Stepped Column Analysis and Design Spreadsheet

Stepped Column Analysis and Design Spreadsheet

 

“STEPCOL” is a spreadsheet program written in MS-Excel for the purpose of analyzing stepped columns
typically used in mill-type buildings to determine the effective lengths and effective length K factors.

This program is a workbook consisting of three (3) worksheets, described as follows:

Worksheet Name Description
Doc This documentation sheet
Stepped Column Eff. Lengths Effective Lengths and Effective Length Factors (K)
References References “a”, “b”, and “c” (as an ebedded PDF file object)

Program Assumptions and Limitations:

  1. This program is based on the following references:
    a. “Calculation of Effective Lengths and Effective Slenderness Ratios of Stepped Columns”
    by: John P. Anderson and James H. Woodward (AISC Engineering Journal, Oct. / 1972, pages 157-166)
    b. “Calculation of Effective Lengths of Stepped Columns”
    by: Krishna M. Agrawal and Andrew P. Stafiej (AISC Engineering Journal, 4th Quarter / 1980, pages 96-105)
    c. “Calculation of Effective Lengths of Stepped Columns” (Errata)
    by: Krishna M. Agrawal and Andrew P. Stafiej (AISC Engineering Journal, Third Quarter / 1981, page 126)
    d. “Steel Design Guide 7 – Industrial Buildings, Roofs to Anchor Rods” (2nd Edition)
    by: James M. Fisher (AISC / 2004, Appendix B, pages 89-98) (Note: does not include errata from Ref. “c”.)
  2. This program utilizes a simple iterative solution for determining the root, “Z”, to each of the characteristic
    equations shown below, per references “a” and “b” listed above. The program calculates an initial guess
    (Zst) for “Z”, evaluates the expression, increments the value of “Z” by a value equal to the initial guess, and
    then evaluates the expression again, etc., etc. The results of each pair of evaluation iterations are multiplied
    times each other to determine the location where the value passes through 0 (changes sign). Per the
    references, the first (lowest) root is the desired/correct solution to the characteristic equation, although there
    are multiple roots. Once the pair of iterations have been identified which locate the first (lowest) root, the
    program performs a linear interpolation between those two values to determine the point where “Z” = 0.
    The program performs up to a maximum of 4000 iterations to find the correct solution for “Z”.
  3. This program contains “comment boxes” which contain a wide variety of information including explanations
    of input or output items, equations used, data tables, etc. (Note: presence of a “comment box” is denoted
    by a “red triangle” in the upper right-hand corner of a cell. Merely move the mouse pointer to the desired
    cell to view the contents of that particular “comment box”.)

Different Types of Formwork Used in Concrete Construction

Different Types of Formwork Used in Concrete Construction

 

Formworks can be crafted from plywood, timber, steel, fabric and plastic as well. The formwork chosen for a particular construction process should be able to withstand the weight of the concrete. Therefore choosing the right type of formwork construction is essential to choose. Many types of the frame are available, which is mentioned below:

 

Timber Formwork

Timber formwork is the most widely used formwork. It has been commonly used in construction from the ancient period. It is quite economical and easy to access. Timber shuttering has the following advantages:

● It is lightweight
● Well composed
● It is easily accessible

Timber formwork is mainly used for small projects, and you can do the formwork construction with locally available timber. When compared with steel, it is quite lightweight.

Timber Formwork

Steel Formwork

 

Steel formwork is quite famous due to its durability, strength and capability of being used multiple times. It is advantageous for small projects, but they are also used for managing big projects. It provides a smooth texture when compared with the timber framework. It can be used in tanks, tunnels, columns and chimneys. Some of the advantages of steel formwork are as follows:

● It is durable and rigid
● Provides smooth finish
● It does not allow moisture to enter
● It can be used for multiple times

Steel Formwork

Aluminium Formwork

 

It is a fact that the density of aluminium is less when compared with the material steel, but it is lightweight. This formwork shares the same benefits as steel formwork. Working with aluminium formwork is indeed economical. It is used in completing big projects.

Aluminium Formwork

Plywood Formwork

 

Plywood formwork is a version of re-moulded timber. These are fixed with timber frames for manufacturing the panels of the desired size. Plywood timberwork is quite easy to manage, and it is flexible also. However, the life of plywood formwork is comparatively lower than other types of formwork.

Plywood Formwork

Fabric Formwork

 

With the development in the construction field, new technology is being used for planning and designing. The construction of complex-shaped fabric formwork has increased over the past few years. The main advantage of using fabric formwork is that it promotes flexibility and makes it possible for generating formwork of the required shape and size.

Fabric Formwork

Plastic Formwork

 

The best part of using plastic formworks is lightweight and can be used several times as well. It is best suited for concrete construction. This kind of formwork is widely becoming popular due to the multiple benefits that it provides. Some of the advantages of working with plastic formwork are given below.

● These material are lightweight, and therefore it needs less managing cost
● It is quite economical for big construction
● If it is being installed in the right way, no doubt it can be used multiple times.

Plastic Formwork

 

 

Different Uses of Box Culverts

Different Uses of Box Culverts

 

 

Introduction

A structure in constructions that allows water to flow under a road, railroad, or a similar obstruction is called a culvert.

These are generally made from a pipe or reinforced concrete and are embedded in the soil. Culverts come in different shapes. It can be round, elliptical, flat-bottomed, open-bottomed, pear-shaped, or box-like constructions.

Box culverts are those four-sided culverts used in making short-span bridges like over highways, waterways, etc. These are made of concrete and RCC (Reinforced Concrete) in particular. Box culverts come across as one of the most useful structures in modern construction. They serve various purposes like for intakes and outtakes, steam tunnels, corridor links, road crossings, service tunnels, and utility trenches.

Let’s understand the different uses of box culverts in detail below.

Uses of Box Culverts

 

Road and Highway Construction:

Box culverts are one of the most important features in road and highway construction. The box culverts let water flow under roads and highways without hampering the flow of traffic. Also, they serve as alternative animal crossings. Since these places need to endure traffic loads and extreme weather conditions, the culverts used here must be robust. Hence it is advised to build culvert out of concrete.

Highway Box Culvert

Use in Railroads :

Just like road or highway construction, box culverts are an essential element used in the construction and maintenance of railroads. They can be used here to replace small bridges or create crossings over creeks and any waterways.

Railway Box Culvert

 

Box Culverts in Utility Work:

Box Culverts are also required in utility work serving as utility tunnels that carry electricity, water, and sewer lines. In places where the climate is cold, and it is difficult to bury lines below the frost level, utility tunnels are imperative. Additionally, they are used to carry communication lines, such as telephone and cable television.

 

What makes Box Culverts Cost-Effective?

 

● Box culverts are a fast and economical method for tunnels under roadways.

● These can be tailored in large sizes to manage increased flow rates and capacities.

● Because of the rigidity and monolithic operation, separate foundations are not required which makes box culverts quite economical.

 

Suggested Read:

 

Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert Calculation Spreadsheet

Standard DWG Autocad Drawing For Box Cell Culvert

Pipe Culvert Wing Wall CAD template DWG

Culvert General Plan and Sections Details CAD Template DWG

Box Culvert Curved Concrete Layout CAD Template DWG

Box Culvert Concrete Reinforcement Details CAD Template DWG

Culvert Concrete Reinforcement Details CAD Template DWG

Box Culvert Design and Calculation Spreadsheet

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