If the option of automatic extension of bars to the upper column is used, then the program will apply the option of automatic bending of extended bars and will connect the reinforcement of columns following the rule that all bars of the upper column should be appropriately anchored. The way columns are connected depends on their positions with respect to each other and on reinforcement generated in them:
- if bars of the lower column 'meet' bars of the upper column which correspond to them as regards their position (they are collinear with the tolerance equalling the bar diameter), then the bars of the lower column will be extended and bent in such a way so that it is possible to connect them by means of the lap splice connection with the upper bars
- at places of bars of the upper column which have no 'counterparts' in the reinforcement of the lower column the program will provide additional dowel bars to enable appropriate anchorage of bars of the upper column.
This procedure is illustrated by the drawing below; in the drawing the blue color indicates reinforcing bars of the lower column, bars of the upper column are marked in green, while additional dowel bars are shown in red. The bar positioned in the bottom left corner of the lower column has been bent by the horizontal dimension equal to the diameter of a bar in the upper column.
