Beam Design

The beam design modules include graphical tools to enable definition of the beam section and elevation. The beam elevation may comprise of different sections at several locations along the beam, with varying soffit and/or crown heights. The following types of beams can be analysed:

• Steel / concrete composite beams
  In addition to the standard tools for defining the steel/concrete composite beam, intermediate lateral restraints and web stiffeners can also be specified.
• Pre-tensioned pre-stressed beams
  In addition to the standard tools for defining the pre-tensioned pre-stressed beam, a graphical editor enables rapid insertion and removal of tendons at standard locations. The tendons may also be debonded or deflected at locations along the beam.
• Reinforced concrete beams
  In addition to the standard tools for defining the reinforced concrete beam, a graphical reinforcement editor enables fast definition of reinforcement. These include options for bent up bars (at one or both ends) for resisting shear, bars parallel to the soffit, and horizontal bars.
• Post-tensioned beams
  Allowing for cast-in-place post tensioning, or beams with initial prestress, or segmental construction, this module is particularly useful for designs in the Middle East and South East Asia.
  
  Some Features of the Post Tensioned Beam Module:
  • A beam is made up of any number of different sections. Independent of the sections, a beam can be split into any number of longitudinal segments in order to generate construction stages (as with segmental construction). A beam can be defined over any number of spans.
  • Individual tendons can be defined and can be partially or fully stressed, de-stressed, re-stressed or grouted. Post-tensioning losses are calculated.
  • The secondary effects of pre-stress can be calculated when the beam is used in SAM-LEAP5’s analysis program. If calculated elsewhere, these effects can be associated with any construction sequence or live load case.

For any beam, critical design loads for both permanent and live loading can be specified for both service and ultimate limit state combinations.

At various locations along the length of the beam, the program automatically calculates the section properties required and determines the actual and permissible stresses for each stage of construction analysed.

Where appropriate the program calculates and includes the effects of pre-stress losses, differential temperature gradient, and differential shrinkage and creep losses.

For all beam design modules, graphical presentation of input data and output results are available. Fully detailed hand calculation style output is also provided.

Click on the images below for examples of the output from the four beam design modules.

Beam Design Modules Summary

A summary of the available beam design modules is shown below. For full worked examples download the demonstration program. If you require any further information, please fill in an on-line request here or contact Bestech Systems direct.

Module	Description	British Standards	American Standards	Australian Standards	Eurocodes
B.01	Design of steel/concrete composite beams
B.03	Design and assessment of pre-tensioned pre-stressed composite beams
B.04	Design and assessment of reinforced concrete beams
B.05	Design of post-tensioned beams

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