| Product(s): | RAM Elements | ||
| Version(s): | Any | ||
| Environment: | N/A | ||
| Area: | Design | ||
| Original Author: | Bentley Technical Support Group |
Can the module design with one layer of reinforcement?
Yes, the module allows one or two layers of reinforcement in the design, though this setting applies to the whole wall.
Can the program design walls of different thickness?
Yes, the user can use different thickness walls on different levels. The wall surface is assumed to be flush on the outside surface.
What design codes does the module use?
Currently the program is limited to ACI 318-05, but we do have plans to update this to the latest codes in the future.
How is Tilt-up wall design different than Concrete Wall design?
According to 14.2.2, walls shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of 14.2, 14.3, and either 14.4, 14.5, or 14.8. Section 14.4 contains the requirements for walls designed as compression members using the strength design provisions for flexure and axial loads of Chapter 10. Any wall may be designed by this method and no minimum wall thicknesses are prescribed.
Section 14.5 is out of this discussion since it contains the Empirical Design Method which we do not have. Section 14.8 contains the provisions of the Alternate Design Method, which are applicable to simply supported, axially loaded members subjected to out-of-plane uniform lateral loads, with maximum moments and deflections occurring at mid-height. Also, the wall cross-section must be constant over the height of the panel. No minimum wall thicknesses are prescribed for walls designed by this method.
All walls must be designed for the effects of shear forces. Section 14.2.3 requires that the design for shear must be in accordance with 11.10, the special shear provisions for walls. The required shear reinforcement may exceed the minimum wall reinforcement prescribed in 14.3.
In short, our Concrete Wall module uses 14.2, 14.3 and 14.4. The tilt-up module uses 14.2, 14.3 and 14.8.
We do not design lintels in the concrete or tilt-up modules. What I mean is that segments above an opening are designed as a wall segment and not as a beam segment. We only design lintels in the masonry module and just for in-plane loads.