Free AS3600 concrete column calculator

[desaut]

I've created a simple AS3600 concrete column tool https://spectacalc.com/listing/62/130
What is implemented:
- Circular and rectangular cross-sections with symmetrical reinforcement
- Single curvature bending
- Moment amplification
- Rectangular stress block
Validation:
The calculation is cross-checked against Inducta RCC and RAPT. The results are in good agreement, with my implementation being slightly more conservative due to the rectangular stress block assumption. The validation files are at the bottom of the listing.

The source code of the tool is available for everyone. To access the source code you need to duplicate this calculation using templates, the process is described here: https://spectacalc.com/articles/calculation-template-tutorial

 

[human909]

Thanks for sharing!

Out of curiosity and genuine ignorance why have you created this tool when there are so many other tools available? Is it due to its simplicity? Suits your workflow better than other tools? A exercise for yourself to better understand creating tools and concrete column design?

(While I do work with AS3600, I do very little concrete column designs. So I have little concept of the benefits of this over the tools out there. I generally use SpaceGass or hand calcs for the small amount of concrete design I do.)

 

[desaut]

Thanks for sharing!

Out of curiosity and genuine ignorance why have you created this tool when there are so many other tools available? Is it due to its simplicity? Suits your workflow better than other tools? A exercise for yourself to better understand creating tools and concrete column design?

(While I do work with AS3600, I do very little concrete column designs. So I have little concept of the benefits of this over the tools out there. I generally use SpaceGass or hand calcs for the small amount of concrete design I do.)

3 reasons:
- cost. There are 0 free tools available. I know that small companies can't afford paying subscriptions
- trust. I have found so many mistakes in SBD, RAPT and Inducta over the years, that I trust only software I validated myself. That is why I made the source code open.
- fun. I love programming and engineering

 

[IDS]

desaut - you might like a look at the spreadsheets available from my blog at the address below. Just go to the Downloads page and wait a few seconds for the download list to appear.

I did a very quick check of your results and mine using the Interaction Diagram function in the RC Design Functions spreadsheet:



The results are near enough identical except for the interpolation between NA at the base of the section and max. axial load. I have made some changes in that zone recently, so I'll have to remind myself how its doing the interpolation.

Or if you want to have a look it's all open source VBA. There is also a Python version which needs a copy of pyxll installed, as well as Python.

The RC Design spreadsheet just does rectangular sections with 2 layers of steel, or circular sections. There are also other spreadsheets doing irregular sections and biaxial bending with as many layers of reinforcement as you want.

 

[human909]

3 reasons:
- cost. There are 0 free tools available. I know that small companies can't afford paying subscriptions
- trust. I have found so many mistakes in SBD, RAPT and Inducta over the years, that I trust only software I validated myself. That is why I made the source code open.
- fun. I love programming and engineering

Thanks I very much value and appreciate you answer. And I also agree with regarding your approach to trusting software. I normally will only trust software that has been independently validated by myself using a secondary independent software item and usually my own hand calculations.

Regarding your answers. #3... Well nothing more needs to be said there. I'd expect all good engineers to have spent a stupid amount of time on some aspects of analysis that other gloss over. The personal benefits are intangible but extremely important.

Regarding subscriptions... Well whoever is paying for those billable hours then the subscriptions fees for GOOD software normally aren't too onerous. Though some small companies might not realise the benefit of providing you with a particular XYZ software package. I work in that world though fortunately my company has been willing to pay for almost any tool I suggest. Though I'm certainly not naïve to subscription costs, 40% of my week is for my own business which does incur additional software costs.

Either way.... Thank you again for sharing. Concrete design only is a tiny area of my workload and column design is basically non existent for me given the needs of the clients that I service.

 

[desaut]

desaut - you might like a look at the spreadsheets available from my blog at the address below. Just go to the Downloads page and wait a few seconds for the download list to appear.

I did a very quick check of your results and mine using the Interaction Diagram function in the RC Design Functions spreadsheet:

View attachment 15630

The results are near enough identical except for the interpolation between NA at the base of the section and max. axial load. I have made some changes in that zone recently, so I'll have to remind myself how its doing the interpolation.

Or if you want to have a look it's all open source VBA. There is also a Python version which needs a copy of pyxll installed, as well as Python.

The RC Design spreadsheet just does rectangular sections with 2 layers of steel, or circular sections. There are also other spreadsheets doing irregular sections and biaxial bending with as many layers of reinforcement as you want.

I love it. Excel is one of the best tools. It is a shame VBA macros are often blocked by the security teams in large organisations.

 

[EngDM]

I appreciate the open-source! Now to try and figure out how to adapt it to CSA and publish it on that website.

 

[desaut]

I appreciate the open-source! Now to try and figure out how to adapt it to CSA and publish it on that website.

Let me know if you get stuck, I am happy to run you through variables and display blocks