Opening - Geometry

The Opening - Geometry option is a typical structure used for defining geometry and reinforcement of an opening in an RC slab. Select the option from:

• Menu: Reinforcement > Structure elements - reinforcement > Opening
• Ribbon: ASD - Structure elements > Structure elements - reinforcement > Opening
• Toolbar: Structure elements - reinforcement > Opening .

The following dialog displays:

The following information displays in the dialog:

• Name of an RC structure's element (an opening in an RC slab)
• Number of position
• Number of defined elements (openings) - this number has an effect on the steel table
• Opening shape; the following shapes of an RC slab's opening are available (the number is entered into the Shape edit field):
  1. rectangular opening
  2. circular opening
  3. rectangular opening, edge (edges) of which will not be reinforced.
• Slab thickness.

Select the Add element option to group the reinforcing bars (or reinforcing wire fabrics) of a slab opening reinforcement into an element while generating the formwork / reinforcement of the slab opening. The name specified in the Element name field is added on the Model tab of the Object Inspector dialog. The element (the group of reinforcing bars) displays in the Element manager dialog.

For a rectangular-shaped opening (type 1) there are two possible options:

1. Define the opening dimensions (opening length and width). The reinforcement parameters are calculated and inserted in a drawing at a selected location.
2. Click Select object, and specify two diagonally-positioned vertices of the existing rectangular opening. The reinforcement parameters are calculated, and the reinforcement is inserted in a drawing where the indicated opening is positioned.

For a circular opening (type 2) there are two possible options:

1. Define the opening dimensions (opening diameter), which determines the reinforcement parameters and inserts it in a drawing at a selected location
2. Click Select object, and specify a circle-shaped opening. The reinforcement parameters are calculated, and the reinforcement is inserted in a drawing where the indicated opening is positioned.

For a rectangle-shaped opening, selected edges which will not be reinforced (type 3), do the following:

1. Click Select object.
2. Indicate two diagonally-positioned vertices of the existing rectangular opening (the opening displays in blue).
3. In the Opening - GEOMETRY dialog, indicate the edges of the rectangular opening along which reinforcement is excluded (the selected edges display in red - see the drawing below). A schematic drawing of the opening, with reinforced edges marked with a symbol, whereas edges not reinforced - indicated with a symbol (see the drawing below).

Note: The symbols are not accessible in the dialog.

After completing definition of dimensions of an RC slab's opening, click Next. The Opening - reinforcement dialog displays.