IES QuickConcreteWall

User’s Guide

Concrete Wall Design Software

Version 1.00.0002

Copyright (c) 2005 Ensoltech, Inc. All rights reserved.

IES QuickConcreteWall is a proprietary computer program of Ensoltech, Inc. Although every effort has
been made to ensure the accuracy of this program and its documentation, neither Ensoltech nor Integrated
Engineering Software shall be held liable for any mistake, error, or misrepresentation in, or as a result of
the usage of, this program and/or its documentation. The results obtained from this program should not be
substituted for sound engineering judgment.

S ALES /S UPPORT
Integrated Engineering Software

8840 Chapman Road

Bozeman, MT 59718
406-586-8988 (sales)
406-586-2665 (support)
support@iesweb.com

www.iesweb.com

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CONTENTS

Contents

1 Overview 3
1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.5 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.6 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.7 Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Reference 5
2.1 Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1.1 File Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.1.2 View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1.3 Project Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1.4 Options Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1.5 Help Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Input Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.1 Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.2 Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3 Theory 14
3.1 Checks Performed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.1 Wall Reinforcement Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.1.2 Reinforcement Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.1.3 Strength Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.1.4 Special Boundary Element (SBE) Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2 Interaction Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3 Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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Chapter 1

Overview

1.1 Introduction
Thank you for choosing IES QuickConcreteWall. This software package has been created to assist the
engineer in the design of concrete walls. Use of this program can save countless hours in the calculations
and documentation associated with concrete wall design. The software has been designed so that the user
may quickly become productive with very little training, but by reading through this manual and other
associated documentation you should be able to resolve any questions that may arise during program use.

1.2 License
Use of this software program is strictly governed by the license agreement that is displayed during the install
process. This program is the copyrighted property of Ensoltech and is provided for the exclusive use of each
licensee. Additional licenses may be obtained exclusively through Integrated Engineering Software. You
may copy the program for backup purposes and you may install it on any computer allowed in the license
agreement. Distributing the program to coworkers, friends, or duplicating it for other distribution violates
the copyright laws of the United States. Future enhancements and technical support for this product depend
on your cooperation in this regard.

1.3 Disclaimer
This software has been developed and tested in accordance with applicable building codes, trade guides,
and accepted practice, and every effort has been made to ensure that it operates in accordance with those
standards. However, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure the final design produced is reasonable and
constitutes sound engineering practice. In no event shall Integrated Engineering Software or Ensoltech be
liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of this software or its related documentation.

1.4 Acknowledgements

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW

The creation of this program was facilitated by the assistance of many individuals who contributed ideas,
advice, and testing. The author of the software would like to acknowledge all of the engineers who took
time to conduct reviews during development. Particular recognition is due to Dan VanLuchene and Terry
Kubat.

1.5 System Requirements

The software has relatively minimal system and hardware requirements.

- Windows NT/98/2000/XP
- 20 MB of hard disk space
- 32 MB of RAM
- Pentium processor
- 1024x768 screen resolution (will run with less, but not recommended)

1.6 Installation
Simply run the install program that comes on the CD. The step-by-step wizard will guide you through the
installation process.

1.7 Technical Support

Before you contact IES for support, please make sure you have taken full advantage of the readily available
resources that are included with the software:

- Carefully read through this users guide

- Refer to the numerous help screens built into the software
- If you have a question about a result displayed in a summary, be sure to check the full calculations that are
displayed in the program and in the full report.
- Check the resources on the IES website. These are accessible via the various options under the Help —
iesweb.com menu.

You should also make sure that you have the latest maintenance update for the software. These updates
are free and can be obtained automatically by going to the Help menu, choosing iesweb.com, and then
choosing Update IES QuickConcreteWall. In this manner you can make sure that the issue you have a
question about has not already been resolved.

Integrated Engineering Software provides technical support for this program via the following methods:

- Email: The best way to send an email is to go to the Help menu, choose iesweb.com, then choose Email
IES Technical Support
- Phone: 406-586-2665

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Chapter 2

Reference

2.1 Menus

2.1.1 File Menu

New
Starts a new project.

Open
Opens an existing project from a file.

Save
Saves the current project. If the project has not been previously saved and does not yet have a file name, a
dialog will prompt for the file name.

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Save As...
Saves the current project, always prompting for a file name.

Print...
Prints a multi-page report containing details of the design calculations. A dialog appears first to allow you
to specify which items are to be included in the report.

Print Preview
Previews a multi-page report containing details of the design calculations. A dialog appears first to allow
you to specify which items are to be included in the report.

Print Setup...
Selects a printer and printer connection. Also allows you to choose portrait or landscape page orientation.
This option is there because this is a standard dialog from Microsoft, but you should not select the landscape
option. The report pages are not designed for it and will look funny.

[Recent Files]
Opens the recently used project file with the displayed name.

Exit
Exits the program.

2.1.2 View Menu

Toolbar
Shows/hides the toolbar.

Status Bar
Shows/hides the status bar.

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2.1.3 Project Menu

Project Information...
Brings up a dialog that allows you to enter information for this specific project. This information is dis-
played in the header area of reports.

Set Defaults...
This command allows you to indicate that the current inputs are to be recorded as the default settings for
future projects. A dialog will appear to allow you to specify which groups of inputs are to be saved (criteria
and/or wall).

2.1.4 Options Menu

Load Combinations...
Brings up a dialog allowing you to add, modify, or remove load combinations or groups of load combina-
tions. This is the command that facilitates adding custom load factors/combinations. Note that you should
not change the factors for the built-in, code-defined load combinations. The program will load its own
built-in values for these at startup every time and overwrite your changes. If you would like to have a mod-
ified copy of one of these built-in combination sets, change its name (e.g. change ’IBC 2003’ to ’IBC 2003
(a)’). In this example, the program will load up a ’fresh’ copy of ’IBC 2003’ at startup and also leave your
modified version (’IBC 2003 (a)’).

Preferences...
Brings up a dialog that allows use control of various aspects of program behavior.

Units...
Brings up a dialog allowing to modify the units used for various different quantities.

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 2. REFERENCE

Reset All...
Causes all preferences and all input defaults to be reset back to the state they were in when the program was
first run.

2.1.5 Help Menu

Contents
Brings up the help dialog, which presents a tree-style display of the available help topics.

Iesweb.com — Update IES QuickConcreteWall

Initiates the process of checking for an update and, if necessary, automatically updates the program from
the IES website. Note that you must be connected to the Internet for this feature to work properly.

Iesweb.com — Customer Center

Opens a web browser window with the IES Customer Center web page. This location provides access to
several problem-solving resources.

Iesweb.com — FAQ Answers

Opens a web browser window with the IES Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page.

Iesweb.com — Make a Suggestion

Opens a web browser window with the IES suggestion entry web page.

Iesweb.com — Email IES Technical Support

Creates a new email message, addressed to IES tech support, and attaches certain useful system information
that helps IES diagnose the source of potential problems. This is the best way to contact IES regarding
technical support issues.

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 2. REFERENCE

Software License...
Brings up a dialog where current license information can be viewed, or new license information can be
entered.

About IES QuickConcreteWall...

Displays a dialog with version number, copyright, and other related information.

2.2 Input Parameters

2.2.1 Criteria

Building Code
Building Code The governing code for which checks will be made.

Load Combination The source of the load combinations that will be considered when performing checks
on the wall.

Use Seismic Provisions Whether or not the wall needs to be designed using special seismic provisions.
For the ACI code, this setting controls whether or not the provisions of Chapter 21 will be used.

Design Displacement The total lateral displacement expected for the design-basis earthquake, as spec-
ified by the governing code for earthquake-resistant design. For ACI 318-02, this is delta-u as defined in
21.0.

Use phi = 0.6 for Shear ACI 318-02 9.3.4(a) mandates that a lower phi value of 0.6 is to be used instead
of 0.75 for the case where the nominal shear strength is less than the shear corresponding to the development
of the nominal flexural strength of the wall. Since the software does not in general know enough about the

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 2. REFERENCE

loading that results in the design forces entered, it is left up to the user to determine whether the use of the
lower phi factor (0.6) is required.

Material Properties
f’c The compressive strength of the concrete used for the wall.

fy The yield stress of the rebar (including ties) used in the wall.

Wall Unit Weight The average unit weight of the wall.

Options
Apply Wall Weight Whether or not you want the program to automatically calculate the weight of the
wall and add it in as a contribution to the axial dead load. You would want to turn this option off if, for
example, the axial loads that you enter are reactions at the bottom of the wall and hence already include the
wall weight.

Shear Is At Wall Top Choosing this option indicates that the specified shear loads are applied at the top
of the wall, hence requiring the program to calculate a resulting moment at the wall bottom (critical section).
You would want to turn this option off if, for example, the moment loads that you enter are reactions at the
base of the wall and hence already include the contribution from lateral loads applied above the base.

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 2. REFERENCE

2.2.2 Wall

Basic Geometry
Length The overall length of the wall, including columns, if present.

Height The overall height of the wall.

Thickness The thickness of the wall.

Wall Cover The concrete cover for the horizontal and vertical reinforcement in the wall.

Wall Reinforcement
Vertical Bar Size The size of the vertical bars in the wall.

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 2. REFERENCE

Vertical Bar Spacing The spacing of the vertical bars in the wall.

Horizontal Bar Size The size of the horizontal bars in the wall.

Horizontal Bar Spacing The spacing of the horizontal bars in the wall.

Horizontal Bar Anchorage The manner in which the horizontal wall bars are anchored in the columns
(if there are columns).

Columns
Has Columns Whether or not this wall has columns at the ends. The columns need not be thicker than
the wall.

Column Length The length of the columns, which is defined as the dimension measured parallel to the
length of the wall.

Thicker Than Wall Whether or not the columns are thicker than the wall. If not, they represent extra
bars within the existing wall thickness.

Column Thickness The thickness of the columns, which is defined as the dimension measured perpen-
dicular to the length of the wall.

Parallel Side Bar Count In the columns, the number of bars on a side, where the sides in question are
those which run parallel to the wall.

Perpendicular Side Bar Count In the columns, the number of bars on a side, where the sides in question
are those which run perpendicular to the wall.

Bar Size The size of the longitudinal bars in the columns.

Tie Size The size of the ties in the columns.

Tie Spacing The longitudinal spacing of the ties in the columns.

Column Cover The concrete cover for the columns.

Tangential Lap Splice Whether or not the longitudinal bars in the columns are spliced with a tangential
lap splice. This becomes important when checking clear spacing in between the bars. If this option is not
chosen (as in the case of a normal lap splice or mechanical splice) the clear spacing calculation does not
account for the presence of any lapped bars.

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 2. REFERENCE

Special Boundary Elements

Has Special Boundary Elements (SBEs) Whether or not this wall has zones that are to be designated as
Special Boundary Elements (SBE), as defined in Chapter 21 of ACI 318-02.

Vertical Extent The vertical extent over which the special boundary elements are to be used, measured
up from the bottom of the wall. Switch to the Elevation View tab for a graphic illustration of this dimension.

Horizontal Extent The horizontal extent of the special boundary elements, measured from the end of the
wall in towards the center. Switch to the Elevation View tab for a graphic illustration of this dimension.

Tie Size The size of the ties used in the special boundary elements. If the wall has columns, this setting
affects the ties in the columns, not those in the web portion of the special boundary element.

Tie Spacing The longitudinal spacing of the ties used in the special boundary elements. If the wall has
columns, this setting affects the ties in the columns, not those in the web portion of the special boundary
element.

Web Crosstie Size The size of the crossties used in the web portion of special boundary elements. These
confine the web in the direction perpendicular to the wall. This must be specified in the case where the
wall has columns and the special boundary element extends into the web. The web then will have its own
confinement, independent of that in the columns.

Web Parallel Confinement Size The size of the straight confining bars used in the web portion of special
boundary elements. These confine the web in the direction parallel to the wall. This must be specified in the
case where the wall has columns and the special boundary element extends into the web. The web then will
have its own confinement, independent of that in the columns. These bars extend through the web portion
of the special boundary element and should be developed on either side. It is usually advisable to make
these the same size as the wall horizontal bars and a multiple of their spacing; that way the wall horizontal
bars can act in this capacity and there are fewer new bars required.

Web Tie Spacing The longitudinal spacing of the confinement (both crossties and parallel bars) used in
the web portion of special boundary elements. This must be specified in the case where the wall has columns
and the special boundary element extends into the web. The web then will have its own confinement,
independent of that in the columns. It is usually advisable to make this spacing a multiple of of the horizontal
wall bar spacing; that way the wall horizontal bars can act in this capacity and there are fewer new bars
required.

Ties on Every Bar Whether or not the special boundary element has ties for every longitudinal bar in the
columns. If this option is not chosen, there will only be crossties on every other bar, unless the bar spacing
is large enough that they are required on all bars. One reason for selecting this option is that it increases the
total tie cross-sectional area (Ash), which may be required to pass ACI 21.4.4.1 (b).

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Chapter 3

Theory

3.1 Checks Performed

3.1.1 Wall Reinforcement Limits

These checks impose restrictions on the bars in the wall. Depending on circumstances, this may involve
checks from ACI Ch 11, 14, or 21.

Vertical Bar Rho [ACI 11.10.9.4, 14.3.2, 21.7.2.1]

Limit on the steel area to gross concrete area ratio for the vertical bars in the wall. This will use either the
provisions of Ch 14, Ch 11, or Ch 21

Horizontal Bar Rho [ACI 11.10.9.2, 14.3.3, 21.7.2.1]

Limit on the steel area to gross concrete area ratio for the horizontal bars in the wall. This will use either
the provisions of Ch 14, Ch 11, or Ch 21

Horizontal Bar Spacing [ACI 11.10.9.5, 14.3.5, 21.7.2.1]

Upper limit on the spacing of the horizontal bars in the wall. Depending on circumstances, this will use
either the provisions of Ch 14, Ch 11, or Ch 21.

Vertical Bar Spacing [ACI 11.10.9.5, 14.3.5, 21.7.2.1]

Upper limit on the spacing of the vertical bars in the wall. Depending on circumstances, this will use either
the provisions of Ch 14, Ch 11, or Ch 21.

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 3. THEORY

Vertical vs. Horizontal Rho [ACI 21.7.4.3]

Special requirement regarding the relationship between rho-vert and rho-horz as required in some situations
by ACI 21.7.4.3. This is only enforced when seismic provisions are used.

3.1.2 Reinforcement Details

These checks address details of reinforcement according to ACI Ch 7. Most of them do not apply when the
wall does not have columns at its ends.

Cover (wall) [ACI 7.7.1]

This checks that the clear cover on the outer set of wall bars is at least the minimum required value.

Cover (column) [ACI 7.7.1]

This checks that the clear cover for the column ties is at least the minimum required value. This check is
unnecessary and is not performed if there are no columns.

Clear Spacing [ACI 7.6.3]

Ensures that the clear spacing between column bars is no less than the required minimum.

Tie Size [ACI 7.10.5.1]

Checks that the ties providing confinement for the column longitudinal bars are at least the minimum re-
quired size.

Tie Spacing [ACI 7.10.5.2]

Checks that the ties providing confinement for the column longitudinal bars are spaced no further than the
maximum value.

Tie Alternate Bar Requirement [ACI 7.10.5.3]

For the longitudinal bars in the columns, verifies that there is a crosstie confining alternate bars, or every
bar for the case where it is required.

Tie Location Requirement [ACI 7.10.5.4]

Ensures that the start and stop location of the series of column ties is as required by the code.

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 3. THEORY

3.1.3 Strength Checks

These checks ensure that the wall is able to withstand the applied loads. Provisions are from ACI chapters
10, 11, and 21.

Shear [ACI 11.10, 21.7.4]

Checks that the shear capacity of the wall is sufficient to withstand the applied loads. If seismic provisions
are to be checked, the shear provisions of 21.7.4 will be applied. See program output for the particular
provisions used in a given situation.

Axial Compression [ACI 10.2, 10.3, 21.7.5]

This checks that the factored axial force on the wall does not exceed the allowable value.

Moment [ACI 10.2, 10.3, 21.7.5]

This checks that the factored moment on the wall does not exceed the value allowed for the given axial
force. See the interaction diagram for an illustration of the allowable moment at any given axial force.

3.1.4 Special Boundary Element (SBE) Checks

According to ACI Ch 21. Note that this program determines the need for special boundary elements ac-
cording to 21.7.6.2.

SBEs Present [ACI 21.7.6.2]

Checks whether or not special boundary elements are required for this wall. Note that the software assumes
that the configuration of the wall is such that it is appropriate to use 21.7.6.2 to make this determination
rather than 21.7.6.3.

SBE Height [ACI 21.7.6.4(a)]

Checks that the horizontal extent of the special boundary element is at least the minimum value required.

SBE Length [ACI 21.7.6.2(b)]

Checks that the vertical extent of the special boundary element is at least the minimum value required.

SBE Flange Extension [ACI 21.7.6.4(b)]

Ensures that the boundary element extends a sufficient distance into the flanges. This is only checked if the
wall has columns; otherwise there are no flanges.

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 3. THEORY

SBE Web Extension [ACI 21.7.6.4(b)]

Ensures that the boundary element extends a sufficient distance into the web. This only applies if the wall
has columns.

SBE Tie Area [ACI 21.4.4.1(b)]

Checks that the cross-sectional area of ties is is not less than the minimum amount allowed. This includes
both the outer hoop tie and any crossties. This check is performed for tie legs in both directions (parallel
and perpendicular to the wall). For the case where the wall has columns and the special boundary element
extends into the web, this check will be performed separately for the column and web portions of the special
boundary element. Under that scenario, there will be four checks total, since both the web and column will
need confinement in each direction checked. The check summary display will always reflect the most
critical case.

SBE Tie Spacing [ACI 21.4.4.2]

Checks that the spacing of the ties in the special boundary element does not exceed the maximum allowable
value. For the case where the wall has columns and the special boundary element extends into the web, this
check will be performed separately for the column and web portions of the special boundary element. The
check summary display will always reflect the most critical case.

SBE Tie Leg Horizontal Spacing [ACI 21.4.4.3]

Checks that the horizontal spacing of tie legs (or crossites) in the special boundary element does not exceed
the maximum allowable value. For the case where the wall has columns and the special boundary element
extends into the web, this check will be performed separately for the column and web portions of the special
boundary element. The check summary display will always reflect the most critical case.

SBE Horizontal Bar Anchoring [ACI 21.7.6.4(e)]

Checks that the horizontal wall bars are properly anchored into the core of the special boundary element.
Note that for the case where there are no columns and hence no enlarged boundary element to embed in, we
perform this check by ensuring that the wall horizontal bars are hooked around the end longitudinal bars,
while noting that splicing to a U-stirrup is also a good approach.

3.2 Interaction Diagram

The interaction diagrams are obtained by taking a certain set of values of P, uniformly spread between zero
and the maximum value, and calculating the corresponding value of M for each point. This calculation is
performed via a strain compatibility analysis assuming linear strain and using a rectangular compressive
stress block (as suggested by ACI 10.2.7). The resulting points are reduced by the appropriate phi factors
and plotted.

The section considered includes both the column longitudinal bars (if there are columns) and the verti-

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QuickConcreteWall 1.00.0002 User’s Guide CHAPTER 3. THEORY

cal bars in the wall.

3.3 Assumptions
This program makes the following significant assumptions:

- Loads are assumed to be applied uniformly (local effects neglected)

- Out-of-plane moments are not allowed, and their effects are not considered
- This is primarily a design tool, not an analysis tool. Basic statics are used to calculate design forces from
given loads, but no advanced finite element or rigidity analyses are performed. It is assumed that the input
loads were obtained from a proper analysis.
- Does not check for the case where the vertical reinforcement ratio in the wall is so high that the wall
becomes subject to regular column tie requirements and hence must have ties on all vertical bars. See ACI
14.3.6 and 7.10.
- Does not enforce ACI 21.7.6.5, detailing requirements for walls where special boundary elements are not
required. This is something we view as a potentially significant limitation, and intend to address soon in a
future release.
- When enforcing seismic provisions (ACI Ch 21), the software still checks the Ch 11 provisions for shear
strength, bar rho, and bar spacing, and enforces them if they are more conservative.
- Does not check the case where f’c is so high (10000+ psi) that sqrt(f’c) is greater than 100psi (ACI 11.1.2).
- Columns are not individually checked for maximum reinforcement ratio requirements.
- When calculating the effective flange width (when the wall has flanges) the software does not consider the
possibility of an adjacent wall web being close enough to have an effect (see ACI 21.7.5.2).
- Assumes cast-in-place concrete (affects cover requirements)
- Assumes no corrosive environment (affects cover requirements)
- The user will detail hoop ties and crossties manually. The software shows the correct position of ties, but
does not assume responsibility for detailing requirements like bend angle, extension length, etc.
- The user will determine the required hook extension manually (when hooks are used). The software does
not specify or check an exact length.

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