Software for Architecture,

Engineering and Construction

CYPE 3D
Practical example
Three dimensional bar structure project with steel,
aluminium and timber sections, including foundations
(pad footings, pile caps, strap and tie beams) and
bracing systems against lateral loads, allowing ties that
work only in tension. Joint and baseplate design for
metallic structures.
Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................ 3
2 Portal frame generator .......................................... 4
2.1 Loads generated by the program ................................ 11

3 CYPE 3D .................................................................. 13
3.1 Node and bar introduction ........................................... 13
3.2 Node and bar description ............................................. 27
3.3 Section layout ................................................................. 29
3.4 Grouping of equal bars ................................................. 30
3.5 Materials .......................................................................... 31
3.6 Fixity coefficients ............................................................ 31
3.7 Loads ................................................................................ 32
3.8 Buckling............................................................................ 36
3.9 Lateral buckling .............................................................. 39
3.10 Analysis and design of the structure ........................... 39
3.11 Joints ................................................................................. 43
3.12 Baseplates ....................................................................... 54
3.13 Foundations .................................................................... 55
3.14 Results .............................................................................. 60
1 Introduction
For this example, a 40m long by 20m wide warehouse will be designed. It will consist of 9
frames at 5m intervals. Their ridge heights will be at 10m and lateral heights at 8m. Within
the warehouse, a small slab will be built at a height of 4m corresponding to the location of
the office. The warehouse will have two openings measuring 6x5m on its right side and one
with the same dimensions on its left side.

The first step to carry out is to establish the loadcases corresponding to the loads acting on
the structure.

 Dead loads:

o Self weight of the purlins

o Roofing material (80mm sandwich panel and 0.24kN/m2).

o Self weight of the joist floor slab (25+5): 3.7kN/m2

o Screed: 1.2 kN/m2.

 Live loads:

In accordance with table 6.2 of Eurocode 1: Actions on Structures – Part 1-1: General
actions – Densities, self weight, imposed loads for buildings, the live load
corresponding to a B use category (office zones) is of 2 kN/m2.

 In accordance with table 6.10 of Eurocode 1: Actions on Structures – Part 1-1: General
actions – Densities, self weight, imposed loads for buildings, the imposed load
corresponding to a category H roof (only accessible for normal maintenance and
repair) is of 0.4 kN/m2.

 Wind action:

In accordance with Eurocode 1. Reference speed 26m/s, Terrain category: Single III
Zone with vegetation or buildings distributed in a regular manner, Land orography Flat.

 Snow loading:

In accordance with EC1.

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2 Portal frame generator
The Portal frame generator will be used to design the purlins of the roof and to generate
the appropriate loads to then be used in CYPE 3D.

Open the Portal frame generator. From the File manager, select New. Give the job a name
(e.g. wh_1) and introduce a description (e.g. warehouse example).

Figure 1

Having accepted, a new window appears asking whether you wish to introduce a new
frame. Choose answer yes and in the new dialogue box select dual pitch. A new window
will open where the type of roof can be selected. Leave the default option: Rigid frame.
Introduce the dimensions shown in the figure, by pressing on the dimensions to edit them.

Figure 2

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Having accepted the dialogue box, the previously described frame will appear on the main
screen. If any modifications are to be undertaken, click in the middle of the frame and a
window will open containing various edit options.

Figure 3

Select General data > Job general data and fill in the data as shown in Figure 4 (number
of spans, which in this case is 8, the distance between the frames: 5m, the weight of the
roof covering and its live load, the codes to be used to generate the wind and snow loads).

It is essential the With lateral covering option be activated so the lateral and front wind is
generated correctly. In this case, the lateral covering will consist of precast concrete panels
and will rest on the tie beams of the foundation and so, its self weight can be ignored by
assigning a value of zero to its weight.

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 Figure 4

For the wind load, select Eurocode 1, reference speed 26m/s, terrain category Single and III,
flat land in the X and Y directions and a service period of 50 years.

Figure 5

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Mark the With openings box, which will open the Façade openings dialogue box, where the
dimensions of the openings and the position of their centre of gravity with respect to the
origin.

Figure 6

The following image displays the location of these openings.

Figure 7

It must also be indicated, within the Façade openings box, whether the façade openings are
permanently open or not. If the openings can be closed, the program generates two new
loadcases for each wind load; one combining the external pressure with the maximum
internal pressure, if the leeward openings are closed, and the other with maximum suction
if the windward openings remain closed. For this example, select that the openings are
permanently open.

For the snow loads, select Eurocode 1, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Zone 2,
Normal landscape and a topographic height of 0m.

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 Figure 8

For the load combinations, select use category B: Office use. (In the image, it can be seen
that this is in accordance with that stated in the Eurocode. It may occur that if the user has
not used the required code in a previous job, that the option to select it may not appear. If
this is the case, select any option, then once the frame has been completely defined, the
appropriate code can be selected in Configuration > Codes. Having selected the code, click
on Job data > General job data and modify the information). Accept the dialogue box to
confirm the data.

For this example, the lateral covering will consist of lightweight concrete panels, therefore
it must be specified that there is lateral cover otherwise the wind loads acting on the sides
of the frame will not be generated. To do so, click outside the frame, at the side at which
the wall is to be introduced. Click on Lateral wall and indicate it is to have a height of 8m.
Activate the Braces the column against buckling box but do not activate the Self-
balanced box, by doing so, the wind pressure loads that are generated are transmitted to
the columns of the warehouse.

Figure 9

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Repeat the process with the wall on the other side. The walls are displayed on screen.
Now the roof purlins are to be defined. To do so, select General data > Edit lateral and
roof purlins > Purlins on roof. Here the deflection limit is to be specified as well as the
number of spans the purlin is to cover and how it is attached. For the section type, press
the button containing the section name, and select Rolled from the scroll menu and the
IPE section series. Click on Accept.

Figure 10

Once the section type has been selected, there are a further three options for its
optimisation.

Figure 11

The first option optimises the section for the selected separation. In this case the program
will run through the sections of the series verifying them for the selected separation.

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The second type optimises the separation between the purlins for the selected section.
Finally, the option is available to design the separation and section, where the minimum
and maximum separation to check is to be indicated as well as the separation increment
for each iteration. Once the design has concluded, the results will be displayed as a list
where the section is shown as well as its weight and separation. Those that fail have a
forbidden or hazard sign next to them. To select a section from the list, double click on its
row. It will be highlighted in blue and, upon accepting the dialogue box, shall be
incorporated in the job.

When choosing the layout, users must check that the selected separation is valid for the
type of sandwich panel that is going to be used in the project; in this example, change the
separation value to 1.40m and click on the first design option. From the results, select an
IPE 120.

Figure 12

Now the purlins have been selected, the data can be exported to CYPE 3D. To do so, click
on General data > Export to CYPE 3D. Select the options shown below. The number of
frames and type of support conditions to be generated must be indicated and if the
buckling coefficients to be generated are those for sway or non-sway framed (as ties will be
introduced later on in CYPE 3D, select the buckling coefficients to be generated for non-
sway frames).

In case the selected code has different load areas for the roof when considering wind
loads, the planes of the frames are not to be grouped as the loads are not symmetrical and
errors could arise if frames with different loads are grouped.

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 Figure 13

2.1 Loads generated by the program

The program generates the loadcases corresponding to permanent loads, live loads on the
roof, wind and snow loads.

2.1.1 Dead loads

The program generates the dead loads due to the self weight of the purlins and the roof
covering.

The dead load due to the floor slab has to be defined in CYPE 3D and add this load to the
dead load loadcase.

2.1.2 Live loads

Given that a load of 0.4 kN/m2, corresponding to a category H roof (only accessible for
normal maintenance and repair) has already been chosen, the program will generate the
loadcase and load.

2.1.3 Wind loadcase

The warehouse is exposed to wind acting in all four directions: 0º, 90º, 180º and 270º.

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 Figure 14

This implies that there will be at least four wind loadcases. The roof in this example has a
pitch of +11.31º. In accordance with table 7.4a of Eurocode 1, Part 1-4, two loads are
generated for this pitch, which implies the loadcases for wind at 0º and 180º are duplicated
due to these situations.

The warehouse contains openings, but as they have been defined as being permanently
open, the loadcases are not duplicated for the sides at which the openings are located.

2.1.4 Snow loadcase

The program determines the snow load using the height and winter climate zone.
Due to snow drifting, unsymmetrical distributions of the snow may arise, where one side of
the roof is loaded and the other with half the load. For this reason, three snow loadcases
are created when exported to CYPE 3D.

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3 CYPE 3D
3.1 Node and bar introduction
Upon accepting the dialogue box, a wizard is launched to guide users with the introduction
of the job in CYPE 3D. All these options can be modified later on in the Job menu.

Figure 15

Figure 16

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 Figure 17

Figure 18

After the wizard has finished, the program will ask for a name to be entered for the
structure in CYPE 3D. Once this dialogue box has been accepted, the generated structure
will appear with its loads in CYPE 3D.

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 Figure 19

3.1.1 Layer management

As of the 2015 version, a layer system is available to manage the views of the bars and load
panels. This is a tool to help program users as all the bars which hinder the introduction of
new elements in the program can be deactivated, as well as allowing for an identification
colour to be assigned to each layer, and so display all the elements assigned to that layer in
that colour, if the option is activated.

Now the layers to be used in the job will be defined. This can be done via Job > Layer
management or by pressing keys “Alt + q”. A window will open in which layers can be
added, specify which is the active layer and configure its visibility. Add the following layers:
Columns, Beams, Ties, Floor slab_beams, Floor slab_columns.

Figure 20

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3.1.2 Show/hide planes
The reference lines generated by the program may be eliminated to work more easily.

First of all, go to Planes > Show/hide planes and upon accepting the dialogue box, select
all the nodes whose reference lines are to be hidden, then press the right mouse button to
validate the selection. If later on, these are to be reactivated, it can be done using the same
method but using the Show option.

The second step is to deactivate the Show/hide new planes option also in the Planes
menu. This way, when new nodes are introduced in the job, their associated planes will not
be displayed.

Figure 21

3.1.3 Bar introduction and dimensioning

The bars supporting the internal slab of the warehouse will now be introduced, as will the
columns of the gable wall:

1. Activate the planes where the support nodes are located; in this case the bottom left-
hand support and the ridge node of the gable wall.

Figure 22

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2. Using the option Node > New, introduce the three nodes by snapping to the reference
line of the bottom left-hand node. Please recall that to carry out this operation, the
Nearest and Intersection object snaps must be activated in the Object references
option in the top part of the menu .

Figure 23

Introduce the first point between the left support and ridge reference lines; the second by
snapping to the intersection of the ridge and support reference lines and the third between
the ridge and right support reference lines.

Figure 24

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To place these nodes at their exact positions, click on Planes > Dimensions > Add.
Introduce the value of the distance, in this case 5m, and click on the support reference line
and the first new node. Then, click again on the new node followed by the next node.

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

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 Figure 28

Another way of introducing the nodes is by selecting the configuration icon from the top
toolbar . This way the program will always ask for the dimension to be
introduced when a new bar or node within a bar is defined.

Figure 29

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Having positioned the nodes, the new bars representing the end columns can be
introduced. To do so, a 2D view will be created of the plane containing the gable wall.

Creation of new views

To create windows with new views of the structure, go to Window > Open new > 2D view
in a plane orthogonal to the X, Y or Z axis. Mark two planes defining the 2D plane. A
dialogue box will appear asking for a name for the new window (e.g. Gable wall).

Figure 30

The new view will automatically appear on screen. By clicking on Window > Tile vertical,
the 3D view and 2D view can be seen at the same time and if the cursor is moved in the 2D
window, the plane in question is shown in the 3D window.

Figure 31

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Warning: if the window is closed, the view will be lost and will therefore have to be
redefined. Use the maximise and minimise buttons of the window to change between
views.

Using the 2D view, the bars from the nodes that have been previously defined will be
introduced up to the lintel. First of all though, the active layer must be changed to
Columns. Press the Layer management icon , select “Columns” as the active layer and
accept. Click on Bar > New. A window will appear displaying the active layer to which the
bars to be introduced will belong to, the type of section that will be introduced and its
layout. A list is also available which displays the section types that have been introduced in
the current job, allowing for a quick selection process.

Figure 32

As the Eurocodes were selected as the design standards, the program automatically opens
with a predefined series. Users can change this section series by pressing on the section
button. Having done so, the Describe section window will open in which, having selected
the material, the type of section to be introduced can be chosen. By fist of all choosing the
material and then pressing the Edit the list of elements button , users can define a
section, by defining its geometry, or import a section series from a library, by pressing the
Import of predefined section series button . By clicking on this button, a window will
appear containing all the manufacturer libraries which contain the previously selected
section. In our case, as the section series has already been selected, close the Import of
predefined sections window and the Series of sections window, to arrive at the Describe
section window.

In the Describe section window, select IPE 240 and begin to introduce the bars.

To do so, bring the cursor close to the node until it changes to a cyan colour. Click on it with
the left mouse button and bring the cursor close to the intersection of the bar with the
lintel until the object snap symbol appears. Click with the left mouse button to confirm the
point. Click on the right mouse button to complete the introduction of the first bar and to
be able to select the second origin node, otherwise bars will continue to be introduced
from the last marked node.

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 Figure 33

Repeat the process with the remaining bars of the gable wall and then repeat for the
opposite gable wall.

Figure 34

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Now change the layer by pressing the Layer management button or by pressing Alt+q.
Select “Floor slab_beams” as the active layer; this will be used to introduce the beam which
will support the floor slab. Return to the 2D gable wall view by pressing Window > 2D:
Gable wall. Click on Bar > Generate node at intersection points or the icon from the
toolbar, (it is important this option is activated when a bar intersecting another is
introduced so that nodes are generated at their intersection points, otherwise the program
will interpret that the bar that has been introduced does not touch the intermediate
columns). Now click on Bar > New and place the cursor on the left column of the frame,
click with the left mouse button and introduce a distance of 4m from the bottom support.

Figure 35

Bars
When introducing bars, it is important to only introduce them as they are really going to be
used on site. In other words, if the slab beam is going to be a single 20m element
supported by the intermediate columns, the bar is to be introduced from one end column
to the other end column. This way, the program interprets that the whole bar is a single
element and so when the bar is described, the fixity coefficients will be applied to the
element. If, on the contrary, 4x5m bars are going to be used on site, 4 bars should be
introduced from column to column.

If a bar has been introduced by accident, and the real intention was to introduce
independent bars, the error may be amended using the Bar > Create elements option,
then clicking on the initial and final nodes of the bars to be created. With this option, a bar
can be divided into several smaller bars or combine several small bars to create a large

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bar. The program represents the bars with a thick line when an intermediate node is
present between the two end nodes of a bar.

Return to the 3D view by selecting it from the Window menu. Now create a new view for the
second frame to finish off defining the floor slab area.

Introduce the beam spanning from the column on the left to the column on the right at a
height of 4m.

Figure 36

Now introduce the 3 columns reaching the beam that has been introduced, having first
changed the active layer to Floor slab_columns and select an IPE-220 section.

Figure 37

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Return to the 3D view and select “Beams” as the active layer. Introduce the transverse bars
of the floor slab reaching the gable wall. For these, use an IPE-160 section.

Figure 38

Carry out the same process to tie the roof of the two gable walls to their closest frame.

Figure 39

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Bracing
Now to define the bracing at the end frames. To do so, select “Ties” as the active layer and
choose a solid round ø R16 bar. Remember to deactivate the option to Generate nodes at
intersection points in the Bar menu, since the bars to be created must be
independent from on e another.

This option is valid as long as the selected bars meet the following conditions:

 Diagonal bars described as ties consist of bracing and are contained within a
quadrilateral frame, or along three sides for bracing reaching external supports.

 The program only considers these bars to work in tension, hence neither buckling nor
fixity coefficients may be assigned to them.

 No loads may be applied on them

Figure 40

Finally, select the “Beams” layer and introduce the beams which define the openings in the
lateral frames, at a distance of 6m from the ground, and the beam tying the top of all the
columns. Define these beams as IPE-160 sections.

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 Figure 41

3.2 Node and bar description

Once the bars and nodes have been introduced, the supports (external fixities) of the new
columns can be described. The other supports have already been described when the
frame was defined in the Portal frame generator. To do so, go to option Node > External
fixity. Select those nodes which have yet to be described individually (or use a capture
window). Having selected the nodes, click on the right mouse button and the External fixity
dialogue box will open where the type of support can be defined. Select the Fixity option
and leave all options as fixed.

Figure 42

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The next step consists in describing the type of section to be assigned to the bars that were
exported from the Portal frame generator, as well as their material and associated layer. To
do so use the Bar > Describe section option. First select the columns of the frames and
having done so, click on the right mouse button to indicate the type of section.

Figure 43

Select the rolled steel section option from the images at the top of the dialogue box and
from the scroll menu select an IPE-300 section.

Figure 44

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 Figure 45

Using the Assign elements to layer option in the Job menu, select the columns that were
exported by the Portal frame generator and assign them to the columns layer. Similarly,
select the lintels and assign then to beams layer.

3.3 Section layout

The next step consists in describing the layout of the bars, i.e. the angle and level they will
have on site. Start with the intermediate columns of the gable wall.

Activate the option Bar > Describe disposition, select the columns of the gable wall and
right click. In the emerging window, select the 90o rotation button.

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 Figure 46

3.4 Grouping of equal bars

The wind loads, due to the openings of the warehouse not being symmetrical, result in
non-symmetrical pressures and therefore the design of the bars after the analysis cannot
be symmetrical. To avoid this, the bars may be grouped using the Group option in the Bar
menu.

Select all the IPE-300 columns of the frames then right click with the mouse to validate the
group.

Figure 47

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 This way, the columns are grouped and when a modification is carried out on a column of
the group, all the columns are modified at once.

Repeat the same process with the IPE-300s for the beams of the frames. Group the IPE-240
columns of the gable wall, the IPE-240 beams and IPE-220 columns of the office slab and
the IPE-160 bracing beams between frames. Finally also group the ties.

3.5 Materials
Once the bars have been described, the material they are made of can be indicated using
the option Bar > Describe material.

Select a bar, and the program proposes the material defined in General data be used
(which can be accessed by clicking on Job > Steel sections). Alternatively, a material can be
defined for the bar.

Figure 48

For this example, leave the Material selected in the general data options (S275) option
for all the bars. Double check by clicking on Job > Steel sections that the selected material is
S275 for rolled steel.

3.6 Fixity coefficients

The next step consists in pinning the ends of the bracing bars between frames. This is done
using the option Bar > Pin ends. By clinking at the centre of each bar, both ends will be
pinned. If only one of the ends is to be pinned, just click on the end in question. Floor slab
beams reaching the webs of the columns are also to be pinned. The beams at the ends of
the gable wall containing the floor slab will be fixed to the external columns and pinned to
the internal columns, i.e., each end connecting to the internal column of the floor slab must
be clicked on. Also pin the top end of the centre columns of the gable walls.

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3.7 Loads
Having described the geometry, the loadcases which are yet to be added to those provided
by the Portal frame generator can be completed.

3.7.1 Add loadcase

To add or modify loadcases, use the option Job > Loads. The Portal frame generator has
generated 1 dead load loadcase, 6 wind loadcases and 3 snow loadcases.

As this example includes a slab for office use, a new live load loadcase must be created. To
do so, click on the option and in the emerging window click on Additional loadcases. Since
the floor slab that has been added is for office use, a new live load loadcase must be
defined but in use category B (Offices).

Figure 49

Once category B has been defined, click on the edit button corresponding to the live load
and add the new loadcase.

Figure 50

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 Figure 51

Figure 52

Figure 53

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3.7.2 Panel loads: panels and surface loads
Having created the live load loadcase, the corresponding loads can be introduced using the
option Load > Introduce panels.

Once the option has been selected, the load panels that have been created by the Portal
frame generator will be displayed. To introduce a load panel, select the points that form
the polygon of the slab (Fig. 54). Having done so, click on the right mouse button and select
the direction the applied loads are to span. For this example, select the direction parallel to
the longer side of the warehouse.

Figure 54

Upon selecting the direction of the applied loads, by clicking on the right mouse button, a
new window will appear where the loads associated to the panel can be introduced. Add
the following loads associating each one with its corresponding loadcase. First, add a load
associated to the dead loadcase corresponding to the dead load of the slab whose value is
3.7 kN/m2; another load of 1.2 kN/m2 corresponding to the screed and finally a live load of
2 kN/m2.

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 Figure 55

Accept the Loads on panel window and the load distribution carried out by the program
can be consulted. To do so, click on Load > Visible loadcase, select loadcase LL Office,
accept and the loads generated on the bars for that loadcase will be displayed
automatically.

Figure 56

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 The lintels of the openings will have to support the loads from the small part of the façade
they have to support. Go to Load > Introduce loads on bars and introduce a uniform load
of 7.5 kN/m in the self-weight loadcase, on the three lintels.

3.7.3 Wind loads

The surface loads that have been generated by the program for each wind loadcase can
also be consulted. To do so click on Load > Viewed loadcase. For this example, activate
the loadcase corresponding to 0º, external pressure type 1 (W(0º) H1 from the scroll menu)
and the loads generated on the bars will automatically become visible. If, additionally, the
surface loads applied by the Portal frame generator are to be consulted, click on Load >
Edit surface loads (Fig. 57). The program generates the surface loads corresponding to the
external pressure for each panel that has been introduced and the loads corresponding to
the internal pressure, as separate loads.

Figure 57

3.8 Buckling
Now that the loads acting on the warehouse have been completed, the buckling
coefficients of the bars that have been introduced in the program can be defined. The
buckling coefficients of the main frames in their plane have to be modified because the

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 36

Portal frame generator has provided buckling coefficients for non-sway frames, as was
explained in Fig.14, which is correct in the longitudinal sense of the warehouse due to the
bracing, but is not the case (until proven) in the other direction.

To assign the buckling coefficients, select Bar > Buckling and select the IPE-160 beams
bracing the frames. Bearing in mind the structure has IPE-100 purlins with a separation of
1400 mm and are rigidly fixed to the cover panel and additionally, the warehouse is to have
150 mm concrete panels as its external wall, it can be assumed that these bars will not
buckle; the whole structure would have to be completely loaded for this phenomenon to
occur. Therefore, a buckling coefficient,  with a value of zero in the XY plane and a value of
1 in the other plane will be assigned to these beams.

Figure 58

As for the IPE-160 beams joining the two frames supporting the office slab, the same rules
can be applied to them as in the previous case, due to the presence of the slab preventing
the steel sections from buckling in their XY plane.

For the IPE-220 columns supporting the internal frame of the slab, a buckling coefficient of
=0.7 is to be used. This way their base will be fixed and their top pinned in both planes.

Finally, the IPE-240 columns of the gable wall will not be able to buckle in the XY plane due
to the presence of the wall in which they are contained. A value of =0.7 (fixed at its based
but pinned at the top) will be applied to the XZ plane. It is important to remember that
when there are intermediate nodes present, such as at the gable wall containing the floor

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slab, the value has to be modified. A value of =0.7 has to be assigned to the three columns
for each of their complete lengths, hence an equivalent buckling length has to be assigned
to each part of the columns (Fig. 59): 10 x 0.7 = 7m for the centre column and 9 x 0.7 =
6.3m for the other two columns.

Figure 59

For the lintels of the three openings, assign buckling coefficient, = 1 (pinned) in both
planes.

As was mentioned previously, the non-sway condition is correct for the longitudinal
direction of the warehouse but not for the transverse direction until it is proven otherwise.
Therefore, the buckling coefficients for the central frames in that direction have to be
modified.

If the warehouse is exported again from the Portal frame generator, however this time
stating the frames are sway frames, the buckling coefficients applied by the program in the
planes of the frames are = 1.20 for the columns and = 1.135 for the beams. These values
are to be assigned to the central frames of our example. For bars with intermediate nodes,
the required modifications have to be carried out, or alternatively, assign the following
buckling lengths in the XZ plane to all the central frames:

• For the columns lk = 1.20 x 8 = 9.6m

• For the beams lk = 1.135 x 10.198 = 11.575m

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3.9 Lateral buckling
Lateral buckling can occur in the beams of the central frames of the warehouse due to
wind suction on the roof. If so, this would affect the bottom flange of the sections. This
situation is avoided in practice by bracing the bottom flange against this phenomenon. To
simulate this in the program, use the option Bar >Lateral buckling and select the IPE-300
beams of the roof of the warehouse. Once selected, right click with the mouse button to
edit the lateral buckling values. For the bottom flange of these beams, place braces every 4
purlins with a free buckling length of Lb=4.2m.

Figure 60

For the IPE-300 columns of the central frames indicate the lateral buckling is braced in both
planes.

For the lintels of the three openings, assign a lateral buckling coefficient of v= 1 (pinned) to
the top flange, as it is the flange that is in compression.

3.10 Analysis and design of the structure

Once all the previous steps have been carried out, the structure can be analysed and then
designed. To analyse the structure click on Analysis > Analyse. A window will appear
offering various analysis options: Do not dimension sections, Quick section design or
Optimum section design. In this case select the first option: Do not dimension sections.
Displayed in the bottom part of the window are a further two options: Check bars and
Consider the finite dimension of the node. Select Check bars and, since the joints will be
designed later on, also mark the Consider the finite dimension of the nodes box.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 39

 Figure 61

3.10.1 Check bars

Once the analysis procedure has concluded, click on Analysis > Check bars to validate the
initial design, or if, on the contrary, bars have to be modified and the structure must be re-
analysed.

Upon selecting this option, any bars not verifying all the checks will be displayed in red. By
moving the cursor over one of the IPE-300 sections of one of the central frames, a box
appears informing users of the error. If this bar is then clicked on, a new window emerges
indicating which sections of the series verify all the checks and highlighted in blue is the
section currently in use in the job. To modify the section, simply double click on the row
containing the replacement section and accept (this row will then be highlighted in blue). In
this case, do not modify the initial section, as the failure percentage is not too great and it
is best to check the tensile state of the bar to be able to choose between changing to a
greater section or provide a haunch at its connection with the column.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 40

 Figure 62

3.10.2 Force consultation

Activate the option Analysis > Forces. In the emerging window mark Envelope, Selected
bars only and Stress/Use. Click on the beam that was previously selected using the Check
bars option and the force diagram of the tensile state of the bar will be drawn in the XZ
plane. The part of the bar verifying the tensile force of the bar is displayed in green and
that not verifying the tensile force of the bar is displayed in red.

Figure 63

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 41

It can be seen that the area in which the beam connects to the column fails. The amount by
which it fails can also be seen by activating the Display maximum and minimum values
option at the bottom of the Forces dialogue box.

Figure 64

The U.L.S. checks report can be seen for any bar of the structure, and that way see due to
which forces and force combinations a bar may fail. To do so, select Analysis > U.L.S.
checks, mark At the worst point and click on the beam. A report will appear displaying all
the checks that have been carried out on the bar.

Figure 65

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 42

 The next step consists in optimising the sections. How to proceed in this situation depends
on the practical solutions each designer is used to applying. For this example, carry out the
following changes:

 The columns, except those of the gable walls, those supporting the floor slab, and the
two corner columns at the end where there is no floor slab, are to be increased to IPE-
360 sections.

 The two corner columns mentioned above are to be increased to IPE-500 sections.

 The beams of the central frames are to be increased to IPE-360 sections with 1.5 m
bottom haunches.

 Ties are changed to 20 mm solid bars.

 The central columns of the gable walls are to be increased to IPE-270 sections.

 The lintels of the openings are also increased to IPE-240 sections.

3.11 Joints
As of the 2008 version of CYPE 3D, the program incorporates the analysis and design of
connections in accordance with several design codes.

More information on the types of connections that are designed can be found on the
following web pages:

https://info.cype.com/en/product/welded-joints-of-rolled-and-welded-steel-i-sections/

https://info.cype.com/en/product/bolted-joints-of-rolled-and-welded-steel-i-sections/

https://info.cype.com/en/product/welded-connections-of-rolled-and-welded-steel-i-
sections-for-building-frames/

https://info.cype.com/en/product/bolted-connections-of-rolled-and-welded-steel-i-sections-
for-building-frames/

https://info.cype.com/en/product/joints-v-flat-trusses-with-hollow-structural-sections/

3.11.1 Generate joints automatically

The program allows users to define each joint individually, but also has the option to
Generate the joints. This implies the program analyses the joints that can be applied to
each node of the project by taking into account the bars reaching each node.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 43

 Figure 66

Once the joints have been generated, all the nodes for which a joint has been detected are
displayed in blue. If no further modifications are to be carried out, use the Design option to
design all the joints that were generated in the previous step.

Figure 67

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 44

A window will appear where the type of connections to be used in the design must be
chosen: welded, bolted or keep the previously defined connection method. This latter
option is to be used if changes have already been made to the types proposed by the
program.

Figure 68

Select bolted connections and after the design process, the joints that have been solved
are displayed in green and those failing a check in red.

Figure 69

Use the Edit option to edit the joints and see why they fail. In this case, edit one of the
column-beam joints at either gable wall. A window will open displaying the selected joint.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 45

To see where the problem lies, press the Design button and select to design the joint
with bolted connections.

Figure 70

Here we can see there is not enough room for the beams to be connected correctly to the
columns if we are to use bolts. Click on the Design button and choose to desing the joint
using welded connections.

Figure 71

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 46

 The joint is now designed correctly.

Figure 72

3.11.2 Define joints manually

In the previous section, we saw how joints can be defined automatically. In this section, we
shall see how joints can be defined manually by specifying one by one the joints to be
analysed in the job. To do so, using the New option in the Joints menu, select the bars
reaching the node which are to be connected, then click on the right mouse button to
confirm the selection. A window will open displaying the connection to be edited.

3.11.3 Editing the joint

When a new joint or connection is created, a window opens displaying the joint in question.
On the left of the window is a list of the components of the joint together with their
individual edit buttons. To the right of the list is the graphical 3D view of all the
modifications that have been carried out on the node. Any errors that have been
encountered upon designing the node are displayed below the image. Lastly, along the top
are the Design, Code check, Complete report of the node and Detailing buttons.

So, click on Joints > New and select the column-beam joint of one of the central frames. To
do so select the four bars that reach the node, then right click to confirm the selection. A
window will open displaying the joint.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 47

 Figure 73

Edit the column and use the End trim option indicating the trim is to be carried out in
accordance with the IPE 360 beam. The column is then trimmed along a plane parallel to
the flange of the beam.

Figure 74

Now the stiffeners of the column have to be created. To do so, use the Generate
reinforcement elements option and the stiffeners of the column are generated
automatically. Since the column has been trimmed, one of the stiffeners has to be adjusted
to the new geometry of the column.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 48

 Figure 75

The program contains the following options to modify the joint. These can be seen along
the top of the window:

Reverse the viewpoint. Using this option, the elements located on the opposite side
of the beam can be seen and modified.

Generate reinforcement elements. If there are no reinforcement elements, the

program automatically generates them.

End trim. This option opens the window we saw previously, to indicate how the
column ends.

Introduce stiffener. This can be done in two ways. The first consists in selecting the
blue dot located at the intersection of the beam and the internal side of the column flange
and moving the cursor to the opposite flange. The program will introduce the stiffener. The
second method consists in selecting the yellow dot that is surrounded by a red circle
located at the intersection of the beam flange and column flange. If the cursor is placed
near the dot, the introduction possibilities will be displayed. If it is clicked on, the yellow dot
on the opposite flange will then have to be selected to define the position of the other end
of the stiffener.

Edit stiffeners. Allows for several stiffeners to be edited at once to modify their
dimensions and welds.

Delete stiffeners.

Move stiffeners.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 49

 Introduce new reinforcement element for moment connection at the web.
Introduces a vertical reinforcement element between the horizontal stiffeners to aid in the
connection of the beams with the web of the column.

Edit reinforcement element for moment connection at the web. By selecting the
connection plate between the beam and stiffener, a new window opens in which the
dimensions, position and welds of the connection plate and reinforcement can be edited.

Figure 76

Delete reinforcement element for moment connection at the web.

Introduce reinforcement plate at the web. To introduce a reinforcement plate, the

two stiffeners must be selected, between which the web of the column will be reinforced.

Edit the reinforcement plate at the web. If the plate is selected, users can modify its
thickness, material and welds.

Delete the reinforcement plate at the web.

To continue with the example, use the Delete stiffeners option to delete the stiffener.
Then click on the option to reintroduce it and select the yellow point with the red circle.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 50

 Figure 77

Figure 78

Accept and the changes will be saved. Edit the type of connection of the IPE 360 beam.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 51

 Figure 79

Now edit the IPE-160 beams. In this case, they are to have a pinned connection using
lateral plates.

Figure 80

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 52

Accept and click on the Code check icon to see if the joint has been designed correctly and
if not, modify those points where it fails a check, then repeat the code check process.

This joint design process must be repeated for the remaining nodes. If joints have already
been generated, a joint can be assigned to other nodes if the program detects they are
composed of the same number of sections. To do so, use the Assign option. Select the type
of joint to be assigned, the Edit connection window will open, accept and all the nodes to
which the joint can be assigned will be displayed in yellow. By clicking on the node, the type
of joint will be assigned to it.

Figure 81

Joints generated by the program are grouped automatically. However, if a joint is

supporting much greater forces than the rest of the joints, it may be best to Ungroup the
joint so not to oversize the other joints of the group.

The program has an option to Block joints which are not to be modified if the Design
option is reused. If a blocked joint is edited, a locked padlock is displayed in the top right-
hand corner of the edit window of the joint (Fig. 82). If you wish to unblock it, just click on
the lock.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 53

 Figure 82

3.12 Baseplates
Now that the sections of the warehouse have been designed, the baseplates will be
designed. As of the 2015 program version, baseplates can be edited within the Joints menu.
When joints are generated, the baseplates are also generated and can be edited in the
same way as was seen in the previous section with the Joints.

Figure 83

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 54

3.13 Foundations
3.13.1 Footing introduction
Upon reaching this point, click on the Foundations tab at the bottom left hand corner of the
screen to design the foundations. The new screen displays a floor plan layout of the
sections whose nodes have been described as having external fixity. The baseplates are
drawn if they have been defined previously.

Figure 84

To introduce the footings and tie beams, click on Foundation elements > New.

Figure 85

Click on Reinforced concrete footing in the floating menu and from the window that
appears, select a Rectangular footing (third option from the left).

Figure 86

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 55

 Upon accepting this option, the cursor becomes a footing. Depending on the area of the
column over which the cursor is moved, the footing will become a corner footing, centred
footing or edge footing. By clicking on the starts with the left mouse button, introduce, as
centred footings, all the footings of the warehouse.

Figure 87

3.13.2 Tie beam introduction

Proceed introducing the tie beams. To do so use the Automatic beam option, and by
clicking from one start to another, the beams are introduced.

Figure 88

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 56

3.13.3 Data definition before the design
Having defined the geometry of the foundations of the warehouse, the allowable bearing
pressure of the soil and the type of concrete and steel to be used must be defined. This is
done in Job > General data.

Figure 89

Due to the façade of the warehouse being supported by the tie beams, the soil below them
is compacted. Click on Job > Options > Tie beams and a dialogue box appears where the
Surcharge due to soil compaction can be introduced.

In this example, the weight of the concrete panel is of 2.7 kN/m 2 (and has a height of 8m),
therefore the surcharge to introduce, with its applied safety factor, is:

qsc = 2.7 x 8 x 1.6 = 34.6 kN/m

Figure 90

Finally, when the foundations of a warehouse are designed, the main problems that arise
are not related to the forces transmitted to the soil, but the weight of the element. The

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 57

 internal pressures that occur due to wind suction, which combined with the small forces
that descend down the columns, may cause uplift in the footings. As a result, very large
footings may be provided in the design.

Due to this occurrence, it is preferable, for this type of foundations, to start off the design
with large initial footing depth dimensions. To do so, click on Job > Options > Pad footings >
General tab and introduce a value of 50cm for the minimum depth. It is also convenient, in
order to avoid this phenomenon, to return to the structure and introduce the load
transmitted by the tie beams to the footings. In other words, a point load (dead load) acting
in the negative Z direction, equal to the façade load supported by the tie beams is to be
applied at each column start (the node defining the start of the bar). Then re-analyse the job.

Figure 91

3.13.4 Foundation design and check

Having carried out the previous steps, the foundations can be designed. To do so, return to
the Foundations tab and click on Analysis > Design. After the design process, elements
containing errors will be displayed in red. By moving the cursor over the footing or beam of

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 58

 the job, an information window appears indicating the design data of the footing
(dimensions, reinforcement, bearing pressures and forces) or beam.

Figure 92

The program allows for each element to be edited, checked and designed using the option
Foundation elements > Edit.

3.13.5 Matching
The pad footings are to be matched to obtain more homogenous results. To do so use the
option Foundation elements > Match.

Once the option has been activated, select the Master footing. It will be displayed in brown
and all which are the same as it. The remaining footings will be displayed in yellow. Click on
all the footings of the internal frames to match and once concluded, click on the right
mouse button.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 59

 Figure 93

3.14 Results
3.14.1 Drawings
Having designed the structure and its foundations, the job drawings can be obtained, To do
so click on the button which is located in the Foundations and Structure tabs. Once
clicked on, the Drawing selection dialogue box will appear.

Figure 94

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 60

 Drawings can be added within this window by clicking on the button and selecting the
type of drawing from the Drawing editor dialogue box. In this case select a 3D Structure
drawing.

In this case, select a 3D Structure drawing and select to view the axis of the sections, the
dimensions, section type and node references.

Add three new drawings: Joints, Foundation floor plan and Foundation layout plan.

Add another three new drawings. For the first select Joints, for the second Foundations floor
plan and for the third Foundations layout plan.

Figure 95

Specify the peripheral to which the drawings are to be launched and click on Print.

3.14.2 Reports

3.14.2.1 Structure report

The program has two options available regarding reports of the structure: the first option
provides a report of all the structure, and the other, provides a report on only those
elements that have previously been selected.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 61

 Report on all the structure
The option for the report of all the structure is located to the left of the drawings
option. Upon clicking on this option, a window appears with a tree menu containing a box
at each of its branches, which when activated displays the elements that will appear in the
report.

Figure 96

Reports on a selection of elements

This option is available within the Job menu in the Structures tab. Upon activating it, users
must select the bars or nodes for which the report is to be produced. Once selected, click
on the right mouse button to validate the selection and the window will appear in which
the chapter and sections to be included in the report are to be indicated.

3.14.2.2 Foundations report

To obtain a report on the foundations, click on the Foundations tab and then select the
button.

CYPE 3D – Practical example / 62