MasterRC Pile Cap Design

Pile Cap Design to BS 8110, Eurocode (BS EN 1992), and SABS 0100:1994

The MasterRC Pile Cap module provides both a standalone and integrated design environment for reinforced concrete pile caps, supporting design to BS 8110, Eurocode (BS EN 1992), and SABS 0100:1994. The module allows for the design of pile caps ranging from a single pile up to groups of nine piles.

Overview

In standalone mode, users can input axial loads and biaxial moments directly. When integrated with a frame model, the module automatically uses the governing load cases from the structural analysis.

Two design methodologies are available:

Beam Theory, treating the pile cap as a beam
Strut-and-Tie Model (STM), for deep pile caps where beam theory is no longer appropriate

The software also allows comparison between both methods, with the option to adopt either the more or less onerous design.

Designs are based on standardised pile layouts, which can accommodate different spacings but cannot be user-defined. The module is intended for compression-only pile arrangements.

In addition to design checks, the module provides reinforcement detailing and rebar schedules.

💡

Note: The module designs the pile cap only and does not include pile design. It is limited to cases where piles are in compression; tension piles and horizontal load transfer to piles are outside its scope.