Integrated Pile Cap design in MasterFrame [WEBINAR RECORDING]

Posted on January 22nd, 2020 in Webinars

Summary

This video from MasterSeries Software introduces their pile cap design software, highlighting its evolution from a restrictive standalone program to an integrated 3D structural modelling tool. The software enables engineers to design pile caps using strut and tie theory or beam theory, considering various factors like eccentric loading, moments, and wind forces. It demonstrates how to determine required reinforcement, check shear and punching shear capacity, and adjust design parameters like depth or overhang to ensure structural integrity according to Eurocode standards. Ultimately, the software streamlines the design process and can generate detailed schedules and DXF exports for construction.

Key Points

• Pile Cap Design
• Design Methods
• Reinforcement and Shear
• Integrated Structural Model
• Software Features

Description

The "MasterSeries Software" YouTube webinar "How to design and detail pile caps by integrating directly with the 3D structural model?" discusses the features and capabilities of their pile cap design software.

Here's a summary of the key points:

• Traditional vs. Integrated Design:

    ◦ Historically, pile cap design in MasterSeries was a standalone program.

    ◦ The software has evolved to integrate directly with 3D structural models (steel, concrete, or composite frames).

• Pile Cap Design Methods:

    ◦ The primary design methods are strut and tie theory and beam theory.

    ◦ The software uses Eurocode 2 with UK national annexes (and other national annexes can be applied). It also designs to British Standard and South African codes, but not American codes or feet and inches.

    ◦ Beam theory may be used when the strut angle is too shallow (e.g., less than 35%).

    ◦ Design involves checking bending for net ultimate limit state loads and truss compression zone (checking a cylinder equal to the column/pile diameter).

• Key Design Parameters and Checks:

    ◦ Loads: Accommodates axial loads, moments (introduced in 2018 version), dead and live loads, and wind loads. The software can scan loading cases to identify the most critical.

    ◦ Pile Cap Dimensions: Users can adjust pile cap depth (e.g., reducing from default to 750mm or increasing to 1m).

    ◦ Cover and Overhang: Customisable concrete cover (e.g., 50mm sides, 50mm top, 75mm bottom) and pile cap overhang (distance between pile and edge, default 150mm to allow for cover plus tolerance).

    ◦ Reinforcement: Designs for required reinforcement area based on tension, checking against percentage and capacity warnings. Top steel can be provided (e.g., 16s at 150mm upper cage) for construction safety and tidiness.

    ◦ Shear Checks: Includes beam plane shear (checked at specific points) and punching shear at the column head. These checks consider self-weight, enhanced zones, and enhanced capacity based on code allowances.

    ◦ Pile Definition: Checks vertical compression (CCT – compression on concrete, tension in tie) and for friction piles, ensures spacing is equal to or greater than three times the diameter (3D).

    ◦ Eccentricity: Allows for offset columns (eccentrically loaded pile caps) and moments in both directions, which can significantly impact design and require adjustments like deeper pile caps or more piles.

• Complex Scenarios:

    ◦ The software can handle various numbers of piles (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7 piles).

    ◦ Issues like punching shear problems can arise with eccentric loading or certain pile configurations (e.g., 7-pile caps due to shearing distance).

    ◦ For pile caps supporting two or more columns, finite element analysis (FEA) is recommended, where users can define a surface with nodal supports at pile locations to determine moments and design top steel.

    ◦ For piles and pile caps on ground beams, a "tiny column" can be added to mimic the column support, as the software requires a column above to place a pile layer.

• Output and Integration:

    ◦ Provides full design output, including schedules.

    ◦ Exports to DXF format for AutoCAD or other CAD software, automatically detailing rebar for each pile cap.

• Pad Foundations:

    ◦ There is a sister program for pad foundations that works similarly to pile caps, including the ability to shift them off-center.

    ◦ It considers safe working pressure, enhanced pressure due to excavation depth, and checks for stability and overturning.

• Software Availability and Learning:

    ◦ A free trial of MasterSeries, including the pile cap designer, is available.

    ◦ Video guides and tutorials are accessible through the software's resources section.