Scia Engineer

Advanced Concrete Tutorial

Using Scia Engineer (2010)

Version 1.0 (draft)
 Advanced Concrete Tutorial

CONTENTS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION 3
1 BEAM REINFORCEMENT CALCULATION 4
Definition of the example ( 1D Element)...................................................... 4
1.1.0: Input the concrete setup .................................................................... 9
1.1.1: Definition of input parameters ......................................................... 10
1.1.2: Calculation of theoretical reinforcement ........................................ 13
1.1.3: User reinforcement (User defined) .................................................. 18
1.1.4: Weight of reinforcement (kg/m3)...................................................... 20
1.2: Calculation of shear reinforcement.................................................... 21
1.3: Calculation of compression reinforcement....................................... 24
1.4: Shear force reduction .......................................................................... 25

2 COLUMN REINFORCEMENT 28
2.1 Uni-axial bending................................................................................... 28
2.2 Bi-axial bending calculation................................................................. 30

3 REINFORCEMENT IN FINITE ELEMENTS 32

3.1 Basic input of practical reinforcement................................................ 32
3.2 Definition of the example (2D Element) .............................................. 36
Step 1: Definition of reinforcement ........................................................ 39
Step 2: Calculation of the theoretical needed reinforcement.............. 42
Step 3: Adjusting the width of the geometry....................................... 44
Step 4 : Performing a crack proof ......................................................... 49

4. CODE DEPENDANT DEFLECTIONS (CDD) CALCULATION 51

4.1.0 CDD deformation for 1D elements............................................... 51
4.1.1 User reinforcement ........................................................................ 57
4.1.2 Coefficient for reinforcement ........................................................ 59
4.2.0 CDD deformation for 2D elements................................................ 61
4.2.1 User reinforcement ........................................................................ 65
4.2.2 Coefficient for reinforcement ........................................................ 67

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General Introduction
This document gives understanding in the theoretical background, solutions strategy
and the results of the concrete 'postprocessing' in SCIA Engineer. To do this,
problems are explained with examples of simple mechanical problems such as a
static reinforced concrete beam and a reinforced concrete column with uni-axial and
bi-axial moments. In our opinion, the didactic effect is the best when demonstrating it
with simple, trivial examples.
To follow the proposed calculations and methods adequately, the user must be
familiar with the basic principles of the Finite Element Method (FEM) method and
SCIA Engineer, moreover understand terms like truss-model analogy, crack proof,
environmental classes, detailing problems, like stated in BS code. Some of the
results will be checked manually. Therefore, this tutorial is a follow up from the basic
concrete frame and plate tutorials published by CADS in 2010.

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1 Beam reinforcement calculation

Definition of the example ( 1D Element)
Modeled in SCIA Engineer as a frame XZ; Concrete class C32/40

• LC1 Selfweight

• LC2 Permanent load

Q1 = 14.4 kN/m
Q2 = 32.6 kN/m
Q3 = 14.4 kN/m
F1 = 250.0 kN

• LC3 Variable load

Q1 = 5.0 kN/m
Q2 = 12.7 kN/m
Q3 = 10.2 kN/m
F1 = 175.0 kN

Figure 1: Overview of continuous beam

The results of the linear calculation are as follows, go to Results > Supports
> Reactions:
RA;d = 431 kN
RB;d = 734 kN
RC;d = 699 kN
RD;d = -95 kN

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The moment line My, and the shear force line Vz, are shown in Figure 2, and
can be accessed by going to Results > Beams > Internal forces on beam.

Figure 2: Moment- and shear force line

After the linear calculation you can access the ‘postprocessing’ concrete
module in the menu tree of Scia Engineer by double-clicking ‘Concrete’, the
content of this menu is shown in Figure 3:

Figure 3: Menu tree Concrete in SCIA·Engineer

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After a calculation, various so-called ‘branches’ are visible in the menu tree
under the sub header ‘1D member’:
1. Setup;
2. Member data;
3. Concrete slenderness;
4. Redes or Reinforcement design (without As );
5. Automatic Member Reinforcement Design or AMRD
6. Member design;
7. Member check;
8. Bill of reinforcement.
Setup
In the setup you can choose different calculation options see Figure 4. Many
of these options will be explained in this document.

Figure 4: Concrete setup – BS, calculation options

Member data
After the ‘Setup’ in the menu tree, there is a branch ‘Member data’. With
‘Member data’ you can define member parameters that are necessary for the
concrete calculation. The user can define parameters on each element in the
structure. Or if the user does not define parameters on an element, SCIA

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Engineer will use the setup defaults to calculate the structure. SCIA Engineer
needs parameters like the cover, the diameter of reinforcement bars, ... to
calculate the internal lever arm well:
d = h - c – Østir – Ømain / 2
in which,
d Internal lever arm
h Height of the beam
c Applied cover
Østir Diameter of stirrup
Ømain Diameter of main reinforcement
Additional values for the environmental class, the creep factor and the shear
width are necessary for other calculations, like physical nonlinear deformations
or a crack proof. The default values are derived from the concrete setup
located in ‘Setup for concrete - BS’. The user can always store changes in the
concrete setup by storing his project as a template.
Concrete slenderness
In the menu 'Concrete slenderness' the user can check the slenderness of the
concrete elements.
Input of reinforcement
Under the item 'Redes or Member design' the user can design a practical
reinforcement layout for an individual member or a group of members. This
practical reinforcement may be necessary to check the reinforcement, a crack
proof, a Code dependent deflextions (CDD) calculation. As a special feature
the designed practical reinforcement can be exported to Allplan, a CAD
program, in which a draftsman or engineer can finalize a concrete drawing.
The input of reinforcement will be discussed in chapter 'basic input of practical
reinforcement'.
Member design
The branch 'Member design' consists of 'Internal forces' and 'Design'.
In 'Internal forces' the user can generate moment-, shear force- and normal
force lines. It is also possible to generate the recalculated moment- and shear
force lines. With those recalculated values, the reinforcement is calculated in
SCIA Engineer.
In 'Design' the user can generate the calculated reinforcement.

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Member check
In the branch 'Member check’ the user can check the crack width, the
response and the capacity of the structure.
In 'Crack control' the user can check the cracks according to the theoretical
reinforcement.
And in 'Check response' and 'Check capacity' the practical reinforcement can
be checked.
Bill of reinforcement
In this branch an overview of all inputted reinforcement can be generated.

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The calculation of the theoretical (and practical) reinforcement can be done in

several steps throughout SCIA Engineer. Each step will be explained
elaborately.
1.1.0: Input the concrete setup
The first step is the input of the concrete setup. Go to Concrete > 1D member
> Setup and deselect the option 'Calculate compression reinforcement’ on
the tab ‘Calculation’ & select Moment capping & shear force of supports,
see Figure 5a:

Figure 5a: Deselect options in concrete setup (calculation)

Now go to the tab 'Detailing provisions' en deselect the options on the tab
‘Beams’ under 'Longitudinal reinforcement' and 'Shear reinforcement',
see Figure 5b:

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Figure 5b: Deselect options in concrete setup (Detailing provisions)

1.1.1: Definition of input parameters
The next step in the design of the reinforcement is the definition of the input of
the 1D beam parameters. Go to Concrete > 1D Member > Member data in
the menu tree and click on a beam to enter the dialogue of 1D input. The
following window is shown, see Figure 6:

Figure 6: Dialogue ‘Data concrete’

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Explanation of the dialogue ‘Data concrete’

On the left hand side of the dialogue a rectangular cross-section is shown. In
this Figure some abbreviated parameters are already explained. On the left
hand side of this Figure, the user can input/see the concrete parameters.
Afterwards the beam type has to be chosen. This type will determine the
calculation method of the beam. The user can choose between 'beam',
'column', ‘slab’ and 'T section'. SCIA Engineer will choose a type based on the
geometry of the structure, which (if necessary) can be altered afterwards.
The option 'Advanced mode' activates a few extra possibilities, e.g. from the
user defined cover, number of bars, extra shear reinforcement options, creep
coefficient.
In 'Minimum concrete cover' the environmental class according to BS can be
input and the user can define the surface parameters of the element.
In 'Design', the user can define the different types (upper, lower and stirrups)
of reinforcement. Also the material type, the number of bars, the diameter, the
cover, the stirrups and much more can be defined here. In 'Creep coefficient'
SCIA Engineer calculates the default value for the creep. The user can edit
this value.
Change the reinforcement diameter for the lower reinforcement into Ø16,
Choose environmental class Moderate. Close the window afterwards by
clicking [OK]. Now a label is shown on the member, see Figure 7:

Figure 7: Data concrete label on beam

Do the same for the other beams. The input data can be copied by selecting
the label and by clicking the right mouse button. Afterwards the user can
choose to ‘Copy additional data’ see Figure 8.

Figure 8: Copy add data

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Finally the user will obtain following Figure:

Figure 9: ESA representation of ‘data concrete’ on beams

When the user wants to change/review his input, he can always click on the
‘data concrete’ label. Afterwards the user will see all inputted data in the
property window, see Figure 10. Please note that the entered parameters for
that individual member are shown. To edit more labels at once, the user can
select a group of labels that he wants to edit.

Figure 10: Selection of object properties per member.

Press [Esc] to deselect the labels. If properties where changed, they will be
taken into account now.

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1.1.2: Calculation of theoretical reinforcement

In the ‘Concrete’, ‘1D Member’ there are two branches available: ‘Internal
forces’ and ‘Design’.
In the functionality ‘Internal forces’, the user can review the internal forces.
This is also possible in the menu ‘Results’ of Scia Engineer, but in the
‘Concrete’ menu, the user can also view the shifted shear force and moment
line. And with those results, SCIA Engineer will calculate the reinforcement.
The property window of ‘Internal forces’ is shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11: ‘Internal forces’ property window

In the property window there are a few options. A large number of this options
are similar to other property windows e.g. the results window.
In ‘Selection’, the user can choose between: ‘All’, ‘Standard’, ‘Selected’ and
‘Named selection’.
In ‘Type of loads’, the user can choose between: ‘Load cases’, ‘Combinations’
and ‘Results Classes’. In the following pull down window the user can choose
in detail which type of load he wants to review.
In ‘Filter’, the user can choose between a numbers of filtering options.
The option ‘Print explanations of errors and warnings’ is a very useful option in
the preview (and in the document afterwards). If there are some errors and/or
warnings in the calculation this option will show a list of them.

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In ‘Values’ the user can choose to view: moment line around the y axis 'My',
shear force line 'Vz', normal force line 'N', shifted moment line 'My recalc' and
shifted shear force line ‘Vz recalc’. It is also possible to view more results at
once.
In ‘Extreme’, the user can choose which extreme value he wants to see. He
can choose between ‘Section’, ‘member’, ‘Cross-Section’ and ‘Global’.
In ‘Drawing setup’, the user can setup some advanced options that will have
an effect on the graphical presentation of his drawing.
At the bottom of the property window there are some action buttons. When the
user has selected all desired options, he can click on the action button
‘Refresh’ to see the results on the screen.
When the user chooses for 'My', the moment line should be the same as
shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12: Moment My-line in the module Design.

Pay attention to the vertical lines in Figure 12. Each line represents a result of
an ‘intermediate point’ or a so-called ‘member’. A member is the result of the
separation of a bar. The results of these points are only shown after a
successful calculation. SCIA ENGINEER does not have a function that
calculates the point where the line will cross the x-axis. A result of a
combination cannot be positive and negative at the same time. Therefore the
intersection of the moment line with the x-axis looks like Figure 13.

Figure 13: Detail of the moment line with 10 sections on a beam.

When the user is not satisfied with this graphical representation, it is possible
to increase the number of sections on a beam. In Setup > Solver > 'Number

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of sections on average member'. When the user changes this value into 40,
the results look like shown in Figure 14.

Figure 14: Detail of the moment line with 40 sections on a beam.

In the functionality ‘Design’, the theoretical reinforcement can be calculated.

Go to ‘Design’ below ‘Member design’. The property window of ‘Design’ is
shown in Figure 16.

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Figure 16: Property window of ‘Design’

In the property window the user can find several options.

The options ‘Selection’, ‘Type of loads’, ‘Filter’, ‘Print explanation of errors and
warnings’, ‘Extreme’ and ‘Drawing setup’ are previously discussed.
In ‘Values’, the user can choose between ‘As total required’ (total required
reinforcement), ‘As user defined’ (reinforcement defined by user), ‘As additional
required’ (reinforcement that is required extra on the user reinforcement),
‘Reinforcement Ratio’ (reinforcement percentage), ‘Ass’ (shear reinforcement)
and ‘Weight’ (weight of the reinforcement). It is also possible here to view
more values at once.
To calculate the necessary theoretical reinforcement the user has to choose
the desired options and afterwards click on the action button [Refresh]. For
example; we have chosen the class ‘All ULS’ and the value ‘As total req.’. The
graphical representation of the theoretical longitudinal reinforcement is shown
in Figure 17.

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Figure 17: ‘As total req.’: the graphical representation of the theoretical
longitudinal reinforcement

In the following manual calculation we will check the result of the

reinforcement given by SCIA Engineer. The maximum reinforcement in
support B is 2661 mm². We will check this according to Design Aids for BS
code:
Myd = 553 kNm
d = h - c – Østir – Ømain / 2
d = 600 – 32 – 8 – 20/2 = 550mm
k = Myd / bd2fcu
k = 553·106 / (450 · 5502 · 40) = 0.102
z = d {0.5+√(0.25– k/0.9)}
z = 550 {0.5+√(0.25– 0.102/0.9)} = 479m
As = Myd /0.87. fy . z
As = 553·106 / 0.87 . 500 .479 = 2661mm2

The maximum reinforcement in the middle of beam 2 is 1730 mm². Our check
gives us:
Myd = 530kNm
d = h - c – Østir – Ømain / 2
d = 800 – 32 – 8 – 16/2 = 752mm
k = Myd / bd2fcu
k = 530·106 / (450 · 7522 · 40) = 0.052
z = 752 {0.5+√(0.25– 0.052/0.9)} = 706mm
As = Myd /0.87. fy . z
As = 530·106 / 0.87 . 500 .706 = 1726mm2

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The numerical output of SCIA Engineer can be reviewed by clicking on the

action button [Preview]. Afterwards a preview window will be activated as
shown in Figure 19.

Figure 19: Numerical results for ‘As total required’

The output of the results of the main reinforcement calculation contains

following columns:
1. Member name, header ‘Member’
2. Location on the x-axis of the section, header 'dx'
3. Normative combination, header ‘Case’
4. Design normal force, header 'Nd'
5. Design moment, header 'Myd'
6. Depth of compression zone, header 'xu'
7. Lever, header 'd'
8. Theoretical reinforcement, 'As,add'
9. Reinforcement proposition (according to data concrete), header
'Reinf.[no.]'
1.1.3: User reinforcement (User defined)
It is also possible to define basic or user reinforcement. The user can define a
number of bars that will have to be taken into account in the reinforcement
calculation. SCIA Engineer will decide if the basic reinforcement will be

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sufficient, if not, SCIA Engineer will calculate the additional required

reinforcement.
In this file a basic reinforcement 3Ø20 of upper reinforcement and 4Ø16 of
lower reinforcement is input on all beams, see Figure 20.

Figure 20: Input of basic reinforcement

In Figure 21 the user can find the basic reinforcement for Beam B1.
3Ø20 = 3 · 0.25 · π · 202 = 942 mm2
4Ø16 = 4 · 0.25 · π · 162 = 804 mm2

Figure 21: Theoretical reinforcement ‘As user defined’

In Figure 22 the additional required reinforcement is shown.

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Figure 22: Theoretical reinforcement ‘As additional required’

When we add up these two diagrams, we will see the same graphical
representation as in Figure 23.

Figure 23: Theoretical reinforcement ‘As total required’

The numerical output looks as follows:

Figure 24: Numerical output

1.1.4: Weight of reinforcement (kg/m3)

It is possible to calculate the weight of the longitudinal and/or shear
reinforcement.
Go to Concrete > 1D member > Member design > Design and select the
option ‘Weight’.

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In Figure 25 and 26 both the graphical and numerical results are shown:

Figure 25: Graphical results ‘Weight’ (kg/m3)

Figure 26: Numerical results ‘Weight’ (kg/m3)

1.2: Calculation of shear reinforcement

Go to Concrete > 1D member > Internal forces and select [Vz]. Click on the
[Refresh] button. The shear force line looks like Figure 27.

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Figure 27: Shear force line

By selecting [Ass] in ‘Design As BS 8110’ by clicking on the button [Refresh],

the theoretical shear force reinforcement is shown as in Figure 28:

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Figure 28: Theoretical shear force reinforcement (thèta is 45 degrees)

Now activate the tick box ‘Print explanation of errors and warnings’ and
choose ‘Section’ in the ‘Extreme’ pull down menu to show all errors and
warnings for this calculation, see Figure 23 (the number of section has been
reduced to 20):

Figure 29: Theoretical shear force reinforcement with error- and warning
messages

SCIA Engineer can show a lot of different error- and warning messages. In this
example we can see there is a warning ‘W47’. The user can review the
explanation of this warning by clicking on [Calculation info], the following
window will appear, see Figure 30.

Figure 30: ‘Calculation info’ window

In this window all present errors and warnings in this project are shown. In
general things like shear strut failure, shear width, detailing provisions, ... are
checked and are displayed as a warning or error. For this example it is
warning number '47'. The maximum reinforcement in support A is 1239
mm²/m.
The numerical output of the shear force reinforcement can be reviewed by
clicking on the button [Preview]. The results of the numerical output are
shown in Figure 31:

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Figure 31: Numerical output of the shear force reinforcement

1.3: Calculation of compression reinforcement

Go to the menu bar Concrete > Setup and activate the tick box ‘Calculate
compression reinforcement’, see Figure 32.

Figure 32: Concrete setup – calculation of compression reinforcement

Rerun the calculation and in this example the compression reinforcement is

necessary above support B. For a recalculation of the theoretical
reinforcement, press the button [Refresh]. The graphical and numerical results
of the calculation of example 2 are as shown in Figure 33 and 34.

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Figure 33: Graphical results of compression reinforcement

Figure 34: Numerical results of pressure reinforcement

1.4: Shear force reduction

SCIA Engineer allows two types of shear force reduction. Type 1 uses the
shear force operating at the face of the support or column as design force.
Type 2 uses the shear force operating at the face of the support plus the
effective height of the beam as design force. Tick box 'shear force capping at
supports' in the concrete setup > calculation > beams on ON and select as
type for shear force reduction, 'at the face'. When the concrete calculation is
relaunched the shear force in supports will now be reduced with the calculated
value (Vz recalc)

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Before

After

Figure 35: Overview of shear force reduction.

Figure 36: Reduction of shear force: numerical results.

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2 Column reinforcement
2.1 Uni-axial bending
Modeled in frame XZ; concrete class C40/50
L = 4.5 [m], b × h = 350 × 350 [mm2]

Figure 37: Column with normal force and uni-axial bending moment

After the linear calculation you can access the ‘postprocessing’ concrete
module in the menu tree of Scia Engineer by double-clicking ‘Concrete’, the
content of this menu is shown in Figure 38.

Figure 38: Concrete menu

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The numerical results of the calculation should look like Figure 39.

Figure 39: Numerical results for uni-axial bending calculation

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2.2 Bi-axial bending calculation

The calculation for bi-axial bending for columns with normal force is based on
the interaction formula. The formula is:
x
⎛ M dy ⎞ ⎛ M dz ⎞
x

⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ ≤1
⎜M ⎟ ⎜M ⎟
⎝ uy ⎠ ⎝ uz ⎠

in which:
Mdy Design moment in y-direction
Muy Ultimate moment for reinforcement in the y-direction
Mdz Design moment in the z-direction
Muz Ultimate moment for reinforcement in the z- direction
x Interaction factor

Figure 40: Column with bi-axial bending moments

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Change calculation type

If the calculation type ‘automatic’ is clicked, SCIA Engineer determines

automatically which type of calculation, uni-axial bending or bi-axial bending
(interaction formula), it has to perform

Figure 41: Numerical results for the column reinforcement for bi-axial
bending moments

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3 Reinforcement in finite elements

3.1 Basic input of practical reinforcement

Part of concrete menu tree

A part called ‘New reinforcement’ is shown. With the help of this option the
user can add practical reinforcement to a member. You can design the
reinforcement for every cross-section, including steel-concrete members.
Go to ‘New reinforcement’. The user is asked to select a member and the
starting and end point of the reinforcement that has to be defined.
Subsequently the window ‘Longitudinal reinforcement’ appears, see Figure
42.

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Figure 42: Window ‘Longitudinal reinforcement’

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There are two ways to change the designed reinforcement, that is with the help of the
option ‘Edit reinforcement in section’ or per reinforcement part.
With the option ‘Edit reinforcement in section’ you return to a window comparable
to that of design of the reinforcement. We will not go into that right now.
Select the lower reinforcement of the middle member. The data of the reinforcement
are shown in the property window. At the bottom there is an action button ‘Modify
members’.

Property window lower reinforcement member 2

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Figure 43: Property window shear force reinforcement member 2

The possibilities of the first two action buttons are obvious and will not be
explained right now. Press the button [>>>] behind the action ‘Modify stirrup
distances’. You’ll enter the modifying part of the stirrup distance of the shear
force reinforcement. We will also not go into that right now. Press [OK].

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3.2 Definition of the example (2D Element)

Based on the loads and geometry of 1st example, modeled it as a slab.
Remember that a slab is based on a ‘proper’ bending model, with mixes, my
and may.
Modeled in SCIA Engineer as Plate XY, Concrete class C32/40.

Figure 44: Schematization

Figure 45: Overview of a continuous slab and loads

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The results of a linear calculation are as

follows; go to Results > Supports >
Intensity:

RA;d = 975kN/m
RB;d = 1630kN/m
RC;d = 1548kN/m
RD;d = -209kN/m

The width of a slab is 0,45 m, this results

consequently in a total reaction of:
RA;d = 0.45 · 975 = 438 kN/m
RB;d = 0.45 · 1630 = 734 kN/m
RC;d = 0.45 · 1548 = 697 kN/m
RD;d = 0.45 · -209 = -94 kN/m

These results are the same as for the beam model (see example 1).

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Go to Results > 2D members > Section on 2D member and make a section

in the middle of the slabs.
Now go to Results > 2D elements > 2D element – internal forces and set
the values in the property window as shown in figure 46.

Figure 46: Property window ‘2D element – internal forces

Press the action button ‘Refresh’ and the obtained moment line mx ;

Moment line mx - maximum

Moment line mx - minimum

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Repeat the same for the minimum moment line mx, the maximum and the
minimum shear force line Vx

Shear force line vx – maximum

Shear force line vx - minimum

Check of moments:
mx = 1171 · 0.45 = 526 kNm
mx = -1233 · 0.45 = -554 kNm

Check of the shear forces:

vx = 908 · 0.45 = 409 kN
vx = -950 · 0.45 = -428 kN

Step 1: Definition of reinforcement

After the linear calculation the ‘postprocessing module’ for 2D concrete
constructions is achieved in the menu tree

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Part of the menu tree, relating to the ‘postprocessing’ of 2D concrete

constructions

We can distinguish four parts; 1. Set up, 2. Data Concrete, 3. Design, 4.

Check.
Through the part ‘Setup’ you will enter the concrete setup. The input of the
reinforcement is described in part ‘member data’. The theoretical
reinforcement is calculated in part ‘Member Design’ and a crack proof check
up for the theoretical needed reinforcement is performed in part ‘Check’
Go to part ‘member data and select the first element. A dialogue

Window ‘Data concrete slab’

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Input of reinforcement for slab 1

Press [OK] and assign the reinforcement parameters to slab 1 up to and

including 3. Use the button ‘Copy attributes to do this.

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Step 2: Calculation of the theoretical needed reinforcement

The reinforcement for the slab can be calculated in Member Design > Design ULS.
The property window of this option

Property window of ‘Design – ULS’

The options ‘Selection’, ‘Load type’, ‘Class’, ‘Filter’, ‘Print details of errors and
warnings’ and ‘Extreme’ were already discussed earlier and will not be
explained again. The option ‘Isograms user scale’ will be explained later in this
document.
With the options ‘Type values’ you can choose ‘Required surface’ and ‘Shear
stress’. The meaning of these choices is obvious. If with ‘Type values’ is
chosen for ‘Required surface’, than you can choose with ‘Surface’ and

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‘Direction’ for the upper or lower reinforcement and the reinforcement

direction. With ‘Values’ you can choose between ‘Total reinforcement’, ‘Basic
reinforcement’ and ‘Additional reinforcement’. With ‘Drawing’ you can choose
between ‘Standard’ and ‘Section’. The option ‘Standard’ is obvious and with
the option ‘Section’ the reinforcement can be shown in a particular self-made
section. Subsequently ‘Values’ and’As’ and ‘Ass’ can be chosen. The user can
do several settings with ‘Set graphical view’ to show the graphic result.
Now click the action button ‘Refresh’ and take a look at the calculated upper
and lower reinforcement in the longitudinal direction (direction 1),

Theoretical lower reinforcement (As1-) for direction 1

Theoretical upper reinforcement (As1+) for direction 1

Check of reinforcement:
As1+ = 5586 · 0.45 = 2513 mm2
≈ 2661 mm2 (see page 16).
As1- = 3793 · 0.45 = 1707 mm2
≈ 1726 mm2 (see page 17).
The computing heart calculates the shear force reinforcement for the slab. The
results of the shear force reinforcement calculation.

Shear force reinforcement for the slab plus the values of Asw

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Step 3: Adjusting the width of the geometry

Previosuly, we compared the results of the theoretical reinforcement to the
results of a normal beam. In real terms, we will never model beams with finite
elements, but we will use the elements to model slabs, walls, etc.
In this example, set structure to Plate XY & selected material as C32/40 in the
project data. Now, increase the width of the 2D element to 7.0 [m]. The loads
will also be adapted as defined in figure 135. Remove the edge supports.

18.0m

7.0m

Figure 45: Geometry of a surface with a width of 7 [m]

Perform a linear calculation
with a mesh refinement of
0.25 [m].

The results of the deformations.

Deformation of the slab

Notice the saddle deformation of the slab.

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According to the slab theory, this is what we expected. The limited deformation
of Uz causes an increase of stiffness of the elements on about y = 3.5 [m].
We advise to always check the deformation of the slab per individual load
case, preparatory to the calculation of the reinforcement. If the deformation is
what we expect, then we can be sure that the import of loads and geometry
are corrected.

Moment line MxD- : maximum, for three cross-sections [ y = 0; y = 3.5; y = 7]

Take into account that torsion moments appear on the edge of the slab.
The design lower reinforcement for direction 1.

Lower reinforcement for direction 1

MxD- = 1185 kNm (edge of the slab) fcu=40 N/mm , b=1000m

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d=d2=800-40-10=750m

MxD – design ultimate moment

As – Area of tension reinforcement
Fy – characteristic strength of reinforcement
Fcu - characteristic strength of concrete
Z – level arm
b – width ir effective width of the section or flange in the compression zone
d – effective depth of the tension reinforcement
In the concrete properties menu, select Reinforcement 2D to define reinforcement in
direction 1 & 2 for Lower surface.

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Go to Concrete > 2D member > Member Design – member Design ULS and
watch successively ‘User reinforcement’, the ‘Additional reinforcement’ and the
‘total reinforcement’ of the lower reinforcement in direction 1 (longitudinal
direction)

Properties concrete data - User

reinforcement

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User reinforcement – under – direction 1 (As1-)

Additional reinforcement – lower – direction 1 (As1-)

Total reinforcement – lower – direction 1 (As1-)

Check of the user reinforcement Ø20-100:

As = 0,25 · π · 202 · 1000 / 100 = 3132 mm2/m1

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Step 4 : Performing a crack proof

A new SLS combination is made according BS code
In the concrete setup, the user can set the conditions for the crack proof

Part of the concrete setup concerning the crack proof for Finite Elements

Now go to Concrete > 2D element >Member

design> > Member design ULS+SLS.
Select load type “Class’. Make a new class with
both the ULS and SLS combination.

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Now calculate the amount of required lower reinforcement in direction 1, which

is necessary to meet the crack control-requirements (w < 0,3 mm).

Required surface lower reinforcement direction 1 (Ar1-)

Now also the maximum distances,

Maximum distances lower reinforcement direction 1 (sr1-)

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4. Code Dependant Deflections (CDD) Calculation

In this SCIA Engineer 2010, the Code Dependant Deflections (CDD) named is used
instead of the Physical Non-Linear (PNL) Deflections. The reason is the CDD
calculation is not a real physically non-linear calculation in terms of finite element
(contrary to PNL that is a real non-linear calculation).

CDD is a two-step solution following the regulations given in technical standards for
design and checking of concrete structures. Therefore, the aim of CDD is calculating
the long term deflections according to the rule described in the national code.

Futhermore, the principal of the CDD calculation can be explained as follows:

This calculation of deflections depends (is based) on standards. Therefore, it
represents a standard-related calculation that is performed in two steps. First, a
normal linear calculationis carried out and the computed internal forces are used to
input the reinforcement (the provided reinforcement) or at least to determine the
required reinforcement areas. The procedure continues with the calculation of cracks
and their effect on the stiffness of individual elements. This weakening is then input
into the solver. Finally, the calculation (linear one) is run once more with these
reduced stiffnesses taken into account, which is exactly the technical standars
specified.
SCIA Engineer is able to perform a code dependant deflections (CDD) calculation for
both 1D element and 2D elements.

4.1.0 CDD deformation for 1D elements

To perform a CDD calculation in Scia Engineer, it is necessary first to ‘concrete
combinations’. Three types of concrte combinations have to be created:
- Immediate (CC1): containing all permanent loads: check box: ‘used to determine
permanent code dependant deflections.
- Creep (CC2): containing all permanent loads and a percentage of variable loads:
check box: ‘used to determine permanent code dependant deflections caused by
creep’.
- Total (CC3): containing all loads cases.

Take the example as described in section 1

(see Figure 1) and create three concrete
cominations.

In the [main] menu, double click of

Concrete Combinations where Concrete
Combinations window appears.

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Concrete combination example

As shown above that the creep deformation is only calculated for CC2. This creep
deformation is kept constant and added to the elastic deformation of CC3 to obtain
the long term deformation of CC3. The percentage of vaiable load taken into account
in CC2 for calculation can be set by user.
After creating the concrete combinations & adaptation of the mesh, you can start the
Concrete CDD FE analysis. As mentioned for the CDD calculation, there are two
steps, first starting with a linear calculation of reinforcement and then calculate of the
theoretical needed reinforcement in concrete menu.

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As total required (see Figure 17).

With a CDD calculation, it is important that the ‘average number of intermediate

points on 1D element’ is at least on 5. This is necessary as a reduced stiffness is
calculated for every mesh element.

As soon as the linear calculation is performed successfully, the option ‘Concrete –

Code Dependent Deflections’ is become available.

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Option ‘Concrete – Code Dependent Deflections

Perform the CDD calculation now. Go to Concrete > 1D member > Member
Check and notice that the extra functionality has become available in the
menu, namely ‘Deformation’.

‘Deformation’ in concrete-menu

The following results can be reviewed for all concrete combination:

‘Linear: deformation as result of linear calculation
‘Non linear: deformation as result of CDD calculation
‘Non linear + creep: deformation as result of CDD calculation + creep
deformation.
The creep deformation is calculated based on CC2 with the checkbox ‘used to
determine permanent code dependant deflections caused by creep’.

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After the calculation, a window appears to announce that the calculation is

finished and the maximum deformation and rotation for the normative load case is
shown. Click [OK] to close the window.

In the Concrete – 2D Member, a new icon member check - Deformations is

shown.
Now, select the “non linear + creep” deflections for Total (CC3).

Now if we press ‘Refresh’, the total deformation in the long term is shown

Graphical representation of the total deformation in the long term

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Preview deformation
To determine how these values are derived, we need to extract the results in section dx=5.04m
of member B2.

Concrete combination CC1 (Immediately) – nonlinear : uz = -24.9 mm

Concrete combination CC2 (Creep effect) – nonlinear : uz = -26.9 mm
Concrete combination CC2 (Creep effect) – nonlinear + creep : uz = -34.6 mm
Concrete combination CC3 (Total) – nonlinear : uz = -31.0 mm
Concrete combination CC3 (Total) – nonlinear + creep : uz = -38.7 mm
*elastic deformation based on the concrete combination CC3 (Total) and the short-term
stress-strain diagram (nonlinear) = -31.0mm
*creep deformation based on the concrete combination CC2 (Creep effect) and the long term
stress-strain diagram (nonlinear + creep) minus the short term stress-strain diagram
(nonlinear) = -34.6 – (-26.9) = -7.7 mm
*total deformation = -31.0 + (-7.7) = -38.7 mm
*immediate deformation based on the concrete combination CC1 (Immediately) and the short-
term stress-strain diagram (nonlinear). = -24.9 mm
*additional deformation = -38.7 - (-24.9) = -13.8 mm
Note: It has been established separately that the EC2 calculation gives much lower
deflections for light and moderately reinforced slabs. This is mainly due to the markedly
different values for concrete tensile strength given in EC2 (eg 2.9 N/mm2 for grade 30/37)
and BS 8110-2 (1.0 N/mm2 short term and 0.55 N/mm2 long term – all grades).

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4.1.1 User reinforcement

Also for the CDD deformation calculation it is possible to define the user
reinforcement. This means that a number of members can be defined for the
calculation. These members are taken into the arithmetical model. Subsequently an
additional reinforcement can be calculated of reinforcement with 3Ø20 and under
4Ø20 for B2 Beam is applied.

Input of user reinforcement for B2 beam

Now perform a linear calculation and calculate the required reinforcement

As total required

Now perform a CDD deformation calculation and look at the results. As

expected, the deformations are somewhat reduced to (-37mm).

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Graphic reproduction total deformation on long term

Preview deformations

Note: If user reinforcement is inputted with a quantity less then the theoretically necessary
reinforcement, the deformation will increase. On the other hand, if no input of user
reinforcement, the theoretically necessary reinforcement will be used.

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4.1.2 Coefficient for reinforcement

In SCIA Engineer it is possible to attribute a coefficient for the reinforcement for a
code depenant deflections calculation to the theoretical required reinforcement. This
coefficient is an increase factor and increases the amount of reinforcement for the
CDD deformation calculation.
Go to Settings > Solver > Reinforcement coefficient and change the coefficient for
reinforcement to 2.

Coefficient for reinforcement in settings solver

Now perform a linear calculation, and the theoretical needed reinforcement in

concrete menu.

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As soon as the linear calculation is performed successfully, the option ‘Concrete –

Code Dependent Deflections’ is become available.

Graphic reproduction total deformation on long term

As expected, the deformations are somewhat reduced to (-24.0mm).

Preview deformations

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4.2.0 CDD deformation for 2D elements

Similar to section 4.10, three concrete combinations have to be created:
- Immediate (CC1): containing all permanent loads: check box: ‘used to determine
permanent code dependant deflections.
- Creep (CC2): containing all permanent loads and a percentage of variable loads:
check box: ‘used to determine permanent code dependant deflections caused by
creep’.
- Total (CC3): containing all loads cases.

Go to Load cases, concrete combinations > CDD deformation combinations

Concrete combination
As shown above that the creep deformation is only calculated for CC2. This creep
deformation is kept constant and added to the elastic deformation of CC3 to obtain
the long term deformation of CC3. The percentage of vaiable load taken into account
in CC2 for calculation can be set by user.

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With a CDD calculation it is important that the ‘average number of intermediate points
on 1D element’ is at least on 5. This is necessary as a reduced stiffness is calculated
for every mesh element.
After creating the concrete combinations & adaptation of the mesh, you can start the
Concrete CDD FE analysis. As mentioned for the CDD calculation, there are two
steps, first starting with a linear calculation of reinforcement and then calculate of the
theoretical needed reinforcement in concrete menu.

The design lower reinforcement for direction 1

Lower reinforcement for direction 1

As soon as the linear calculation and the

calculation of the theoretical reinforcement
have been completed successfully, the
option ‘Concrete – Code Dependent
Deflections’ is available.

Option ‘Concrete – Code Dependent

Deflections

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Go to Concrete > 2D element > Check and see that an extra functionality has
become available in the menu, namely ‘Deformations’.

Member check - ‘Deformations’ in

concrete- menu

Now, check the non linear + creep deflections for

CC3 (total).
Now if we press ‘Refresh’, the total deformation is
shown on the long term.

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Graphic reproduction total deformation on long term

Concrete combination CC1 (Immediately) – nonlinear : uz = -22.8 mm

Concrete combination CC2 (Creep effect) – nonlinear : uz = -24.7 mm
Concrete combination CC2 (Creep effect) – nonlinear + creep : uz = -31.8 mm
Concrete combination CC3 (Total) – nonlinear : uz = -29.0 mm
Concrete combination CC3 (Total) – nonlinear + creep : uz = -36.1 mm
*elastic deformation based on the concrete combination CC3 (Total) and the short-term
stress-strain diagram (nonlinear) = -29.0mm
*creep deformation based on the concrete combination CC2 (Creep effect) and the long term
stress-strain diagram (nonlinear + creep) minus the short term stress-strain diagram
(nonlinear) = -31.8 – (-24.7) = -7.1 mm
*total deformation = -29.0 + (-7.1) = -36.1 mm
*immediate deformation based on the concrete combination CC1 (Immediately) and the short-
term stress-strain diagram (nonlinear). = -22.8 mm
*additional deformation = -36.1 - (-22.8) = -13.3 mm

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4.2.1 User reinforcement

It is also possible to define the basic reinforcement for the physical nonlinear
deformation calculation of 2D elements. Open file and perform a linear calculation. In
this file a basic reinforcement of the upper Ø20-150 + Ø16-150 and lower Ø25-100 +
Ø25-100 is applied

Input of user reinforcement of slab S2

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Now perform a linear calculation and then calculate the required reinforcement

Required lower reinforcement – direction 1 (longitudinal direction)

Now perform a CDD deformation calculation and look at the results. As expected, the
deformations have been slightly reduced to -29.8mm from -36.1mm.

Graphic deformation on long term

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4.2.2 Coefficient for reinforcement

In SCIA Engineer it is also possible to attribute a coefficient for the reinforcement for
a physical nonlinear deformation calculation of 2D elements to the theoretical
required reinforcement.
Open file and go to Concrete > 1D member > Setting > Calculation > PNL and
change the coefficient for reinforcement 2.

Coefficient for reinforcement in concrete settings

Now perform, successively a linear calculation, a calculation of the reinforcement and

a CDD deformation calculation and look at the results. As expected the deformations
have been reduced to -15.3mm from -36.1mm.

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Graphic reproduction total deformation on long term

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