COMPOSITE-BEAM | Results

Using an example of a steel fiber-reinforced concrete slab, this article describes how the use of different integration methods and of a different number of integration points affects the calculation result.

In order to correctly design a downstand beam or a T-beam in RFEM 6 using the Concrete Design add-on, it is essential to determine the flange widths for the rib members. This article describes the input options for a two-span beam and the calculation of the flange dimensions according to EN 1992-1-1.

When calculating regular structures, data input is often not complicated but time-consuming. Input automation can save valuable time. The task described in the present article is to consider the stories of a house as single construction stages. Data is entered using a C# program so that the user does not have to enter the elements of the individual floors manually.

When entering the structural model, you can define single-span and continuous beams with or without cantilevers. Furthermore, it is possible to specify different span lengths with definable boundary conditions (supports, releases) as well as any construction support and moment release in the construction stage. For a complete cross-section, you can create typical composite beam sections on the basis of steel girders (I-sections) with solid concrete flanges, precast plates, trapezoidal sheets, or tapered solid ceilings.

It is also possible to grade cross-sections by means of beam lengths, optionally with concrete encasement. Illustrative figures facilitate the entry of additional transverse reinforcements for trapezoidal sheeting, profile stiffeners, and angled or circular openings in the web. The self-weight is applied automatically when entering loads. In addition, it is possible to consider fixed and variable loads by specifying the concrete age at the beginning of loading for creeping, and to define single, uniform, and trapezoidal loads freely. COMPOSITE-BEAM automatically creates a load combination based on the data of individual load cases.

Results are displayed in result tables sorted by required designs. Clear arrangement of the results allows for easy orientation and evaluation.

Ultimate Limit State Design:

• Bending and shear force resistance with interaction
• Partial shear connecting of ductile and non-ductile connecting elements
• Determination of required shear connectors and their distribution
• Design of longitudinal shear force resistance
• Design of connection with shear connectors and of connector perimeter
• Results of governing support reactions for construction and composite stage, including loads of construction supports
• Lateral-torsional buckling analysis (for continuous beams and cantilevered girders)
• Check of cross-section classes as well as of plastic and elastic cross-section properties

Serviceability limit state design:

• Deflection Analysis
• Deformations and initial pre-cambering determined with ideal cross-section properties from creep and shrinkage
• Analysis of natural frequencies
• Crack width analysis
• Determination of support forces

All data are documented in a clearly arranged printout report, including graphics. In case of any modification, the printout report is updated automatically. COMPOSITE-BEAM is a stand-alone program and does not require the RSTAB license.

• Single-span and continuous beams with definable boundary conditions
• Automatic determination of effective cross-sections
• Free arrangement of construction supports for construction stage
• Freely definable concentrated, distributed, and trapezoidal loads as fixed loads with specification of concrete age during loading
• Freely definable construction loads as well as moving construction loads
• Automatic load combination
• Calculation of cross-section properties according to Method 1 or 2
• Calculation of elastic internal forces with RSTAB
• Redistribution of Moments
• Design of bending and shear force resistance with interaction
• Determination of required shear connectors and their distribution
• Design of longitudinal shear force resistance
• Results of governing support reactions for construction and composite stage, including loads of construction supports
• Lateral-torsional buckling analysis
• Analysis for limitation of crack widths
• Design of natural frequency