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FOUNDATIONS
ACECOMS, AIT,
PO Box 4, Klong Luang
Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand.
ii
Contents
2D View 2-18
3D View 2-19
Preparing Reports 2-20
iii
Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR
Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR
What is ACECOMS GEAR
ACECOMS GEAR is a software developed at the School
of Civil Engineering at the Asian Institute of Technology.
The software provides various tools of design, analysis
and general assistance for structural engineers. GEAR
stands for General Engineering Assistance and Reference.
The software consists of a variety of modules ranging
from basic unit converters to comprehensive designer
modules for individual members. These modules have
been logically grouped into six categories. This manual
describes in detail the Geometric Properties modules of
the software. A brief description of all the modules is pro-
vided in this chapter.
General Tools
Tools grouped under this category are the Unit Converter,
Engineering Constants, Dead Load Reference, Factored
Loads and Load Combinations. A brief introduction of
these modules is provided next.
Unit Converter
Unit Converter is a simple but comprehensive program
that can be used for converting values from one unit to
another, irrespective of their unit systems.
1
Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR
Engineering Constants
Engineering Constants is a program for easy reference to
common engineering constants such as density, viscosity,
energy, discharge, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity,
power, temperature, water quality, modulus of elasticity,
coefficient of expansion, specific gravity, thermal expan-
sion, thermal conductivity and Poisson’s ratio.
Factored Loads
This tool readily computes the factored loads combina-
tions from basic load cases in accordance with the ACI-
318-95 and AASHTO design codes.
Load Combinations
This module is used for the detailed calculations of load
combinations. Standard and user defined load combina-
tions may be calculated.
Geometric Properties
Programs related to the determination of basic geometric
properties of various shapes and cross-sections have been
grouped into this category. These include the Triangle
Solver, Circle Solver, Polygon Solver, and the Property
Calculator.
Circle Solver
Properties of solid and hollow circles (full, semi and quar-
ter) and part of circles such as segment, arc, sector, etc.
can be calculated using this program.
Polygon Solver
This module solves regular polygons, both solid and hol-
low. The polygons may have any number of sides between
3 and 12.
Property Calculator
Basic properties of various cross-sections can be com-
puted using this module. The properties are reported about
the centroid or any other user-specified location.
RC Utilities
Modules that help in the design and analysis of RC beams
and columns have been grouped here. These include the
Rebar Calculator, K-Factor Calculator and the Moment
Magnifier.
Rebar Calculator
This is a useful tool for calculating the required sizes, bar
spacing and bar combinations for standard and user-
specified reinforcing steel bars.
K−Factor Calculator
This module is meant for calculating the effective length
factor for columns. It can handle columns of various end
restrained conditions.
Moment Magnifier
This module helps in calculating the magnified moments
for columns to account for slenderness effects.
RC Members
Modules related to the design of RC members are grouped
into this category. These include Beam Designer, Column
Designer, Two-Way Slab designer and Flat Slab Designer.
Beam Designer
This simple, yet comprehensive tool can be used for the
design of reinforced concrete cross-sections subjected to
bending moment, shear force and torsion. The program
carries out a detailed calculation for computing the re-
quired reinforcement and for back computing the capacity
of a given section.
Column Designer
This is a simple, yet comprehensive tool for the design of
reinforced concrete cross-sections subjected to axial load
and moment about two axes. The program carries out a
detailed calculation for computing the required reinforce-
ment and for back computing the capacity of a given sec-
tion.
Steel Members
Modules related to the design and analysis of steel struc-
tural members such as struts, beams and columns are
grouped here.
Strut Designer
This module designs steel members subjected to axial load
only. It recommends a cross-section for a given load. In
addition to design, it can also analyze a given cross-
section to check if it is sufficient for a given loading. In
such a case it calculates the cross-section properties, effec-
tive length factor and slenderness ratio. The module
checks the allowable stresses by calculating the Combined
Code Stress Ratio. It also checks the adequacy of slender-
ness by checking the slenderness ratio.
Foundations
The modules related to the design and analyses of founda-
tions have been grouped under this category. These in-
cluded the Iso-Footing Designer, Combo-Footing De-
signer, Pile Cap Designer, and Driven Pile Designer.
Iso−Footing Designer
This module performs comprehensive design and analysis
of reinforced concrete isolated footings. The detailing of
the footing is also performed.
Step 3: Specify the folder to which to extract the file and then click
“Unzip”.
Step 4: Go to the folder in which the extracted files have been saved
and double-click on GEAR folders. If you are installing from an ACE-
COMS CD ROM, double-click on the CD ROM drive to display the
above screen.
Step 6: Press OK to continue with the setup or Exit Setup to cancel the
setup.
Step 7: Press the installation button as shown here. Also note the direc-
tory to which the software will be installed. If you want to install to an-
other location (say D:\…, etc.), click Change Directory and specify the
desired path.
Step 9: The Setup Status dialogue will display the setup progress.
WEB s ite
http://www.acecoms.ait.ac.th
Initial Setup
Setting Up Work Environment
ACECOMS GEAR initializes your work environment us-
ing appropriate value for different parameters. Once you
exit the program, values of important parameters such as
default work units, rebar set, design code etc are saved
automatically and are used to initialize these parameters
next time when you start the program.
1-1
Isolated Footing Design
RC Design Options
All RC Design modules in GEAR provide several options
related to the design of RC members. Options in each
module can be set independently of the other modules.
These include the selection of the Design Code, Design
Method, Rebar Set and Rules, etc. All these options, once
changed, affect all computations in that module. To
change or view the RC Design Options do the following:
Initial Setup 1 -3
Isolated Footing Design
File
The menu commands under File let you save and print
the results.
Edit
The Edit menu provides commands for copying and
cutting selected text, graphics or results. This option is
available for input data, the result list and the figure.
Tools
This menu allows you to set some general parameters
for the program.
Repo rt
The menu commands under Report let you prepare,
format, preview and print the results.
Help
This menu has all the commands related to help for
the program.
• Punching Shear
• One-Way Shear
total load
Area of Footing =
allowable soil pressure
Viewing Results
• Once the design process is complete, the display
are on the right side of the form will be refreshed
showing the plan and section reinforcement de-
tails of the designed footing on the Figure tab.
Graphics Display
This module of GEAR displays the interactive 2D and 3D
views, along with the 2D sketch in plan of the defined
slabs. These views can be activated by clicking or
2D View
Activate the form using the button on the toolbar
while on the Sketch tab. The 2D view is interactive and
responds to most mouse movements. The screen of the
view will display the currently selected slab with the rebar
layout. The continuity of the slab is shown by and extra
line on the continuous edge. The following toolbar in
available on the form:
3D View
The 3D View form can be activated using the button
on the toolbar while on the Sketch tab. The 3D view
shows the currently selected slab (selected on the Input
tab) along with the perimeter beams and slab continuity.
The following toolbar in available on the form:
Preparing Reports
Use the Report menu to create a comprehensive, formatted
report of selected data and results. The Report menu lets
you specify the project information, contents of the report,
target printer, paper size, margins, character formats and
header and footers, preview the report and also save the
report.
Use the Report Items Content to select the items and the
content of each to be included in the report. You can select
the contents of the items by checking them. For example,
you can include only the Calculation Procedure and the
Final Results for one item and some other contents such as
Detailed Calculation and the Final Results for another
Item. However, you have the option of removing some of
the contents or items from the report by using the Report
format dialog box or while previewing the report.
The Contents tab contains one list box to show the main
items that have been included in the report. You can re-
move any previously added items from the report by se-
lecting them from the list and pressing the Remove button.
Initial Setup
Setting Up Work Environment
ACECOMS GEAR initializes your work environment us-
ing appropriate value for different parameters. Once you
exit the program, values of important parameters such as
default work units, rebar set, design code etc are saved
automatically and are used to initialize these parameters
next time when you start the program.
2-1
Pile Cap Designer
RC Design Options
All RC Design modules in GEAR provide several options
related to the design of RC members. Options in each
module can be set independently of the other modules.
These include the selection of the Design Code, Design
Method, Rebar Set and Rules, etc. All these options, once
changed, affect all computations in that module. To
change or view the RC Design Options do the following:
Initial Setup 2 -3
Pile Cap Designer
File
The menu commands under File let you save and print
the results.
Edit
The Edit menu provides commands for copying and
cutting selected text, graphics or results. This option is
available for input data, the result list and the figure.
Tools
This menu allows you to set some general parameters
for the program.
Repor t
The menu commands under Report let you prepare,
format, preview and print the results.
Help
This menu has all the commands related to help for
the program.
Interactive Input
The Pile Cap designer modules offer a convenient and
simple way for the design of pile caps.
Quick Tutorial
How to Design a Pile Cap
Quickly
Pile Cap Design has a wizard kind of setup with 5 steps to
be completed. This wizard guides you to design the pile
cap.
Quick Tutorial 2 -9
Pile Cap Designer
7. Use the Save Result option from the tool bar to Save
the results in a file. These results are saved in a simple
text format.
Step1
Enter the following data:
Step 2
Here you define the loads on the piers. Several load com-
binations may be defined for each pier.
Step 3
Individual Pile Data: The location and dimen-
sion of the piles can be altered here. Click the Re-
fresh View button to view the updated arrange-
ments.
Step 4
Sections Along X and Y: Specify the section lo-
cation for which you want to program to carry out
the design. The default sections represent the sec-
tion at face of column for flexural design and at
d/2 for shear design. Additional section locations
may be specified by the user. Click the Refresh
View button to view the updated the section loca-
tions on the view.
Step 5
This step reports that the required data for the Pile Cap has
been completed. Choose the next action to be performed
by the program. You can view the 3D view of the pile cap,
go to the previous step to alter data, or analyze and design
the pile cap.
Step 6
Clicking the Analyze and Design the Pile Cap or the Next
button on Step 5 will show the analysis results for the pile
cap. The results include the moment, shear, and torsional
values for all load combinations at all specified sections
along the x and y directions. The pile reactions for all load
combinations, including the minimum and maximum reac-
tion values are also reported for all piles.
Step 7
Clicking the Next button on Step 6 starts the design proc-
ess. The design results are reported on this step. Results,
including top and bottom reinforcements, and the stir-
rupps, are reported for all sections in the x and y direc-
tions. Use to navigate between the design sections.
Click the Refresh View button the update the graphical
display. Click the View Detailing Plan button to view the
reinforcement plan of the pile cap.
Graphics Display
This module of GEAR displays the interactive 2D and 3D
views, along with the 2D sketch in plan of the defined
slabs. These views can be activated by clicking or
button. The following section describes the 2D and
3D View form individually.
2D View
Activate the form using the button on the toolbar
while on the Sketch tab. The 2D view is interactive and
responds to most mouse movements. The screen of the
view will display the currently selected slab with the rebar
layout. The continuity of the slab is shown by and extra
line on the continuous edge. The following toolbar in
available on the form:
board.
3D View
The 3D View form can be activated using the button
on the toolbar while on the Sketch tab. The 3D view
shows the currently selected slab (selected on the Input
tab) along with the perimeter beams and slab continuity.
The following toolbar in available on the form:
Preparing Reports
Use the Report menu to create a comprehensive, formatted
report of selected data and results. The Report menu lets
you specify the project information, contents of the report,
target printer, paper size, margins, character formats and
header and footers, preview the report and also save the
report.
Use the Report Items Content to select the items and the
content of each to be included in the report. You can select
the contents of the items by checking them. For example,
you can include only the Calculation Procedure and the
Final Results for one item and some other contents such as
Detailed Calculation and the Final Results for another
Item. However, you have the option of removing some of
the contents or items from the report by using the Report
format dialog box or while previewing the report.
The Contents tab contains one list box to show the main
items that have been included in the report. You can re-
move any previously added items from the report by se-
lecting them from the list and pressing the Remove button.
Initial Setup
Setting Up Work Environment
ACECOMS GEAR initializes your work environment us-
ing appropriate values for different parameters. Once you
exit the program, values of important parameters such as
default work units, rebar set, and design code are saved
automatically and are used to initialize these parameters
the next time you start the program.
3-1
Driven Pile Designer
File
The menu commands under File let you save and print
the results.
Edit
The Edit menu provides commands for copying and
cutting selected text, graphics or results. This option is
available for input data, the result list and the figure.
Tools
This menu allows you to set some general parameters
for the program.
Repor t
The menu commands under Report let you prepare,
format, preview and print the results.
Help
This menu has all the commands related to help for
the program.
Capacity Table
As the name implies, The Driven Pile-Capacity Table
form generates tables for driven pile capacity. A set of
variable input is required. The input includes the maxi-
mum, minimum and step value for penetration depth,
Preparing Reports
Use the Report menu to create a comprehensive, formatted
report of selected data and results. The Report menu lets
you specify the project information, contents of the report,
target printer, paper size, margins, character formats and
header and footers, preview the report and also save the
report.
Use the Report Items Content to select the items and the
content of each to be included in the report. You can select
the contents of the items by checking them. For example,
you can include only the Calculation Procedure and the
Final Results for one item and some other contents such as
Detailed Calculation and the Final Results for another
Item. However, you have the option of removing some of
the contents or items from the report by using the Report
format dialog box or while previewing the report.
Preparing Reports 3 -7
Driven Pile Designer
The Contents tab contains one list box to show the main
items that have been included in the report. You can re-
move any previously added items from the report by se-
lecting them from the list and pressing the Remove button.
Preparing Reports 3 -9
Driven Pile Designer
played page.
Initial Setup
Setting Up Work Environment
ACECOMS GEAR initializes your work environment us-
ing appropriate value for different parameters. Once you
exit the program, values of important parameters such as
default work units, rebar set, design code etc are saved
automatically and are used to initialize these parameters
next time when you start the program.
4-1
Combined Footing Design
RC Design Options
All RC Design modules in GEAR provide several options
related to the design of RC members. Options in each
module can be set independently of the other modules.
These include the selection of the Design Code, Design
Method, Rebar Set and Rules, etc. All these options, once
changed, affect all computations in that module. To
change or view the RC Design Options do the following:
Initial Setup 4 -3
Combined Footing Design
File
The menu commands under File let you save and print
the results.
Edit
The Edit menu provides commands for copying and
cutting selected text, graphics or results. This option is
available for input data, the result list and the figure.
Tools
This menu allows you to set some general parameters
for the program.
Report
The menu commands under Report let you prepare,
format, preview and print the results.
Help
This menu has all the commands related to help for
the program.
• Punching Shear
• One-Way Shear
3D View
The 3D View form can be activated using the button
on the toolbar while on the Sketch tab. The 3D view
shows the currently selected footing along with the de-
fined columns. The following toolbar in available on the
form:
Preparing Reports
Use the Report menu to create a comprehensive, formatted
report of selected data and results. The Report menu lets
you specify the project information, contents of the report,
target printer, paper size, margins, character formats and
header and footers, preview the report and also save the
report.
3D View 4-14
Combined Footing Design
Use the Report Items Content to select the items and the
content of each to be included in the report. You can select
the contents of the items by checking them. For example,
you can include only the Calculation Procedure and the
Final Results for one item and some other contents such as
Detailed Calculation and the Final Results for another
Item. However, you have the option of removing some of
the contents or items from the report by using the Report
format dialog box or while previewing the report.
Formatting a Report
This dialogue box contains Contents, Styles and Layout
tabs.
The Contents tab contains one list box to show the main
items that have been included in the report. You can re-
move any previously added items from the report by se-
lecting them from the list and pressing the Remove button.
Previewing a Report
After adding the required results to the report you can start
printing the report. GEAR however, provides you with the
option of previewing the report before it is actually
printed. Using this feature you can make sure that the re-
port contains everything you need.