Form: Beam Detailing Preferences
Use the Detailing menu > Beam Detailing Preferences command to set how reinforced concrete beams should be detailed and displayed in the detailing drawings.
Note: It is recommended that the Beam Preferences be set before detailing the model. If the detailing has already been run and changes to the beam detailing preferences are made, when detailing is re-run the program will prompt the user to (a) run the detailing and generate a new set of drawings or (b) synchronize the detailing and update only the items on the existing drawings that are affected by the detailing changes.
Click the Detailing menu > Beam Detailing Preferences command to access the Beam Detailing Preferences form.
General and Display tab. This tab has options to set preferences for rebar curtailment, minimum bars, numbering format, default section, and the rebar calls.
Rebar Curtailment Options
Apply Curtailment Rules option. When this option is selected, the program computes the size and number of required bars at critical locations (top of support and mid span and so forth). It then checks the minimum and maximum number of bars and the like. A theoretical cut off location is determined for each bar and a development length/overlap length is added. The curtailment location is then computed based on the specified rules and the governing bar location and length are selected. Click the Modify/Show Rules button to display the Beam Rebar Curtailment Rules form, and where necessary, modify the current curtailment rules. The rules are initialized based on the program defaults.
Reinforcement Extent Based on Design Only option. When this option is selected, the program determines the bar location and length based solely on the reinforcement computed from analysis and design, including the development length and overlaps.
Note: Using the Reinforcement Extent Based on Design Only option may produce reinforcement layout quite different from the Apply Curtailment Rules option in which curtailment rules are used together with computed reinforcement. This option should be used with caution and when manual checking and editing of reinforcement is expected.
Note: The rebar location and length determined by the program using these preferences can be modified using the Detailing menu > Edit Reinforcement > Beams command.
Minimum Bars. Although the minimum reinforcement requirements have been included in the design and detailing of beams, additional requirements for Top and Bottom Bars can be specified by selecting Bar Sizes and specifying No. of Bars. The program will use these options only when required reinforcement is less than the specified limits.
Numbering Format. The program automatically generates continuous beams for the purpose of detailing using the connected beam objects. These beams are grouped based on similarity of geometry and reinforcement. Each beam is assigned two types of labels: one based on its group and second on a unique ID based on its sequence.
Beam Label Prefix. This prefix is used to generate the beam group number, for example CB-01, CB-02. Any combination of letters or numbers can be used for this prefix.
Display Beam Sequence ID: Check this option to add a unique beam ID together with the Beam Group Label in the framing plan, for example CB-01 (02). The sequence ID does not appear on the Beam Elevation or Section plans; however, this number is very important when using the Expand Beam Group form.
Note: To change a default Beam Grouping, click the Drawing Component Views item on the Model Explorer to expose the Beam Views. Click the Beam Views item to reveal the Individual Beam Views and then right click any beam to display a drop-down menu. Select the Show/Expand Group Members command to display the Expand Beam Group form.
Default Section for New Drawing. The program can automatically place section lines on elevations and generate section views at those locations. The style for section labeling and the number of default sections can be specified here.
Note: Section lines can be modified/added or deleted using the Detailing menu > Add/Modify Sections > Beams command.
General Rebar Calls. Use the options in this area to specify the information for each rebar call. The Sample Rebar Call display will be updated with every selection.
Show Every Stirrup check box. Check this check box to show every stirrup on the Beam Elevation plan. Otherwise only the stirrup calls will be shown.
Rebar Selection tab. Use the options on this tab of the form to specify rebar size, spacing, and length for longitudinal and shear reinforcing:
Longitudinal Bars
Smallest Bar Size: This is the minimum size of reinforcing bar used for beam detailing. Any bar can be set as the minimum size for detailing depending on the availability of the bar and the project requirements.
Largest Bar Size: This is the largest size of reinforcing bar used for beam detailing. Logically, this size should be larger than or equal to the smallest bar size. If this size is accidentally/erroneously set lower than the smallest bar size, no detailing will take place, and the rebar layout will not be generated. Any bar size greater than or equal to the smallest bar size can be used as the largest bar size.
Maximum Excess Area: This property can be set to make the design more economical. Usually during detailing some excess area of reinforcing is used. This excess area can, however, be limited by choosing the appropriate bar sizes through intelligent decision making. The program can limit the excess area used to the value specified in this edit box. This value is expressed as a percentage of required area, and by default, is set at 15%.
Smallest Bar Length: Depending on the availability, workability, and requirements of the code, use this option to set the length for the shortest rebar to be used for detailing.
Minimum Lap Length: This is the minimum length that bars must overlap for good detailing practice when bars are spliced. Calculated splice lap lengths may be substantially longer based on development and curtailment rules.
Preferred Rebar Sizes. Use the drop-down lists to specify the preferred rebar sizes to be used longitudinally at the top and bottom of the beam and for stirrups.
Stirrup Bars
Smallest/Largest Size of Stirrups: This is the minimum/maximum size of stirrups used for beam detailing. Logically, the largest stirrup size should be larger than or equal to the smallest size. If this size is accidentally/erroneously set lower than the smallest stirrup size, no detailing will take place and the rebar layout will not be generated.
Minimum/Maximum Spacing of Stirrups: The minimum and maximum stirrup spacing limitations are typically defined by code. The program uses default minimum and maximum stirrup spacings of 4 in and 24 in respectively (or equivalent in other units).
Stirrup Type. Select the orientation of the stirrup from the drop-down list.
User Minimum Reinforcement
Enforce Minimum Ast Limits: When this check box is checked, the program will check and enforce the minimums set for Top Bars and Bottom Bars when selecting rebar for detailing. The default value for minimum steel is 0.5% for both top and bottom longitudinal reinforcement. This check is performed in addition to the minimum limits specified in the code or set by the user.