what is the Building Design Process 7

[jimxz]

when trying to design a concrete structure what is the process that needs to be followed ?

as far as I know sap2000 ETABS and SAFE are used to design. but what is the process ? what is done first ? which software should be used first and what are the outputs ?

does sap give you detailing ? which one to use sap or etabs ?

as you can see I'm confused so if anyone can give me the procedure it would be great. like first you use sap to get loads then safe to design each element or you first use sap to design slab and beam and then ....

PLEASE HELP ME !! if you could point me towards a video or a presentation on youtube or somewhere on the web it would be very helpful

 

[msquared48]

Design from the top down.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[hokie66]

First, you need to be a structural engineer, which requires an education and training. Then, you need to learn to design structures with pencil, paper, and calculator. Then, if you are still going, you might use software to help you with some of the laborious calculations. Using software requires not only understanding the inputs and outputs, but understanding when the outputs are wrong.

 

[davecann]

Structural engineering knowledge and experience is a must before operating any software or otherwise contact some suitable architectural design services company for the help and presentation.

Read complete information on this URL:

http://greganagno.com/download/Rein...sign concrete structures using Eurocode 2.pdf

 

[KootK]

Different firms and engineers will approach things differently but here's one outline that I see a lot that leans heavily on software:

1) Get preliminary lateral design out of the way. Generate wind and seismic loads by hand or with a spreadsheet. Build a simple model in ETABS for the sole purpose of lateral design. Verify it with hand checks.

2) Run some rudimentary SAFE models to get the loads on your columns from each floor. Verify this by via simple hand checks.

3) Create a column load takedown spreadsheet using the values from #2. Use these to preliminarily design your columns and footings. Use whatever tools you have in house.

4) Use your SAFE models from #2 to check long term deflections and punching shear in you slabs with the goal of estimating slab thickness.

5) Have an internal concept review performed by a senior engineer.

6) Cycle back through everything and perform your detailed, final designs. Reuse and refine models and designs that you've created above. Do some spot checks by hand.

7) Do your detailing by hand unless you're very experienced. I still do the majority of my detailing by hand. Good detailing is the primary thing separating good engineers from software monkeys in my opinion.

8) Have an internal quality control review performed by a senior engineer.



I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.