COLUMN

Reinforced Concrete Column

SOFiSTiK | 2020
 COLUMN
Reinforced Concrete Column
COLUMN Manual, Version 2020-0
Software Version SOFiSTiK 2020
Copyright © 2019 by SOFiSTiK AG, Oberschleissheim, Germany.

SOFiSTiK AG

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This manual is protected by copyright laws. No part of it may be translated, copied or reproduced, in any form or by
any means, without written permission from SOFiSTiK AG. SOFiSTiK reserves the right to modify or to release
new editions of this manual.

The manual and the program have been thoroughly checked for errors. However, SOFiSTiK does not claim that
either one is completely error free. Errors and omissions are corrected as soon as they are detected.

The user of the program is solely responsible for the applications. We strongly encourage the user to test the
correctness of all calculations at least by random sampling.

Front Cover
Project: Queensferry Crossing | Photo: Bastian Kratzke
 Contents | COLUMN

Contents

Contents i

1 Nominal Curvature 1-1

1.1 The Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
1.2 Deviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.3 Imperfection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1.4 Creep Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.5 The Slenderness Criterion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.6 Biaxial Bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.7 Design of Reinforced Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1.8 Remark of the National Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.8.1 Design according to German Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.8.2 Design according to Austrian Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.8.3 Design according to British Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.8.4 Design according to Italian Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1.8.5 Design according to French Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

2 Description of Input 2-1

2.1 Input Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
2.2 Input Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.2.1 Example - Autonom Column task . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.2.2 Example - Column in whole structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.3 ECHO – Output Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
2.4 CTRL – Control calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
2.5 POS – Static position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
2.6 COMB – Load Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2.7 CINP – CADINP data for STAR2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
2.8 FIRE – Fire design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
2.9 WARM – Flamed edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.10 L0FI – Effective length heat desgin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
2.11 CREP – Creep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
2.12 GEOM – Geometry for nominal curvature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
2.13 IMP – Imperfection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
2.14 BUCK – Buckling Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
2.15 SLN – Structural Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
2.16 LC – Loadcase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
2.17 SCHN – Internal Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

SOFiSTiK 2020 i
COLUMN | Contents

ii SOFiSTiK 2020
 Nominal Curvature | COLUMN

1 Nominal Curvature

The SSD-Task "Column Design" provides the nominal curvature according to the standard EN
1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.8.8. It can be applied for a single column or a whole structure with a
constant normal force distribution. The method is currently allowed in Germany, Austria, Italy,
France and Great Britain and Northern Ireland according to the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004.

The nominal curvature is a simplified method, which calculates the approximate bending
moment with second order effects. Though, the approximation is based on the linearization
of the dimensioning diagram. The necessity of second order effects will be checked with a
slenderness criteria according to the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.8.3.1. However, the
method will be always applied, also if the equation recommends no inverstigation of second
order effects.

There are some restrictions and assumptions to apply the nominal curvature. Regarding
cross section, the standard recommends symmetric geometry, constant reinforcement distri-
bution, and the use of cross section like rectangle, circle or ellipse. The material and cross
section are defined with the program AQUA. When there are realistic assumptions regarding
the curvature distribution, the applicability on a whole structure is given. The resulting bending
moment are used to check if an uniaxial or biaxial design can be applied according to EN
1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.8.9. If limits are not respected, then it will be always applied a biaxial
design.

The method requires some assumptions, which are given as standard value on the tab "Control
Values".

• Selection of the statical system as pin-ended or cantilever column. Additionally it is

possible to give an effective length coefficient.

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COLUMN | Nominal Curvature

• Define boundary conditions in each direction

• Design of a reinforced concrete column with gross or net cross section.
• Selection of a column or wall.
• Curvature distribution cy,z = 10.0 according to EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.8.8.2 (4).
• Final creep factor φ(∞,t0 ) = 2.5
• Associated columns, which have an impact on the decisive column
m = 1.0 der Faktor αm = 0.5(1 + 1/ m) according to EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.2
p

(5).

The effects of creep are considered with the parameter infinity creep coefficient φ(∞,t0 ) and
the proportional factor M0Eqp / M0Ed .

The standard for the maximum of reinforcement can exceed the limit value. If the maxi-
mum reinforcement is exceeded, then there will be a hint in the ouptut. If the cross section
represents a wall, then it should be selected an uniaxial design in direction about the weak
bending axis.

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 Nominal Curvature | COLUMN

1.1 The Workflow

The general approach of the nominal curvature is listed as following steps:

1. Calculation of the imperfection e , slenderness λ and inner lever arm dy,z

2. Find the critical deflection e0 , which depends on the current loadcase combination. Con-
sider different endmoments according EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.8.8.2 (2), Eq. 5.32

3. Start iteration of design moment MEd (Theory II. Order).

(The iteration will stopp, when the coefficient Kr achieved convergence.)

(a) Validation, if uni-/biaxial design can be applied

(b) Calculate the coefficient Kr and the eccentricity e2

(c) Calculate actual design moment MEd = NEd (e0 + e + e2 )

(d) Calculate required reinforcement with the program AQB

4. Additional cross section design on different locations

(without imperfection and theory II.O.)

5. Result: decisive design moment, required reinforcement, and utilisation factor

The iteration approach for the design moment MEd is shown in the Figure 1.1. The variable Kr
is a linear approximation in the normal moment interaction diagram, also kown as ω-table.
In each step, a new required reinforcement will be performed.

START

New As

As · ƒyd
n = 1 +
Ac · ƒcd

NEd
n=
Ac · ƒcd

n + n
Kr =
n − nb

No
|Kr,ne − Kr,od | < 1 · 10−4

Yes
END

Figure 1.1: Iteration

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COLUMN | Nominal Curvature

For each loadcase combination the result of nominal curvature will be compared with a cross
section design on the upper and bottom part of a column (without imperfection and theory II.
order).

Depending on annex standards, a minimum eccentricity e0 might be considered according to

the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 6.1 (4). The final step of the actual moment of second
order or first order will be compared with the minimum moment in equation 1.1.

MEd ≥ Mmn
Mmn = NEd e0 (1.1)
e0 = h/ 30 ≥ 20mm

If the minimum moment is decisive in both directions, then the program AQB will perform a
separate design in both directions. Otherwise it would always perform a biaxial design, due to
these simplified equations 5.38b according EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.8.9.

1.2 Deviations
The implementation has some minor deviations regarding the approach according to the stan-
dard EN 1992-1-1:2004. The nominal curvature uses the real inner lever arm of the inner
forces, instead of the simplification (z = 0.9 d). This variation allows a general use of several
cross section shapes, which are more or less still symmetric. Also, it is possible to exceed the
recommended maximum area of reinforcement. If it takes place, then there will be a footnote
in the PLB output, that As,m is exceeded. The approximation of the interaction diagram is
only used to determine the coefficient Kr . The following cross section design will be performed
with the exact dimensioning diagram in the program AQB.

The additional investigation of other cross section design will be applied without imperfection
and theory II. order. If an additional design is decisive, then it will always calculate a biaxial
design with the program AQB. In this case the equations according EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch.
5.8.9 will be neglected. Though, the minimum eccentricity according EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch.
6.1 will be checked and applied.

1.3 Imperfection
If there are no custom defined imperfection with the command IMP, then the imperfection is
calculated according to the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.2. To take into account the
impact of other column members, there is the parameter αm , which is a reduction factor for the
number of columns (see EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.2 (5), Eq. 5.1). The default value for αm
is 1.0, which represents no impact of other columns. The imperfection will be applied with the
following equations (1.2):

e = θ 0 / 2 with θ = θ0 αh αm
(1.2)

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 Nominal Curvature | COLUMN

1.4 Creep Effects

There are some specific parameters, which are necessary in order to consider the effects of
creep. This represents the proportion between M0Eqp (first order bending moment in quasi-
permanent load combination (SLS)) and M0Ed (first order bending moment in design load
combination (ULS)), which is different for each load case and direction. The infinity creep
factor φ(∞,t0 ) has to be defined according to the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.8.4.

φeƒ = φ(∞,t0 ) M0Eqp / M0Ed (1.3)

The program COLUMN generates distinct creep combinations for each loadcase combination.
This investigation determines the rate of the bending moment or normal forces and provides
these proportion factors.

1.5 The Slenderness Criterion

These second order effects depends on the column slenderness. If the current slenderness is
below the limit of slenderess, then the analysis of second order can be neglected. The general
definition of the limit slenderness λm is defined according to the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004,
Ch. 5.8.3 (1), Eq. 5.13N. (1), Eq. 5.13N.
p
λm = 20 A B C/ n with n = NEd / (Ac ƒcd ) (1.4)

1.6 Biaxial Bending

It is not always a biaxial design, when there are moments in both directions. If these equations
(1.5) according to the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004, Ch. 5.8.9 are respected, it might allows a
separate cross-section design.

λy / λz ≤ 2 nd λz / λy ≤2 (1.5)

The first condition checks both slenderness rate according to the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004,
Ch. 5.8.9 (3), Eq. 5.38a. One of the equations 1.6, listed below, has to be satisfied to perform
an uniaxial design.

ey / heq ez / beq
≤ 0.2 or ≤ 0.2 (1.6)
ez / beq ey / heq

The standard also recommends to set imperfection only in one direction, in which it causes
unfavourable effects.

ey = M,z,Ed / NEd , ez = M,y,Ed / NEd (1.7)

1.7 Design of Reinforced Concrete

The chapters 9.5, 9.6 and 9.7 according to the standard EN 1992-1-1:2004 are considered the
minimum and maximum reinforcement area. If the customer has already set up a minimum
area of reinforcement, then the custom defined area of reinforcement will be used. The max-
imum reinforcement can be exceeded and in this case it will be marked by a footnote in the
PLB output. In every national annex are a few variations regarding minimum and maximum
reinforcement.

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COLUMN | Nominal Curvature

1.8 Remark of the National Annex

1.8.1 Design according to German Standard
The German standard code has a lot of changes regarding to EN 1992-1-1:2004. Also the Heft
600 (DafStb) has a lot of recommendations, which are applied in the German standard. The
implementation of the recommended rules results in more economical cross section design.
The national annex allows a reduction of the eccentricity e2 with the factor K1 according to the
standard DIN EN 1992-1-1:2011 (NA), Ch. 5.8.8.2, when the slenderness range is satisfied.

e2 = K1 (1/ r) 2
eƒ ƒ ,y
/ cy (1.8)

A different definition of limit slenderness is used in the German annex according to the standard
DIN EN 1992-1-1:2011 (NA), Ch. 5.8.3.1, Eq. 5.13.a and 5.13.b.

λm = 25 for |n| ≥ 0, 41

p (1.9)
λm = 16/ n for|n| < 0, 41

A biaxial design has to be applied, when the equations are not satisfied in the section 5.8.9
according to the standard DIN EN 1992-1-1:2011. In Germany, there is also Heft 600 (DafStb),
that recommends for the equations 5.38a and 5.38b to neglect the imperfection and eccentricity
of second order. Heft 600 (DafStb) describes that it is sufficient to take moments of first order.

e0,y = M.0.,z,Ed / NEd

(1.10)
e0,z = M.0.,y,Ed / NEd

In conclusion a separate design is only allowed, if one of these equations Heft 600 (DafStb)
are satisfied.
e0,y / heq e0,z / beq
≤ 0.2 or ≤ 0.2 (1.11)
e0,z / beq e0,y / heq

1.8.2 Design according to Austrian Standard

The OEN EN 1992-1-1:2007 is similar to the EN 1992-1-1:2004 and uses mostly the recom-
mendations of EN 1992-1-1:2004. The minimum reinforcement has a different pre-factor for
As, mn according to the standard OEN EN 1992-1-1:2007. Also the pre-factor for As,max is
defined as 0.08. The minimum diameter is recommended to 12 mm.

1.8.3 Design according to British Standard

The definitions for the minimum and maximum reinforcement are the same as in the standard
EN 1992-1-1:2004 described. The minimum diameter is recommended to 12 mm.

1.8.4 Design according to Italian Code

Most of the recommendations according to EN 1992-1-1: 2004 are adopted. The following de-
viations have been made regarding the standard NORME TECNICHE PER LE COSTRUZIONI
no. 42 January 2018:

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 Nominal Curvature | COLUMN

The minimum reinforcement is determined using the equations As,mn = 0.1 NEd / ƒyd
or 0.003 Ac , the larger value is decisive. The maximum reinforcement As,m is 0.04 Ac and
the minimum reinforcement diameter is 12 mm.

1.8.5 Design according to French Standard

The National Annex NF EN 1992-1-1: 2016 uses most of the recommendations. If the cross
section represents a wall, then the following deviation is recommended according to NF 1992-
1-1: 2016-03, Ch. 9.6.2 (1) regarding to the minimum reinforcement:

As,mn = 0.0 NEd ≤ NRd,b

(1.12)
As,mn = 0.002 Ac NEd > NRd,b

Due to the decisive constructive reinforcement according to NF 1992-1-1:2016-03(NA), Ch.

9.6.2 (3), the minimum reinforcement As, mn = 0.002 Ac is never undercut.

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COLUMN | Nominal Curvature

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

2 Description of Input

COLUMN is a postprocessing program supplement to the SSD-Tasks.

• Column System
• Column Calculation
• Column Fire Design
• Column Design
- Nominal curvature method
- General method

The main task is to create a compact view of results, generate specific input data, and to
perform the simplified fire design according to the standard DIN EN 1992-1-2 with the Table
5.2a and Equation 5.7.

2.1 Input Language

The input is done in a free format with the CADINP input language (see the general manual
SOFiSTiK: ’FEA / STRUCTURAL Installation and Basics’).

Three categories of units are distinguished:

mm Fixed unit. Input is always required in the specified unit.

[mm] Explicit unit. Input defaults to the specified unit. Alternatively, an explicit as-
signment of a related unit is possible (eg. 2.5[m] ).

[mm] 1011 Implicit unit. Implicit units are categorised semantically and denoted by a cor-
responding identity number (shown in green). Valid categories referring to the
unit ”length” are, for example, geodetic elevation, section length and thickness.
The default unit for each category is defined by the currently active (design code
specific) unit set. This input default can be overridden as described above. The
specified unit in square brackets corresponds to the default for unit set 5 (Eu-
rocodes, NORM UNIT 5).

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.2 Input Records

The following record names and keywords are defined:

Record Items
HEAD
ECHO OPT VAL
CTRL OPT VAL
POS TITL PLAC TEXT
COMB LC TYPE TITL
CINP XXXX
FIRE R NACH ALCC
FACE EPS ALPC ALPL KURV
L0FI VON BIS L0
WARM QNR EXP1 EXP2 EXP3 ... EXP9 EXP0
CREP PHI LCXP LCXN LCYP LCYN
GEOM L BETY BETZ CY CZ
IMP EIXY EIXZ AMXY AMXZ
BUCK FIX
SLN NO Z0 AXIS LEV TITL
LC NO TYPE TITL
SCHN N MY1 MZ1 MY2 MZ2 MY3 MZ3
END

The records HEAD and END are described in the general manual SOFiSTiK: ’FEA / STRUC-
TURAL Installation and Basics’.

COLUMN is a postprocessing program supplement to SSD-Tasks "Column Calculation" and

"Column Fire Design" and is generating a compact view of column design results.

2.2.1 Example - Autonom Column task

With the SSD-Task "Column System", "Column Calculation" and "Column Heat Design" an
own SSD-Project can be created, but only for calculation of columns. Therefore, it is possible
to generate a sequence of columns over several stories. In this context COLUMN is like a
postprocessing program, that is gathering and presenting the result output.

Example: Cold Design

+PROG COLUMN
HEAD Column strechted over two stories with creep effects and fire design
ECHO MAT YES
ECHO SECT YES
ECHO SYST YES

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

ECHO REIN YES

ECHO LOAD EXTR
ECHO REAC YES
ECHO SCHN YES
ECHO DEFO YES
ECHO COMB FULL
ECHO REIN YES
ECHO PICT EXTR
CTRL DESI
CTRL NETT YES
POS 'S1' PLAC 'A/1'
COMB 1002 (D) '1.35G(1)+1.5Q(2)+0.75S(3)+C(X+)+I(X+)'
COMB 1005 (A) 'G(1)+A(6)+0.3Q(2)+I(X+)'
CREP PHI 2.5
COMB 3002 (AB) 'G(1)+0.3Q(2)'
FIRE R 30 T52A+GL57 ALCC 1.00
L0FI VON 1 BIS 1 L0 2.1
L0FI VON 2 BIS 2 L0 2.1
END

Example: Heat Design

+PROG COLUMN
HEAD Heat Design for a two times stories
ECHO MAT YES
ECHO SECT YES
ECHO SYST YES
ECHO ACT YES
ECHO LOAD EXTR
ECHO REAC YES
ECHO SCHN YES
ECHO DEFO YES
ECHO COMB FULL
ECHO REIN YES
ECHO PICT EXTR
CTRL NETT YES
POS 'S1' PLAC 'A/1'
FIRE R 30 FACE 'Y-Z+Y+Z-' EPS 0.7 ALPC 25 ALPL 9 KURV 'ETK'
COMB 3002 (A) 'G(1)+0.3Q(2)+I(X+)'
END

2.2.2 Example - Column in whole structure

After a calculation of the whole structure, the task "’Column Design"’ performs a column design.

There are two possibilities to perform a column design: the boundary conditions are treated
with either a pin-ended or a cantilever column. There are two checking design: the nominal
curvature method according to EN 1992-1-1, Ch. 5.8.8 or the general method according to EN

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COLUMN | Description of Input

1992-1-1, Ch. 5.8.6.

Example: Nominal curvature method

+PROG COLUMN
HEAD Design of two reinforced concrete columns with nomnal curvature method
ECHO SYST FULL
ECHO MAT YES
ECHO SECT YES
ECHO ACT YES
ECHO LOAD EXTR
ECHO COMB full
ECHO REAC YES
ECHO KOMB YES
ECHO DEFO YES
ECHO REIN YES
ECHO PICT FULL
CTRL NCM
CTRL EMIN 0
CTRL NETT YES
POS 'S2' PLAC 'B/1+2' TEXT 'Middle column'
GEOM L 5.2 BETY 1 BETZ 1 CY 10 CZ 10
CREP PHI 2.5
COMB LC 1001 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)'
COMB LC 1002 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+1.5Q(2)'
COMB LC 1003 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)'
COMB LC 1004 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+1.5Q(2)+0.9W(3)'
COMB LC 1005 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+1.5W(3)'
COMB LC 1006 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+1.5Q(2)'
COMB LC 1007 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+1.5W(3)'
COMB LC 1008 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+1.5Q(2)+0.9W(3)'
COMB LC 1009 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+1.5W(3)+1.05Q(2)'
COMB LC 1010 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+1.5W(3)+1.05Q(2)'
SLN 12 Z0 -1 AXIS 'B/1' LEV 'DG/EG' TITL 'Middle column'
LC 1 TYPE G TITL 'Dead load'
SCHN N -627.6
LC 2 TYPE Q TITL 'Traffic Load'
SCHN N -212 MY1 21.2 MZ1 31.2 MY2 -11.2 MZ2 -11.2
LC 3 TYPE W TITL 'Wind'
SCHN N 0 MY3 17.576
SLN 22 Z0 -1 AXIS 'B/2' LEV 'EG/DG' TITL 'Middle column'
LC 1 TYPE G TITL 'Dead load'
SCHN N -637.6
LC 2 TYPE Q TITL 'Traffic load'
SCHN N -222 MY1 -22.2 MZ1 32.2 MY2 12.2 MZ2 -12.2
LC 3 TYPE W TITL 'Wind'
SCHN N 0 MY3 20.956
FIRE R 30 T52A+GL57 ALCC 1.0

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

L0FI L0 2.6
END

Example: General method

+PROG COLUMN
HEAD Design of two reinforced concrete columns with general method
ECHO SYST FULL
ECHO MAT YES
ECHO SECT YES
ECHO ACT YES
ECHO LOAD EXTR
ECHO COMB FULL
ECHO REAC YES
ECHO SCHN YES
ECHO DEFO YES
ECHO REIN YES
ECHO PICT FULL
CTRL TH2
CTRL DESI
CTRL NETT YES
POS 'S2' PLAC 'B/1+2' TEXT 'Middle columns'
IMP EIXY 0.011402 EIXZ 0.011402
CREP PHI 2.5
COMB 1001 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+C+I(y-)'
COMB 1002 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+1.5Q(2)+C+I(z+y-)'
COMB 1003 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+C+I(y-)'
COMB 1004 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+1.5Q(2)+0.9W(3)+C+I(z+y-)'
COMB 1005 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+1.5W(3)+C+I(z+y-)'
COMB 1006 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+1.5Q(2)+C+I(z+y-)'
COMB 1007 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+1.5W(3)+C+I(z+y-)'
COMB 1008 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+1.5Q(2)+0.9W(3)+C+I(z+y-)'
COMB 1009 TYPE (D) TITL '1.35G(1)+1.5W(3)+1.05Q(2)+C+I(z+y-)'
COMB 1010 TYPE (D) TITL 'G(1)+1.5W(3)+1.05Q(2)+C+I(z+y-)'
SLN 12 Z0 -1 AXIS 'B/1' LEV 'DG/EG' TITL 'Middle columns'
SLN 22 Z0 -1 AXIS 'B/2' LEV 'EG/DG' TITL 'Middle columns'
FIRE R 30 T52A+GL57 ALCC 1.0
L0FI L0 2.6
END

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.3 ECHO – Output Options

ECHO

Item Description Unit Default

OPT MAT Materials LT YES

SECT Cross section elements LT YES
SYST System LT YES
YES Results for the decisive column
FULL Results for every column, which
are representing one position.
ACT Action LT YES
LOAD Loading LT EXTR
YES Table with characteristic loads
FULL Graphic with characteristic loads
EXTR Table + Graphic
COMB Combination LT FULL
YES Decisive combination
FULL Table of all combinations
EXTR will have an effect by using REAC
FULL/EXTR, that all support re-
actions of the combinations are
printed
REAC* Support reactions LT YES
YES Characteristic
FULL Combinations (see also COMB)
EXTR Characteristic + combinations
SCHN Internal Forces LT YES
YESInternal Forces of decisive combi-
nations
FULL Internal Forces of all examine
combinations
DEFO* Deformation LT YES
YES Deformation of decisive combina-
tion
FULL Deformation of all combinations
REIN Reinforcement or output of the method LT YES
nominal curvature
Table continued on next page.

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

Item Description Unit Default

YES Required reinforcement

FULL Results of the decisive combina-
tion
EXTR Results of all combinations
PICT Reinforcement sketch LT FULL
YES Graphic with predefined reinforce-
ment
FULL Graphic with optimized and rec-
ommended reinforcement
TERM* Thermal properties for heat design LT YES

VALUE NO Abort the output LT

YES Output of the decisive combination
FULL Output of all combinations
EXTR Parts of YES and FULL

* not valid for nominal curvature method

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.4 CTRL – Control calculation

CTRL

Item Description Unit Default

OPT TH2 Calculation based on general method of a LT

single or several columns, which are sum-
marized in one position
NCM Calculation based on nominal curvature for LT
a single or several columns, which are sum-
marized in one position
COMB Generate a STAR2 data set with the deci- LT
sive combination
DESI Summary of design results LT

NETT Design with net cross section LT

WALL Design with wall LT
EMIN* Minimum eccentricity −
CANT Define a cantilever in xy/xz-plane LT

* not valid for the general method

COLUMN is used for different tasks. The standard is, that a single column, which is stretched
over several stories, runs always with the general method with second order theory. The basics
are according to the standard EN 1992-1-1, Chapter 5.8.6.

TH2/NCM Herewith you can summarize several columns to one position. It can not be
proceed a design for several columns, which is stretched over several stories.
The method is restricted to a single column, which represents either a pin-ended
column or a cantilever.
COMB COLUMN is generating a data set, which is based on all calculated combinations.
It will filter the decisive combinations and applies the combination with the com-
mand APPLY to the main data set. This option is enabled, when the task "Column
calculation" has selected a detailed STAR2-Output for the decisive combination.
In this context, there will be applied several CINP-commands to generate the
STAR2 data set into the file NAME.KOM, which are embed into the main data set.
DESI The results are summarized for several columns and also if there is defined an
associated accidental loadcase(impact resp. eqrthquake), which represents the
accidental and earthquake design, for ultimate limit state.
EMIN The minimum eccentricity can be activated(1) or deactivated(0) for the nominal
curvature method. If the minimum eccentricity must be considered, then it will be
applied automatically according the National Annex.
CANT A cantilever can be defined with the literals XY and XZ in the related direction.

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

2.5 POS – Static position

POS

Item Description Unit Default

TITL Position name Lt

PLAC Place of the position (z.B. title of the position) Lt
TEXT Description text Lt

If the following command POS will be used, then the position name will be printed as a headline.
The idea is, that the member can be labelled with a static position number TITL and the exact
position of the member with PLAC for example the axis of the building. With TEXT there can
be given a short description.

Example:

+PROG COLUMN
HEAD
POS 'S1' LAGE 'A/1' TEXT 'concrete column b/h=300/300 mm'
...
END

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.6 COMB – Load Combinations

COMB

Item Description Unit Default

LC Loadcase number -

TYPE Type of action LT (D)

(D) Ultimate limit state
(A) Accidental design situation
(E) Earthquake
(AB) Fire action

TITL Title of loadcase combination LT

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

2.7 CINP – CADINP data for STAR2

CINP

Item Description Unit Default

TEXT CADINP-Input LT

arbitrary number of lines

This input data is generated by SSD-Task "Column Calculation" and is used by CTRL COMB.
The generated data set for STAR2 will be saved in the file NAME.KOM and applied in the main
data set with the command APPLY. For looking up of the combination loadcase number it can
be used the variable #LC, which is determined by COLUMN and saved in the database.

Example:

+PROG COLUMN
HEAD Looking for decisive loadcases
PAGE UNIO 0
ECHO FULL NO
CTRL COMB
COMB 1002 (D) '1.35G+1.5Q(2)+I(X+Y+)'
CINP '+PROG STAR2'
CINP 'HEAD Decisive loadcase in ultimate limit state'
CINP 'PAGE UNIO 0'
CINP 'ECHO DEFO extr'
CINP 'CTRL II 100'
CINP 'CTRL SVRF 1'
CINP 'LC #LC '
CINP 'REIN BEAM SING LCR #LCR '
CINP 'IF #LCR==1 '
CINP 'DESI ulti SMOD yes AMAX 20'
CINP 'NSTR bk1 FMAX 2.0'
CINP 'ENDIF'
CINP 'IF #LCR==2 '
CINP 'DESI acci SMOD yes AMAX 20'
CINP 'NSTR ak1 FMAX 2.0'
CINP 'ENDIF'
CINP 'END'
END

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.8 FIRE – Fire design

FIRE

Item Description Unit Default

R Fire resistance class (apply flame in minutes) mn

NACH simplified check - method A Lt

T52A Table 5.2A
GL57 Equation 5.7
can be combined with +
T54 Wall according to Table 5.4
ALCC Coefficient for considering long time reactions of the 0.85
compressive strength

FACE apply a flame to edge - general method Lt

Y+ left edge
Y- right edge
Z- top edge
Z+ bottom edge
with arbitrary combination of edges
EPS Emission values for the surface on concrete 0.7
ALPC convective heat-transfer coefficient W/ K/ m2 25
ALPL heat-transfer coefficient air W/ K/ m2 9
KURV Fire action Lt ETK
ETK Unit temperature fire curve
EXT External fire curve
CARB Hydroncarbon fire curve
ING Tunnel fire curve ZTV-ING
USER user-defined

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

2.9 WARM – Flamed edges

WARM

Item Description Unit Default

QNR Cross section number

EXP1 Title of edge LT

EXP2 LT
... LT
EXP0 maximum 10 edges LT

With the command WARM you can define for a general cross section the flamed edges.

There are maximum 10 different edges supported.

Example:

+PROG COLUMN
HEAD Result from heat design
PAGE UNIO 0
ECHO MAT YES
ECHO SECT YES
ECHO ACT YES
ECHO REAC YES
ECHO FORC YES
ECHO DEFO YES
ECHO COMB FULL
ECHO PICT YES
ECHO REIN NO
FIRE R 60 FACE 'Y+Z+Y+Z+' EPS 0.7 ALPC 25 ALPL 9 KURV 'ETK'
! General cross section with flmaed edges
WARM QNR 3 LE RI TO BO ! e.g. left, right, top and bottom
COMB 3001 (A) 'G(1)+I(Y+)'
END

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.10 L0FI – Effective length heat desgin

L0FI

Item Description Unit Default

VON from Beam-No

BIS to Beam-No VON

L0 Effective length m

The definition of the effective length are applied with L0FI for single or several columns for the
heat design according to the standard EN 1992-1-2, method A. Especially on a bracing system
of a single column with the input of L0 = 0.5 · L it can be shown, that in case of fire the column
is rigid connected to the upper and lower storey.

Hint: If the system is well described with a cantilever, then it is forbidden to apply the method
A.

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

2.11 CREP – Creep

CREP

Item Description Unit Default

PHI Creep coefficient -

The definition of the final creep coefficient can be given with PHI according to EN 1992-1-1,
Chapter 3.1.4.

The nominal curvature is using the effective creep coefficient according to EN 1992-1-1, Chap-
ter 5.8.4, which will be calculated for each loadcase combination.

The general method in the ultimate limit state is applying for each loadcase combination a
associated quasi-permanent loadcase combination, which will be calculated with second order
effects. The resulting deformations will be applied as predeformation as result of creep effects
and will be added to the imperfection in the ultimate limit state.

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.12 GEOM – Geometry for nominal curvature

GEOM

Item Description Unit Default

L Column length m

BETY effective length coefficient for buckling around 1.0

BETZ the local y- resp. z-axis 1.0

CY curvature coefficient in local y- and z-direction 10

CZ for the calculation of the additional deflection e2 with 10
second order effects

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

2.13 IMP – Imperfection

IMP

Item Description Unit Default

EIXY Imperfection ei in local y-direction m

EIXZ Imperfection ei in local z-direction m

AMXY Count of vertical members, which are contributing to 1

AMXZ the stiffness of the building 1

If no user input exist, the imerfection will be used as ei = θi · L0 / 2 according to EN 1992-1-1,

Equation 5.2. The inclination will be considered with Equation 5.1 given by θi :

θi = θ0 · α h · α m

with

θ0 : is the basic value for an inclination: θ0 = 1/ 200

p
α h : is the reduction factor for height: α h = 2/ L ≤ 1.0
Æ
α m : is the reduction factor for number of members: α m = 0.5(1 + 1/ m)

With members of a storey (pin-ended column) it should be always used AMXY/AMXZ to set up
α m = 1.

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.14 BUCK – Buckling Boundaries

BUCK

Item Description Unit Default

FIX against buckling Lt

XY in local xy-plane
XZ in local xz-plane

If the column is braced in a plane, then there will be no design against buckling in this direction.

As standard it will be always applied a design in both direction, but if the input is using the
command FIX it will only applied in one direction.

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

2.15 SLN – Structural Line

SLN

Item Description Unit Default

NO Structural line number

Z0 Global Z-coordinate to the foot of the column m 0.0

AXIS Level of the column in the floorplan (title of axis) Lt

LEV Level of column by a given cut (plane) Lt
TITL Title of structural line Lt

With SLN there will be used the structural line, which represents the concrete column for the
design. It is possible to chose between the simplified nominal curvature or the general method,
which considers the second order effects. To gather several columns to one position, it can be
applied with using POS several times. In dependency of used output options, there will be
printed the decisive column or all columns.

A closer description of the member place in the whole structure can be applied with LEV and
also AXIS. For example the description of the building axis and the storey number.

Example:

+PROG COLUMN
HEAD
...
SLN 1001 Z0 -3.50 AXIS 'A/1' LEV '1. OG' TITL 'Concrete column b/h=300/300 mm'
...
END

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COLUMN | Description of Input

2.16 LC – Loadcase

LC

Item Description Unit Default

NO Loadcase-No.
TYPE Type of Action G, Q, S, W ... Lt
TITL Title of loadcase Lt

The defined loadcases with further input SCHN of internal forces will be used for the design in
the method of nominal curvature.

After using LC there have to be applied a following input with SCHN.

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 Description of Input | COLUMN

2.17 SCHN – Internal Forces

SCHN

Item Description Unit Default

N Normal force kN

MY1 Moment My/Mz at the column head kNm

MZ1 kNm

MY2 Moment My/Mz at the bottom column edge kNm

MZ2 kNm

MY3 Moment My/Mz in the middle third according to kNm

MZ3 buckling bendline kNm

The given internal forces will be used for the design with the nominal curvature method. The
input of SCHN needs a previous input with LC.

The assumption is based on a constant normal (compressive) force. There will be applied a
regular design for both moments at the end of the column. If the characteristic of the moments
are linear, then there will be applied the equation 5.32 according to EN 1992-1-1 for the decisive
moment. With the input of MY3 resp. MZ3 there can be defined explicit moments in the middle
third of the buckling bendline (e.g. due to wind action).

With the nominal curvature method, there will be calculated a simplified moment with second
order effects, which uses simplified curvature assumptions. As long the constraints according
to equation 5.38a and 5.38b are satisfied, there will be a separate design in each direction. If
the condition is not fulfilled, then there will be always proceeded a biaxial design.

SOFiSTiK 2020 2-21