11/14/2018 Col_Stiff properties - SAFE - Computers and Structures, Inc.

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Col_Stiff properties
Added by Mike Abell, last edited by Mike Abell on Sep 25, 2012

What is the "Col_Stiff" category and why does it appear upon import from ETABS?
Extended Question: When we import a section of our ETABS model into SAFE using the Floor Loads and Loads Above option,
the "Col_Stiff" category automatically appears under Slab Properties. The effect on punching-shear results is significant. What is
"Col_Stiff" and why does it appear?

Answer: In real structures, there is an extremely stiff region within the connections which join columns and walls to slabs. The
"Col_Stiff" elements are stiff area elements in which the software amplifies moment of inertia by 100 times to capture the
increased stiffness of these connections.

The effects associated with modeling these increased stiffness properties within connections include the following:

Deflections are more realistic and less conservative in magnitude.

Rebar design is also less conservative since reinforcement is designed according to response at the face of the column,
and not at the centerline of the support.

Punching-shear results will change since the stiffness of the areas around the punching-shear perimeter change.

https://wiki.csiamerica.com/display/safe/Col_Stiff+properties 1/1