other load calculations for Panel Loads will be based on the Panel Width
(including the effects of any steps defined by the user.
(iii) two way slabs: The overall transverse panel dimension at each column which the user wishes to design. In this
case self-weight and other load calculations for Panel Loads will be based on the panel widths.
(iv) external panels the total panel width will normally be equal to half the distance to the first internal column line
plus the distance from the column centre-line to the outside edge of the slab or beam. The latter is referred to as the
external edge distance.
Refer to 7.2.3 Frame Shape Screen Layout for discussion of the general principles of the RAPT Frame Screen layout
and to 4.5.1 General Screen Layout Principles for discussion on the general layout features of windows in RAPT.
This screen is used to define the support types and details in RAPT.
The screen is set up with the support/column numbers down the left side and the data defining each support across
the page. Supports can be
1. Knife Edge
2. Fixed support
Graphic Interaction
Clicking the left mouse button within the half span either side of a support/column in the graphics will automatically
move the current row in the data to the row for that support/column. The section views will show the cross-section
shape either side of the selected point.
Select a row in the data and the section graphics will show the cross-sections through the column above (left window)
and column below (right window).
Section Views
When the program focus is in the columns data view, the Section Graphics Windows will show the cross-sections
through the column above (left window) and column below (right window) if either has been defined.
Ctrl + D, Ctrl + R
Refer to 4.4.4 Cell Repeating for a general discussion on repeating data automatically in other data cells. A few specific
applications of the key apply to this screen when a range of repeat data cells is not selected. These are listed below
If the repeat key combination is pressed when the focus is in a blank cell (zero value) in
1. Column Length Above:- The values from Column Width Above will be copied into this data column
2. Column Height Below:- The values from Column Height Above will be copied into this data column
3. Column Width Below:- The values from Column Width Above will be copied into this data column
4. Column Length Below:- The values from Column length Below will be copied into this data column
Data Definition
When spans are deleted, RAPT will match the new Column Grid Reference values with the existing values if there is a
simple logical consecutive pattern for all of the support locations in a frame.
In input data screens where a reference column number is required to define a location, the Column Grid Reference is
used, not the column number. To input a new value, the Column Grid reference must be typed in full or the column
number can be used preceded by a # symbol e.g. #5 for column number 5. When the value is accepted, it will be
converted to the Column Grid Reference and this will be shown as the Reference Column. In the default case, 5 or #5
will both represent the column grid reference for column 5.
Support Type
The type of support required at this support location. Types available are
1. Knife Edge - No moment restraint. Vertical restraint is always provided and horizontal restraint is provided if
Braced Column selected at this location.
2. Fixed Support - Full moment restraint provided at this column as well as vertical and horizontal force
restraint.
3. Column - The defined columns above and/or below provide the moment restraint. If all of the column
dimensions are defined as zero it will automatically be defined as a Knife Edge support. Vertical restraint is
always provided and horizontal restraint is provided if Braced Column selected at this location.
1. The default figure is only input by RAPT to make input easier in cases where the panel width is constant. If
the panel width varies the user must change the default values to suit their needs.
2. For an internal panel RAPT will automatically insert the average panel width dimension at each column as the
default. This will automatically cover the normal cases where the panel width is constant. For an internal
panel the transverse column spacing should equal the average of the transverse column spacing on either
side of a column.
3. For an external panel the transverse column spacing defaults to 2 x (Panel Width - External Edge Distance).
For an external panel the transverse column spacing should equal the distance to the first internal column
line.
4. If a one-way frame is being input then the transverse column spacing must be at least equal to the one way
width even if no columns are input.
5. For beams and two way slabs the whole column inertia is applied in the frame analysis. For one-way slab
structures the stiffness contribution of the column is proportioned to the ratio of the one-way width being run
to the transverse column spacing.
Column Shortening
RAPT gives the user the option to allow for the effects of Column shortening at each column. If Column Shortening is
to be restrained, RAPT place a vertical restraint at each selected column beam node in the Frame Analysis. Thus no
axial shortening can occur. The column shortening can, at times, have a large effect on moment distribution especially
if high loads and columns of varying lengths or axial stiffness are input into a run. Where a concrete frame or the
loading is not symmetric, allowing column shortening is normally the more accurate solution.
Always be careful when mixing knife edge supports and columns at different support locations as knife edge supports
do not allow vertical movement while columns do. Knife-edge supports are often defined to represent walls and
transverse beam supports. It is often better to model these as a column/wall but with zero stiffness to stop them from
attracting moments but to still allow for the support settlement.
1. A positive value if the transverse effective depth is higher than the longitudinal effective depth (transverse
reinforcement is above)
2. A negative value if the transverse effective depth is lower than the longitudinal effective depth (transverse
reinforcement is below)
Transverse v'c
For BS8110, CP65, CP2004, IS456/IS1343 and SABS0100, the designer can define the concrete punching shear
capacity in the transverse direction for each column. If a value is defined here, RAPT will apply the longitudinal value
calculated from the reinforcement and tendons defined at a column to the front and back faces of the punching
perimeter and the transverse punching shear value defined here to the side faces. Otherwise it will apply the
calculated value for the frame being designed to all faces of the punching shear perimeter.
Refer to 7.2.3 Frame Shape Screen Layout for discussion of the general principles of the RAPT Frame Screen layout
and to 4.5.1 General Screen Layout Principles for discussion on the general layout features of windows in RAPT.
Graphic Interaction
Clicking the left mouse button in a span in the graphics will automatically move the current row in the data to the row
for that span. The section views will show the cross-section shape either side of the selected point.
Select a row in the data and the section graphics will show the data for that row in section. See below.
Section Views
When the program focus is in the beams data view, the Section Graphics Windows will show the slab shape as it is
defined in spans data and the beam shape as it is defined in this view for this span, at the left (left panel) and right
(right panel) ends of the span in which the cursor is positioned. Nothing is shown for Left Ends and Right Ends.
Ctrl + D, Ctrl + R
Refer to 4.4.4 Cell Repeating for a general discussion on repeating data automatically in other data cells.
If the repeat keys are used in the Beam Width (extreme surface) column of data in a data cell with a zero value, the
Beam Width at Slab will be copied into each Beam Width cell following the rules in 4.4.4 Cell Repeating.
Beams Toolbar
Recalculate Effective Width: Recalculates the effective flange widths for beams based on the code
requirements. If no span selection is made, the values for all spans will be recalculated. If a span or group of spans is
selected, the widths for those spans only will be recalculated.
Simple/Detailed: In this case, simple/detailed refers to the definition of the effective flange widths.
Beam Depth
The Depth of the beam measured from the Top of Slab Datum. If the structural system has been defined as at least an
effective flange width must be defined in each span. If the beam depth is left as zero, the slab with a width equal to
the effective flange width will be used as the design section and should be made equal to the width the user considers
to best model the way in which the system will act..
A negative value of beam depth represents an upturn beam (see figure below). In this case the depth of the beam is
measured from the top of slab datum to the top of the beam.
Note:
1. Drop Panels are still placed on the underside of the slab if upturned beams are defined.
2. Users can not define a mixture of upturn and downturn beams. i.e. All beam depths must be positive or all
must be negative, not a mixture. To define a combination of upturned and downturned beams users should
use the extra 7.2.3.6 layer and 7.2.3.7 step input methods.
An upturn/downturn beam can be modelled by inputting an upturn beam and an extra 7.2.3.6 downturn layer or vice
versa (see below). The method of defining upturn beams with continuous drop panels to define a downturn beam is
not recommended by the authors.
Beam Width
The width of the beam at the bottom of the beam. For an upturn beam the width is taken at the top of the beam.
Some codes require a more complex calculation of effective flange width, resulting in three different widths in each
span, one for each moment zone in the span. In Eurocode2 and HK CP2004, this more complex effective flange width
is based on the lo dimensions shown in the diagram below. To define this pattern, RAPT requires the definition of two
lengths and three widths in each span as defined below. If the Detailed option is selected in the toolbar, the effective
flange widths will be calculated using this method. This is the default for designs for Eurocode2 and HK CP2004.
Note:
1. RAPT will check that the effective width that it calculates is less than the smaller of the transverse panel
widths.
2. The flange widths are used for all strength and inertia calculations. The self-weight in a span is based upon
the panel width defined in the Spans input screen except for one way slabs in which the Slab Design Width is
used. In this way the self-weight of the slab need not be input manually by the user unless the load
contributing area is not able to be defined in the RAPT input.
3. If the beam depth equals the slab depth in a span then the flange width defaults to the beam width.