MNL 403

STRUCTURAL CONCRETE SOFTWARE SYSTEM

ADAPT-MODELER 2010

USER MANUAL

Copyright 2010

[email protected] www.adaptsoft.com
ADAPT Corporation, Redwood City, California, USA, Tel: +1 (650) 306-2400 Fax: +1 (650) 306-2401
ADAPT International Pvt. Ltd, Kolkata, India Tel: +91-33-302 86580 Fax: +91-33-224 67281
 LIST OF CONTENTS Content

LIST OF CONTENTS
1.  GETTING STARTED...............................................................................1 
2.  QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ................................................................5 
2.1  GENERATE STRUCTURAL MODEL ..................................................................7 
2.2  ANALYSIS USING ADAPT-PT OR ADAPT-RC .................................................7 
2.3  ANALYSIS USING ADAPT-FLOOR PRO ...........................................................8 

3.  BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU.........................................13 

3.1  ADAPT-MODELER MAIN SCREEN..................................................................15 
3.2  MOUSE FUNCTION AND OPERATION ...........................................................16 
3.3  CURSOR FUNCTION AND OPERATION .........................................................16 
3.4  OPERATION OF RETURN AND TAB KEYS......................................................18 
3.5  OPERATION OF KEY COMBINATIONS ..........................................................18 
3.6  HOW TO END/CLOSE AN OPERATION...........................................................18 
3.7  HOW TO ABANDON AN OPERATION.............................................................18 
3.8  MAIN MENU ........................................................................................................18 
3.8.1  File Menu...................................................................................................19 
3.8.2  Settings Menu ............................................................................................21 
3.8.3  Tools Menu ................................................................................................23 
3.8.4  Modify Menu .............................................................................................24 
3.8.5  Build Menu ................................................................................................26 

4.  TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS.............................................29 

4.1  MAIN TOOLBAR .................................................................................................31 
4.2  SETTINGS TOOLBAR.........................................................................................31 
4.3  SELECTION TOOLBAR ......................................................................................32 
4.4  VIEW TOOLBAR .................................................................................................35 
4.5  MODIFY/SELECTION TOOLBAR .....................................................................38 
4.6  CAMERA AND VIEWPORTS TOOLBAR (REGULAR AND MINI) ...............38 
4.7  SELECTIVE VIEW TOOLBAR ...........................................................................40 
4.8  SNAP TOOLBAR .................................................................................................40 
4.9  DRAW TOOLBAR AND DRAW MINI TOOLBAR ...........................................42 
4.10  GRIDLINE TOOLBAR.........................................................................................46 
4.11  COPY / MOVE TOOLBAR ..................................................................................47 
4.12  SCALING TOOLBAR ..........................................................................................48 
4.13  UCS TOOLBAR....................................................................................................48 
4.14  VIEWPORT TOOLBAR .......................................................................................49 

5.  STRUCTURAL MODELING TOOLS .................................................51 

5.1  OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................................53 
5.2  STRUCTURAL MODEL PARTS.........................................................................54 
5.2.1  Structural Components...............................................................................54 

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Content LIST OF CONTENTS

5.2.2  Common Properties of Structural Components ......................................... 55 

5.3  LEVEL ASSIGNMENTS...................................................................................... 58 
5.4  LEVEL ASSIGNMENT TOOL............................................................................. 60 
5.5  ORGANIZATION OF THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS DATA ............... 61 
5.6  MODELING OPTIONS ........................................................................................ 61 
5.6.1  Transform to Structural Components Toolbar ........................................... 62 
5.6.2  Build Toolbar............................................................................................. 64 
5.6.3  Structural Modeling and Display Aids ...................................................... 68 
5.6.4  Loads ......................................................................................................... 69 
5.6.4.1  Load Case Definition ............................................................... 70 
5.6.4.2  Loading Toolbar....................................................................... 71 

6.  STRIP MODELING TOOLS ................................................................ 77 

6.1  OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................... 79 
6.2  MODELING TOOLBAR ...................................................................................... 81 
6.3  MODEL/DESIGN STRIP TOOLBAR.................................................................. 89 
6.4  OTHER DATA SPECIFIC TO ADAPT-PT AND ADAPT-RC ........................... 90 
6.4.1  Data Specific to Current Design Strip ....................................................... 90 
6.4.2  Data Applicable to the Entire Project ........................................................ 91 

7.  FINITE ELEMENTS MODELING TOOLS ....................................... 95 

7.1  OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................... 97 
7.2  MESHING ............................................................................................................. 98 
7.2.1  Overview ................................................................................................... 98 
7.2.2  Maximum Mesh Size................................................................................. 98 
7.2.3  Meshing Tools ........................................................................................... 99 
7.3  ANALYZE STRUCTURE .................................................................................. 105 
7.4  VIEW ANALYSIS RESULTS ............................................................................ 105 
7.5  EXAMINE DESIGN VALUES........................................................................... 106 
7.6  EDIT/APPLY BOUNDARY CONDITONS ....................................................... 108 
7.6.1  Overview ................................................................................................. 108 
7.6.2  How to View and Edit the Boundary Conditions .................................... 109 
7.6.3  How to Apply Boundary Conditions ....................................................... 110 
7.6.4  FEM Supports and Springs Toolbar ........................................................ 110 

8.  APPENDIX A ........................................................................................ 113 

A1  TREATMEMENT OF COMPOUND (INTERCONNECTED) WALL
ASSEMBLIES ..................................................................................................... 115 
A1.1  STRUCTURAL MODELING ............................................................................. 115 
A1.2  SUPPORT LINES AND DESIGN STRIPS ........................................................ 115 

9.  INDEX.................................................................................................... 119 

10.

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 Chapter 1

GETTING STARTED
 GETTING STARTED Chapter 1

This manual describes the user interface of the Builder software platform, along
with the tools you will use, if you want to generate data for ADAPT-PT and
ADAPT-RC. Becoming familiar with the program interface and its various tools
will serve you well in your modeling and design work. If you have experience
with the program and want to refresh your memory before starting a new project,
go to Chapter 2 – Quick Reference Guide. As a new user to the program, review
the following. Then, refer to the step-by-step procedures outlined in the Technical
Notes for the different scenarios of the program application. At the end of this
Chapter there is a list of such Technical Notes.

This manual is divided into several chapters as follows:

• Chapter 2 is a quick reference guide for those who have used the
program, and simply intend to refresh your experience, before starting a
new project
• Chapter 3 describes the basic operations and main menus of the program
• Chapter 4 walks you through the basic operations tools of the program.
You will use these tools in all modeling, analysis and design work. You
will find the tools offer an extensive drafting capability, allowing you to
faithfully replicate complex structures
• Chapter 5 shows you how to build a structural model in three dimensions.
It also covers the common situation in which you would use an architect’s
drawing as the basis of your structural model
• Chapter 6 targets only those of you who will be generating your structural
models in Builder platform to create design strips for export to ADAPT-
PT
• Chapter 7 covers the basic Finite Elements Modeling (FEM) Tools. This
chapter gives an introduction to FEM and illustrates basic operations of
meshing and FEM analysis

For your next step, depending on the way you want to use the program, it is best
to go through one or more of the program tutorials1.

1
The tutorials are in the Tutorial folder of your program CD-ROM. You also can down load them from the
ADAPT website, www.adaptsoft.com.

3
 Chapter 2

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

2.1  GENERATE STRUCTURAL MODEL ..................................................................7 

2.2  ANALYSIS USING ADAPT-PT OR ADAPT-RC .................................................7 
2.3  ANALYSIS USING ADAPT-FLOOR PRO ...........................................................8 

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 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Chapter 2

The natural sequence from creating a structural model, to generating structural

documents and subsequently fabrication drawings, is listed in the following.
There are many short cuts and alternatives in the process of data generation and
execution. These, however, are avoided in the following list in favor of a more
common and straightforward approach.

2.1 GENERATE STRUCTURAL MODEL

Generate a structural model, either by importing a DWG file and converting it to

structural components, or creating your own structural model using the tools of
ADAPT-Modeler. Once you are done, additional details for the analysis depend
on whether you plan to analyze the model using ADAPT-PT, ADAPT-RC, or
ADAPT-Floor Pro. The following is a guide.

2.2 ANALYSIS USING ADAPT-PT OR ADAPT-RC

If you want to use the structural model in connection with ADAPT-PT or RC1

• Enter loads (dead and live load cases only)2. Skipping of live load, live-
load reduction and other load-related issues are either handled in the
Criteria pull-down menu, which will be covered later, or directly in
ADAPT-PT or RC.
• Go to the Materials pull-down menu, and review/edit the contents of the
following sub-menus;
o Concrete – Strip Method
o Mild Steel – Strip Method
o Prestressing – Strip Method
• Go to the Criteria pull-down menu and select Strip Method of Analysis
and Design. Review/edit all the input screens, as these will be used as
default values for your entire project. You will have the option to modify
these individually, once data is exported to ADAPT-PT or RC.

1
The input screens that are specific to ADAPT-PT and ADAPT-RC are marked with a brown background.
The input screens that apply to both ADAPT-PT and RC and Floor Pro are identified with a neutral
background color.
2
PT version 7.xx and RC version 4.xx can accept only dead and live loads, plus the optional inclusion of
selfweight. Later versions of these programs can handle more load cases.
You need not go to the load case and load combinations, since these are handled in ADAPT-PT and RC.

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Chapter 2 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

• Generate support lines in two orthogonal directions. If a support line is

intended to rest on anything but a column or wall, enter a point support3.
• Create design strips
o Consider the design strips one by one4
Select a design strip and view its idealization in 3D
viewer
Export/open ADAPT-PT or RC
Once in ADAPT-PT or RC, view the imported data for
accuracy
Edit data if necessary
Execute data
Obtain a report
o Go back to the Modeler environment and consider the next design
strip

2.3 ANALYSIS USING ADAPT-FLOOR PRO

If you want to use the structural model in connection with ADAPT Floor-Pro

• First run for model validation:

o Go to the FEM pull-down menu and select Automatic Mesh
Generation. Accept defaults of the program.
o Once meshing is complete, click on Analyze Structure in the FEM
pull-down menu.
o Once analysis is complete, select View Analysis Results from the
FEM pull-down menu. This opens the 3D viewer of the program to
display the solution.
o Once in 3D viewer, select service load combination and Z-
Translation. This is vertical displacement of the structure. Then,
click on the tool with two light-bulb graphics. This will display the
deflected shape under selfweight only.
o Zoom, rotate and view the results thoroughly to ensure that the
deflected shape under selfweight looks reasonable. In particular,

3
If a support line rests on another support line, or is resting on a beam along its length, you must enter a
point support at the location where the design strip you are creating is intended to be supported.
4
You have the option to use the Strips pull-down menu to generate the input data for the entire set of
design strips at one time. But if you are not familiar with the program, it is best to do them one by one, as
suggested herein.

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 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Chapter 2

make sure there is no deflection where the structure was intended

to have been supported. Correct the structural model if the
deflected shape and values under selfweight do not appear
reasonable.
• Add loads:
o Go to the Loading/Load Case Library pull-down menu and add
load cases, such as dead load, live load, prestressing and other load
cases that you want to include in your design.
o Display the Loading tool bar and enter loads.
• Add prestressing: If the structure has prestressing, add the prestressing
tendons.
• Edit material properties: Go to the Materials pull-down menu, and enter
the material properties for concrete, nonprestressed steel and prestressed
steel, if applicable. If there is more than one concrete material, steel or
prestressing in your structure, this is the time to give a label to each of the
new materials used and define their properties. In your modeling, the
program has assumed that all the components of the structure you created
have the material names entered on the first line of each of the lists. If you
added any new material to the list of existing materials, open the property
box of the structural components that must have the new material and
change their material name to the one you created.
• Review/edit design criteria: Go to the Criteria pull-down menu, select
General and review the default values of each of the tabs. Modify if
necessary. In particular, make sure that you select the building code of
your choice. Once you select/confirm the building code, the program
automatically creates the default load combinations of the building code
you selected.
• Add extra load combinations for validation:
o Go to the Loading pull-down menu. Select Load
Combinations/FEM Side menu.
o Create a load case for selfweight only5, with No Code Check
option.
o View and edit the load cases and load combinations. If you have
prestressing, create a load case (PT) for prestressing only.
o From the FEM pull-down menu, select Analyze Structure.
o Once the analysis is complete, go to View Results from the FEM
pull-down menu. Check the deflection shape of each load case and

5
Once you add new loads, the selfweight load case is likely to become part of other load combinations.
That is why you need to create a selfweight load combination. Also, if you plan to have skipping of live
load, leave this option to the last, after you have made sure that the model you have created works well.

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Chapter 2 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

load combination, to make sure they look reasonable. If deflections

do not appear right. Go back to the loads, criteria and prestressing
layout, if needed, in order to fix the problem.
• Design:
o Using the support line wizard from the Model Strips pull down
menu, create support lines in two orthogonal directions. Make sure
that you assign to the support lines in one direction X-direction,
and to its orthogonal direction Y-direction.
o Go to the FEM pull down menu and click on Create Design
Sections Automatically. Save data.
o From the FEM pull-down menu click on Design the Design
Section(s).
• Check punching shear values:
o If you have a column-supported slab, click on Punching Shear
Check.
o Display the Support Line Results Scale toolbar from the User
Interface pull-down menu.
o Click on the tool Display Punching Shear Design Outcome. This is
the last tool on the right side of the toolbar. This tool will turn any
supports that fail the punching shear requirements red.
o To view the stress ratios, click on the Numerical Display Tool on
the same toolbar.
• Generate/view reinforcement:
o From the FEM pull-down menu, click on Generate Rebar Drawing
to compile a rebar drawing.
o From the User Interface pull-down menu, display the
Reinforcement Toolbar. Click on the tool Display/Hide Rebar to
make the reinforcement visible. This is the tool with yellow circle.
o Use the capabilities of the other tools on this toolbar to view and
edit the display.
• Generate rebar drawings:
o Using the tools of the Reinforcement Toolbar, select the
reinforcement that you want to be shown on the structural drawing.
o Edit/move the reinforcement annotation to make it arrive at a clear
presentation.
o Change the font size to values suitable for printing on the paper
size you are going to select.

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 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Chapter 2

o From the File pull-down menu, select print preview to examine the
features of the drawing you are going to print.
o Print the drawing or export it to AutoCad, using the Export
DXF/DWG tool of the program that is accessible from the File
pull-down menu.
o In the same way, generate other rebar drawings such as top bars on
one drawing and bottom bars on another.
• Generate tendon layout drawings: On engineering drawings, most
engineers group tendons into tendons in one-direction (such as banded
tendons) and tendons in other direction (distributed tendons).6 If you plan
to show the tendons in two drawings, you must first group them, following
the instructions below. If this is not the case, go to the next step.
• Group tendons:
o From the Settings pull-down menu, select Grouping. This opens
the group library. Add two group names, such as “banded
tendons,” and “distributed tendons.”
o Using Select/Set View Items, turn off everything except tendons
and the other basic information you need to identify the tendons. In
most cases, it is adequate to retain the tendons, slab outline and
column supports.
o Select as many tendons of one group as practical.
o From the Modify pull-down menu, select Modify Item Properties.
o Once the Modify Item Properties dialog windows open, select the
Tendon tab.
o In the Tendon tab, select the group to add the selected tendons.
Press OK to close the Modify Properties dialog window.
o Repeat the above steps, until all tendons are assigned to their
respective groups.
o Go to the Grouping Dialog Window and make only one group of
tendons visible, such as distributed tendons. Once you have printed
the drawing for this group, hide this group and make the next
group visible.
• Generate single report:
o From the Reports pull-down menu, select Single Default
Reports/Graphical/Tendon Plan.
o In the dialog window that opens, select the following, and then
click OK.

6
For generating fabrication drawings, tendons are grouped more extensively, assigning unique group
identification to tendons of same length and profile.

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Chapter 2 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Tendon ID
Control point heights
Number of strands
Elongation (if you selected the option in data
generation)
Stressing/dead end (if you selected the option in data
generation)
• Generate compiled report: From the Reports pull-down menu, click on
Compiled Reports. Select the items of your choice and send to printer.

12
 Chapter 3

BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU

3.1  ADAPT-MODELER MAIN SCREEN..................................................................15 

3.2  MOUSE FUNCTION AND OPERATION ...........................................................16 
3.3  CURSOR FUNCTION AND OPERATION .........................................................16 
3.4  OPERATION OF RETURN AND TAB KEYS......................................................18 
3.5  OPERATION OF KEY COMBINATIONS ..........................................................18 
3.6  HOW TO END/CLOSE AN OPERATION...........................................................18 
3.7  HOW TO ABANDON AN OPERATION.............................................................18 
3.8  MAIN MENU ........................................................................................................18 
3.8.1  File Menu...................................................................................................19 
3.8.2  Settings Menu ............................................................................................21 
3.8.3  Tools Menu ................................................................................................23 
3.8.4  Modify Menu .............................................................................................24 
3.8.5  Build Menu ................................................................................................26 

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 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU Chapter 3

3.1 ADAPT-MODELER MAIN SCREEN

Fig. 3.1-1 shows the full-screen display of the ADAPT-Modeler program, with
typical features labeled for easy identification.

Menu Bar Toolbars

Docked Toolbars

Floating Toolbar

Status Bar

User Information Bar

FIGURE 3.1-1

ADAPT-Modeler operates the same way as other Windows programs. All

program tools are accessed from accessed from one of the toolbars provided by
the program or through the menus provided in the menu bar at the top of the
screen. Toolbars may be opened, closed, “docked” to the edge of the screen or
dragged to any position on the screen as View menu item, or by clicking the right
mouse button while the cursor is in the Menu Bar or Toolbar areas of the screen.

The User Information Bar displays tool-specific information prompted to the user
and any coordinate values that may be typed by the user for specific program
procedures.

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Chapter 3 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU

The Status Bar displays such information as the mouse cursor coordinates, current
unit system, snapping status, and gridline spacing and status. A short description
of each specific tool also appears in this area when the mouse cursor is placed
over the corresponding tool button.

3.2 MOUSE FUNCTION AND OPERATION

The primary function of the mouse is through its left-click. Depending on the
mode of the program, as outlined in the next section, the left-click will result in
selecting the entity below the cursor, inserting an entity or performing an
operation at the location of the cursor.

The right-click of the mouse with cursor on the display portion of the screen will
display the window shown in Fig. 3.2-1.

FIGURE 3.2-1 RIGHT-CLICK OPTIONS OF THE MOUSE

Click on a menu item listed to perform the operation described.

If you right-click the mouse while the cursor is outside the display screen, a list of
all available toolbars appears. From this list, you can select the toolbars you want
to display.

3.3 CURSOR FUNCTION AND OPERATION

Depending on the cursor mode, the program responds differently. Before starting
an operation, it is important to make sure that the cursor is in the appropriate
mode.

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 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU Chapter 3

Shape Mode Description

In this mode, you can select an entity displayed on the
screen by placing the cross over it and left-clicking
the mouse. Once an entity is selected, its color
changes.

Selection/Pick There are two ways to enable Selection/Pick mode:

• Right-click the mouse, and select Exit

• Click on Selection/Pick Tool

In this mode, the program displays the identification

of an entity that the point of the arrow touches. To
change to this mode, click on the Hint Mode Tool
Hint

In this mode, the program will create an entity, such

as a line, column or slab. Place the cross at the
location where you want the entity to be created and
left-click the mouse. Detailed instruction for creation
of each entity will be prompted on the User
Creation Information Bar at the bottom of the screen.

To enable Creation Mode, left-click the mouse on the

tool of the entity you intend to create. Then follow the
instructions at the bottom of the screen.

In this mode, the magnet indicates that the cursor is in

Snap Mode and is searching to snap onto an entity.
The cursor will search for one or more entities. Once
the cursor becomes close to any of the entities or
Snap conditions it is searching for, it will display a yellow
sign over the location to be snapped. The shape of the
yellow sign displayed identifies the entity for
snapping.

In this mode, the program can be requested to create

an entity, although the plane on which the entity is to
Undefined be created is not displayed. You must change the
Creation screen view (go to Plan View, if you are in Elevation)
before you can create the entity in mind.

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Chapter 3 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU

3.4 OPERATION OF RETURN AND TAB KEYS

A special function assigned to the Return key is to repeat the last operation
performed – when the duplication of such operation is practical. For example, if
you use Copy command to copy an entity, pressing the Return key, will invoke
the Copy command again.

In addition to its normal function, the Tab key can help you select an individual
item in a group of similar items that overlap. When you attempt to select items
that overlap, such as several beams intersecting at the same location, the mouse
click on its own is not adequate to identify the beam of your choice. The program
will select one and change its color. If the program’s selection is not the one you
intended, click the Tab key. The program will select and display the next item.
Continue clicking the Tab key, until the item of your choice is selected.

3.5 OPERATION OF KEY COMBINATIONS

Some key combinations act as shortcuts to pre-assigned operations. The key

combinations are generally displayed on the computer screen, next to the menu
items they represent. The most commonly used combinations are:

Copy Ctrl key + C

Move Ctrl key + M

3.6 HOW TO END/CLOSE AN OPERATION

To end or close an operation, such as closing a polygon, press the End or C key

3.7 HOW TO ABANDON AN OPERATION

To abandon an operation you have already started, such as drawing a polygon,

press the Esc key.

3.8 MAIN MENU

The items appearing on the Main Menu depend on the configuration of the
program. The common menu items to all programs are as follows:

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 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU Chapter 3

• File
• Edit
• View
• User Interface
• Settings
• Tools
• Draw
• Modify
• Build
• Material
• Criteria
• Help

Many of the items in the above pull-down menus are standard Windows
commands, such as Open, and Copy. These will not be explained here. There are
also items that appear both in the pull-down menus and the toolbars. These will be
explained only once under the associated toolbars. The remainder of the items is
explained below:

3.8.1 File Menu

Some of the File Menu operations are:

• Save As Default Values. Once you save data using this option, the
program will open all the future new projects using the values in
the data you saved. To change the default values, open a new file,
modify the parameters of your choice, and re-save it using Save As
Default Values.
• Automatically Save Option. As a safeguard against lost data, the
program automatically saves your file at the intervals stated in the
dialog window of Fig. 3.8-1. The data is saved using the original
name preceded by a ~ character. In the event of data loss, erase the
~ character from the name of the saved data before attempting to
open it.

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Chapter 3 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU

FIGURE 3.8-1 AUTOMATICALLY SAVE

OPTION DIALOG WINDOW

• Import and Export of Files. If your file originates in REVIT,

ROBOT or ETABS model, prior to importing you need the
appropriate integration link to generate an import file.
You can import an AutoCad file, a Generic ADAPT file, a REVIT,
ROBOT, STAAD or ETABS model.
When selecting any of these options, you will be prompted to
browse the location of the file you would like to import.
Once you have located the import file the Import Options dialog
window shown in Fig. 3.8-2 will be displayed. You can select the
level, loads, load cases and the load combinations that you want to
import. “Update model” option will retain the information on your
existing model and add to it, the items you select in the three tabs.
If the option is not selected, your existing model would get erased
and the selected items are imported.

FIGURE 3.8-2 IMPORT OPTIONS DIALOG

WINDOW

The program allows you to export your work either into an

AutoCad DXF or DWG drawing, or to a REVIT model, or to a

20
 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU Chapter 3

Generic ADAPT file. The Generic ADAPT file contains any

reinforcement that is labeled as base reinforcement.
You can also export the reinforcement to a separate rebar export
file which contains both, base and calculated reinforcement.

3.8.2 Settings Menu

The Settings Menu operations are:

• Environment/Text. The Text setting controls the font and size of

the text displayed on the computer screen. When invoked, the
following dialog window gives you access to the text settings.

FIGURE 3.8-3 TEXT SETTING DIALOG

WINDOW
• General Settings. The General Settings menu item opens the
dialog window of Fig. 3.8-4. The Cursor and Scroll Bars tabs
control the display on the screen. The functions listed on the Misc.
tab are self-explanatory. The last check box is used to set the
parameters of the entity you want to crate. If selected, the program
will use the last modification you make in the property window of
an entity, such as column, when you generate the next entity of the
same type, such as column. Obviously, you can go back and edit
the dimensions.

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Chapter 3 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU

FIGURE 3.8-4 GENERAL SETTINGS DIALOG WINDOW

• Distortion Scale. The Distortion Scale menu item opens the dialog
window of Fig. 3.8-5.You can change the scale of the display
along any of the three principal axes (X, Y or Z) in order to obtain
a clearer view of the structure. In particular, an increase in scale of
a slab in Z-direction helps to better see the details of a tendon
profile, or steps in the slab.

FIGURE 3.8-5 DISTORTION SCALE

DIALOG WINDOW
• Grouping. Each entity, such as a column, or a rebar, belongs to a
Group and has a unique name, or Label.

The concept of the Group is used to give you the option to select
specific items for display or other operations. For example, if you
want to display only selected beams of a floor system, you can
Group them as one, give them a Label and display only members
of that Group.

Initially, every item you create will be placed in Group 1. But you
can modify the Group assignment of the item and bring it to the
Group of your choice. When you click on the Grouping the

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 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU Chapter 3

following dialog window opens (Fig. 3.8-6). You can add a Group
or delete one, make a Group visible or hide it.

FIGURE 3.8-6 GROUP LIBRARY

DIALOG WINDOW
• Folder for Saving Data. This option is available for data
generated in ADAPT-PT or ADAPT-RC. The program will save
the data generated in the folder you specify in the following dialog
window.

FIGURE 3.8-7 FOLDER FOR AUTOMATIC

SAVING OF DATA

3.8.3 Tools Menu

The Tools Menu operations are described below:

• Measure. This tool enables you to Measure the distance between

any two points on the computer screen. Click on the menu and
follow the instructions at the bottom of screen.
• Coordinates. Click on this menu item, select a point and read its
values at the bottom of the screen

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Chapter 3 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU

• Calibrate Drawing. This tool is used to change the scale of the

entire project. Click on this menu item and follow the instructions
at the bottom of the screen. The primary application of this tool is
to calibrate an imported drawing, such as a DWG file. If you wish
to scale only a portion of the project, you need to use the Scale
Selected Items tool from the Modify pull-down menu.
• Change Project Origin. If you want to change the origin of the
coordinate system, select this item and follow the instructions at
the bottom of the screen.

3.8.4 Modify Menu

The Modify Menu operations are described below:

• Properties. If you select an entity and click on the Properties item,

the Modify Properties dialog box opens and allows you to modify
the display characteristics of the entity you selected on the screen
(Fig. 3.8-8).
• Mirror. This tool creates a mirror image of the entities you select
about the line of your choice. Select one or more items to mirror,
click on the Mirror tool and follow the instructions at the bottom
of the screen.

FIGURE 3.8-8 DISPLAY PROPERTY

DIALOG WINDOW
• Extend. This tool elongates the length of a line to reach another
line of your choice. To perform this operation, select the line that
you want to extend, click on the Extend tool and follow the
instructions at the bottom of the screen.
• Trim. Use this tool to erase the extension of a line beyond its
cross-section with a second line. Pick the line you wish to trim,
click on the Trim tool and follow the instructions at the bottom of
the screen.

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 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU Chapter 3

• Modify Item Properties. If you want to change the properties of a

number of entities at one time -- for example, you want to change
the size of several columns -- use the Modify Item Properties.
Select the individual entities you want to modify, and then click on
Modify Item Properties. The following dialog window appears.
Select the tab that relates to the entities you want to modify, such
as columns. Make the modifications on the data fields of the tab.
Press OK to implement your changes.

FIGURE 3.8-9 MODIFY ITEM PROPERTIES

DIALOG WINDOW
• Split. This tool subdivides the length of a line, beam, wall or any
other linear entity into a number of equal lengths specified by you.
Select an entity, click on the Split menu item to open the dialog
window shown in Fig. 3.8-10. Enter the number of divisions.
• Unsplit. This tool reverts to one piece the segments of an entity
that was formerly split into pieces, using the Split tool.
• Scale Selected Items. Use this tool if you want only selected
entities of your project to be scaled. Select the entities to be scaled.
Click on the Scale Selected Items tool, and follow the instructions
on the dialog window that appears.

FIGURE 3.8-10 SPLIT THE LINEAR ENTITY

DIALOG WINDOW

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Chapter 3 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU

3.8.5 Build Menu

The Build Menu operations are described below:

• Preprocessing/Establish Component Connectivity. The default

location for the creation of walls and columns is from the reference
plane. That is to say, the top of lower walls and columns, and the
bottom of the upper walls and columns line up with the reference
line. You can choose when creating a project to specify an offset
(Z-distance) to change the starting point of these components. The
Establish Component Connectivity tool automatically does this.
Consider the elevation of a stepped slab and two columns shown in
part (a) of Figure 3.8-11. The columns are created at the level of
reference plane (top surface of upper slab). By clicking Establish
Component Connectivity, the program automatically shifts the two
columns at their respective locations (part (b) of the figure).

(a) Columns are originally created at the level of reference plane

(b) Using the “Component Connectivity” tool the program automatically shifts
the columns to their correct position

FIGURE 3.8-11 VIEW OF SLAB WITH STEP SUPPORTED

ON BEAM AND COLUMNS

• Beam/Frame Wizard (Specific to ADAPT-Floor Pro program).

This tool activates a series of self-explanatory input dialog
windows that walk you through the steps necessary to create a
beam frame for analysis and design.

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 BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAIN MENU Chapter 3

• Floor Wizard. This tool walks you through the steps necessary to
generate a simple slab structure.

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 Chapter 4

TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

4.1  MAIN TOOLBAR .................................................................................................31 

4.2  SETTINGS TOOLBAR.........................................................................................31 
4.3  SELECTION TOOLBAR ......................................................................................32 
4.4  VIEW TOOLBAR .................................................................................................35 
4.5  MODIFY/SELECTION TOOLBAR .....................................................................38 
4.6  CAMERA AND VIEWPORTS TOOLBAR (REGULAR AND MINI) ...............38 
4.7  SELECTIVE VIEW TOOLBAR ...........................................................................40 
4.8  SNAP TOOLBAR .................................................................................................40 
4.9  DRAW TOOLBAR AND DRAW MINI TOOLBAR ...........................................42 
4.10  GRIDLINE TOOLBAR.........................................................................................46 
4.11  COPY / MOVE TOOLBAR ..................................................................................47 
4.12  SCALING TOOLBAR ..........................................................................................48 
4.13  UCS TOOLBAR....................................................................................................48 
4.14  VIEWPORT TOOLBAR .......................................................................................49 

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 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS Chapter 4

4.1 MAIN TOOLBAR

The Main toolbar for ADAPT-Modeler contains tools common to all Windows-
based programs. Such tasks as starting a new file, saving, cutting and pasting,
undoing and redoing previous commands, and printing all can be accomplished
from this toolbar. Most of these functions may also be completed from the
associated File or Edit menu items. The tools are:

New (Ctrl+N)

Open (Ctrl+O)

Save (Ctrl+S)

Cut (Ctrl+X)

Copy (Ctrl+C)

Paste (Ctrl+V)

Undo (Ctrl+Z)

Redo (Ctrl+Y)

Print (Ctrl+P)

Help File

4.2 SETTINGS TOOLBAR

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

This toolbar is used to set up the Universal Coordinate System, line types, colors
and layers in the program. The settings are also accessed from the Settings menu.

Layer Setting. The color and line settings for each layer can also be
modified in this window.

Line Style Setting. Click on this tool to open a list of the available line
styles and descriptions. Select the line style of your choice.

Colors Setting. This tool opens a color palette, from which you can select
background of the modeling window.

Display WCS. This toggle tool displays or hides the World Coordinate
System icon at its real position in (0, 0, and 0).

4.3 SELECTION TOOLBAR

This toolbar contains all tools related to selecting specific elements, objects and
structural components in the model. Each tool is described below.

Hint Mode. When activated, the arrow displays the identification of the
entities to which it points. In this mode you cannot select an entity by
clicking on it.

Window Selection. When this tool is highlighted, the Pick/Select mode is

active. You can select an entity by clicking on it or a group of entities by
opening a window around the items while the left mouse key is held down.

Double-clicking on an entity opens its properties dialog box.

Lasso Selection. This tool allows you to draw an arbitrary polygon around
a series of entities. When the lasso is closed, all entities located within or
along the lasso perimeter are selected. To use this tool, do the following:

• Click on the Lasso Selection tool.

• Draw segments of the polygon around the entities to be selected.

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 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS Chapter 4

• Press C to close the lasso. The entities inside the lasso are selected
automatically.

Path Selection. With this tool you can select entities by drawing a
polyline through them. To use this tool, do the following:

• Click on the Path Selection tool.

• Draw polyline through the entities to be selected.
• Press C to end the line. The entities through which the line passes
will be selected automatically.

Select by Layer. This tool enables you to select all the entities on a
specific layer of the drawing. To use the tool, do the following:

• Click on the Select by Layer tool. The dialog box shown in Fig.
4.3-1 will open.
• Select a layer from the list. If more than one layer is to be
selected, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting from the list.
• Choose the selection type from the check boxes at the bottom of
the dialog box and press OK. The items on the layers chosen from
the list will be selected, or removed from selection, depending on
the option chosen.

FIGURE 4.3-1 SELECT LAYERS DIALOG WINDOW

Select by Type. This button is used to open a dialog box (Fig. 4.3-2) in
which one or more component types can be selected as a group. For
example, all columns or all support lines can be selected at once. To use
the tool, do the following:

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

• Click on the Select by Type tool. The dialog box below will open.
• Select an entity type from the list. If more than one type is to be
selected, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting from the list.
• Choose the selection criteria from the check boxes at the bottom of
the dialog box and press OK. Entities of the type chosen in the list
will be selected, or removed from selection, depending on the
option chosen.

Select All. This tool selects all the entities visible on the screen.

Move Selection. This tool enables you to move the entire group of entities
that are currently selected. Pick a vertex of one of the entities in the
selection and drag the entire group to the new location

FIGURE 4.3-2 SELECT BY TYPE DIALOG BOX

Move Selected Point. With this tool you can move only the vertex of an
entity to a new location, while the positions of the remainder of the
entity’s vertices remain unchanged. Select the entity first. Then pick the
vertex you wish to move. Drag it to the new location. The selected vertex
will move independently; all other vertices will remain in their original
location.

Delete Point. This tool deletes the currently selected vertex of an entity.

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 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS Chapter 4

Insert Vertex. This tool is used to insert an additional vertex into an entity
that contains multiple insertion points. The new vertex is placed between
the selected vertex and the previous vertex. If the first vertex is chosen,
then the new vertex is added at this end. To add a vertex, do the following:

• Select the entity.

• Click on the Insert Vertex tool.
• Click on one of the entities’ vertices. Another vertex will be added
to the entity, adjacent to the selected vertex.

Item’s Properties (Alt + Enter). This tool opens up the Properties dialog
box for the selected entity. The properties may then be edited, as specified
in other parts of this manual.

Group Selection. This tool creates a block containing all entities currently
selected. The block may then be dragged as one unit across the screen.

Explode Block. This tool breaks down a previously created block into its
component. It also works with blocks of imported DWG or DXF files.

4.4 VIEW TOOLBAR

This toolbar contains tools selecting the entities that you want to be visible on the
screen, as well as for creating rendered or shaded views of the structural model.

Select/Set View Items (Fig. 4.4-1). This button is used to set the display
of the project items on the screen. Depending on which boxes you select,
you can display additional information about each entity. The size of the
symbols representing each entity, and the font that expresses the
information is controlled by the Symbol Size and Font Size data fields. The
font size for each entity can be controlled individually. If the information
displayed on the screen overlaps, you can pick each text and move it
around to increase the clarity of display.

The checkmarks under column on Display control the view of your project
in the modeling screen of the program, whereas those in the column
Render refer to the 3D Viewer, controlled by the third tool described next.

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

Go to Default Display. Use this button to change the items displayed on

the screen to default display. Default display is set by Save as Default
button in the Select/Set View Items shown in Fig. 4.4-1.

Group Library. Use this button to open Group Library and change group
visibility, add or delete groups.

View Model. This button opens the ADAPT Solid Modeling (3D Viewer),
where a three-dimensional, color view of the model is displayed. The
view also may be captured as a bitmap and exported to other documents.
An example of the 3D Viewer is shown in Fig. 4.4-2. Specific controls in
the window are described in the chapter on ADAPT Viewers.

Render Design Strip. This button is used to render the Design Strips for
easier viewing and verification. It toggles between showing the Design
Strips with their outline or solid color

Wire Frame. This tool sets the model view to a wire frame model.

Hidden Lines. This tool creates a model view in which hidden lines are
invisible.

(a) Structural Components Tab

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 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS Chapter 4

(b) Loads Tab

FIGURE 4.4-1 SELECT/SET VIEW ITEMS DIALOG WINDOW

FIGURE 4.4-2

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

4.5 MODIFY/SELECTION TOOLBAR

Modify Item Properties. This tool opens the Modify Item Properties
dialog box in which you can change the properties of a group of similar
items, such as columns, at one time. To modify a set of items at one time,
such as size of a number of columns do the following:

• Select the items that you want to modify.

• Click on the Modify Item Properties tool.
• Navigate through the dialog window that opens and make the
modifications you want.
• Click OK to accept your modifications and exit.

Display All. This tool displays all the items that were visible on the screen
prior to having used the Display Selection tool.

Display Selection. This tool displays on the screen only the items that
you have selected.

Hide Selection. This tool hides the items you selected and displays the
remainder of the items.

Create a Cut at Specified Location. With this tool you can create a
display of the cross-sectional geometry of any part of your structural
model. Click on the tool and follow the instructions on the screen to draw
a cut across the structural model and display its geometry at the location of
your choice.

4.6 CAMERA AND VIEWPORTS TOOLBAR (REGULAR AND MINI)

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 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS Chapter 4

This toolbar is used to display different views of the model, zoom in or out, pan
and show multiple port views of the structure. The tools on the toolbar are self-
explanatory. The hint text associated with each tool provides additional
information. The following describes several of the less commonly used tools.

Redraw. This button clears and then re-draws the entire display.

The following buttons display the model from different angles.

Top View

Left View

Front View

Top-Front-Right View

Other tools are:

Zoom Window

Zoom Extents

Zoom In

Zoom Out

Dynamic Zoom

Dynamic Pan

Undo Zoom / Pan

Redo Zoom / Pan

Single Viewport

Two Vertical Viewports

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

4.7 SELECTIVE VIEW TOOLBAR

Display Items by Type. This tool allows you to select specific items for
viewing on the screen. Simply click on the tool. It opens a list of items
that exist in your project. Select the items you want to be visible and press
OK.

Display All Items. This tool makes all the items in your project visible.

Display Labels on Selection. This tool displays labels of the items you
select on the list it displays.

Display All Labels. This tool displays the labels of all items currently
visible on the screen.

4.8 SNAP TOOLBAR

This toolbar contains all the snapping tools of the program. To snap to an entity,
the mouse must be in Select/Pick mode, and you must bring the cursor close to the
location where you will snap the entity. Left-click the mouse to snap. The options
are:

Snap to Endpoint

Snap to Midpoint

Snap to Center

Snap to Intersection

Snap to Perpendicular. This tool forces the mouse cursor to snap to a

target entity, such that the entity being created will be positioned
perpendicular to its target.

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 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS Chapter 4

Snap to Nearest

Snap to Grid. This tool forces the mouse cursor to snap to the nearest grid
point.

Grid Settings (Fig. 4.8-1). This tool opens the Grid Settings dialog box
where grid spacing, angle and other parameters can be set.

Snap Settings (Fig. 4.8-2). This tool opens the Snap Settings dialog box,
where all snapping features may be selected or deselected.

Snap to Vertices of a Component. Using the previously described tools,

you will not be able to snap arbitrarily to the vertices or edges of structural
components, such as a beam. Since a structural component that is
displayed as solid is defined by its insertion points, the insertion points
will not necessarily be the vertices or edges of the entity. By clicking on
the above tool, you can make the vertices and edges of all the structural
components of your project capable of being snapped to.

Note: Caution should be used when working with this tool. In

order for a structural component to be correctly accounted for, in
most instances it must be connected to other structural components
through its insertion point. That is to say, the components must
snap together at their insertion points.

Create/Draw Orthogonal. This tool forces the entity being drawn or

created to be positioned along either the X-axis or Y-axis.

FIGURE 4.8-1 GRID SETTINGS DIALOG WINDOW

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

FIGURE 4.8-2 SNAP SETTINGS DIALOG BOX

4.9 DRAW TOOLBAR AND DRAW MINI TOOLBAR

The tools remain active for multiple-entity generation until you press the Esc key
or right-click on the mouse. To edit an existing drawing entity, double-click on it
to open its property box.

Continue Mode. This tool allows you to create linked entities without
having to draw the entities separately. For example, if you want to create
a series of beams that are connected at each support location, you can
invoke this mode, and each new beam in the series will be connected to
the last insertion point of the last created beam.

Create Point. To create a point with this tool, do the following:

• Click on the Create Point tool, and insert the point at the
location you choose with the mouse.

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• To change the location of the point, double-click on the point to

open its property box (Fig. 4.9-1). Edit the coordinates. Other
drawing entities can be edited in a similar manner.

FIGURE 4.9-1 PROPERTY BOX OF A POINT

Create Line

Create Polyline

Create Polygon

Polygon: Vertices, Center, Radius

Polygon: Vertices, Start Edge, End Edge

Polygon: Vertices, Diameter

Circle: Three Points

Circle: Diameter

Circle: Center, Radius

Arc: Three Points

Arc: Radius, Angle

Arc: Start, Center, End

Arc: Start, End, Radius

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

Arc: Radius, Chord

Write Text, Select Position. This tool creates text by specifying the text
content, starting point, font height and direction. To create text with this
tool, do the following:

• Click on the Text tool. Follow the instructions in the User

Information bar.
• Write the text, click on the start point, enter the font height of the
text and choose the direction.

To edit previously written text:

• Double-click on the text. The corresponding dialog box will open

(Fig. 4.9.2).
• Edit the font, height, coordinates and other parameters as
necessary.
• Click on the button to accept the new input values.
• Alternatively, to change location of the text just drag the insertion
points to their new locations.

FIGURE 4.9-2 TEXT EDITING DIALOG BOX

Select Position, Write Text. This tool creates text by specifying the start
point, specifying font height, choosing a direction and entering the text.
To create text with this tool, do the following:

• Click on the Text tool. Follow the instructions in the User

Information bar.

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 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS Chapter 4

• Write the text by clicking on the start point, entering the font
height of the text, choosing the direction, and finally typing the
text.

To edit previously written text, follow the same procedure as for the
preceding text creation option.

Create Dimension Line. This tool creates a dimension line by specifying

the start point, end point and position of the dimension line. To create text
with this tool, do the following:

• Click on the Create Dimension Line tool. Follow the

instructions in the User Information bar.
• Click the start point, click the end point and choose the position of
the dimension line.

You can change the size and font of the text on the dimension lines by
modifying the default values in the Text dialog box. You can access this
dialog box from the Settings pull-down menu under Environment menu
items.

To edit a previously created dimension line:

• Double-click on the dimension line. Its dialog box will open (Fig.
4.9-3).
• Edit as necessary.
• Click on the button to accept the new input values.
• Alternatively, just drag the insertion points to their new locations.

FIGURE 4.9-3 DIMENSION PROPERTIES DIALOG BOX

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

4.10 GRIDLINE TOOLBAR

Gridline Wizard. This tool opens a dialog box to create a series of

gridlines with user-defined spacing and labels. Specific input controls are
described below. Once the gridlines are created, you have the ability to
edit them. You can change the position, orientation, length and label of
each gridline individually (Fig. 4.10-1).

FIGURE 4.10-1 GRIDLINE WIZARD PROPERTY BOX

Draw user defined gridlines. To draw the gridline, click on the tool and
follow the instruction at the bottom of the screen. Once the gridline is
created you have the ability to edit it. Double click on gridline to open its
property box (Fig.4.10-2) and change the default settings.

FIGURE 4.10-2 GRIDLINE PROPERTY BOX

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4.11 COPY / MOVE TOOLBAR

This toolbar enables you to create single or multiple copies of the entities that are
currently selected, either as a linear or circular array of identical entities. You can
replicate the selected entities with the mouse (graphical) or by coordinates.

Graphical Translation. This tool moves or copies an entity horizontally

(in the X- or Y- direction). Select one or more entities you want to act on
and follow the instructions on the screen.

Graphical Rotation. This tool rotates an entity in the X-Y plane around a
point specified by you. Select one or more entities you wish to rotate and
follow the instructions on the screen.

Translation by Coordinates. This tool opens a window where any one of

the choices of the Copy/ Move toolbar can be selected (Fig.4.11-1). The
operation, however, takes place when you enter the coordinates of the
location where you want the selection to be copied/moved.

FIGURE 4.11-1 COPY/MOVE/ROTATION DIALOG WINDOW

Layer Translation. This tool copies or moves the selected item(s) from
one drawing layer to another. Select the items you wish to copy/move,
click on the tool and follow the instructions on the screen.

Note: Moving an item from one layer to another may affect how
other display tools perform. For example, if a column is moved
from its original layer to a different layer, then that column no
longer will be controlled by the Display Column tool.

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Chapter 4 TOOLBARS AND DIALOG WINDOWS

4.12 SCALING TOOLBAR

This toolbar provides you with the option of distorting the dimension of the model
in one or more direction, in order to obtain a better view of its details, such as
magnifying the profile of a tendon within a slab thickness. Select any of the three
coordinate axes, X, Y or Z. Then click on the button of your choice, such as
Increase Scale Factor. With each click, the program reduces or increases the scale
of the entire display along the selected axis. The function of the tools is as
follows:

Decrease Scale Factor

Reset Scale Factor. This tool resets the scale factor to 1 for the chosen
coordinate direction.

Increase Scale Factor

Modify the X-Direction

Modify the Y-Direction

Modify the Z-Direction

4.13 UCS TOOLBAR

The User Coordinate System toolbar offers the following choices for specifying
the position of items on the screen by coordinates.

World Coordinate System. This tool changes User Coordinate System

(UCS) to the World Coordinate System (WCS) – the default setting of the
program

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UCS at Last Point. The UCS positions the origin of the coordinate
system at the last point entered. But, the direction of the X-axis and Y-axis
remain parallel to the global axis (WCS).

UCS at Endpoint of Last Line. The UCS is positioned at the endpoint of

the last line segment entered, with the X-direction along the previously
drawn line.

UCS: 5 Points. The UCS is defined by: Origin, X Start, X End, Y Start,
and Y End.

UCS: 3 Points. The UCS is defined by: Origin, X End, and Y End.

4.14 VIEWPORT TOOLBAR

Viewport tools create one or more independent viewing ports on the screen. Each
icon shows the orientation on the screen of viewports created by that tool. To
create one of the views, just click on its tool. These viewports may also be
printed.

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 Chapter 5

STRUCTURAL MODELING TOOLS

5.1  OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................................53 

5.2  STRUCTURAL MODEL PARTS.........................................................................54 
5.2.1  Structural Components...............................................................................54 
5.2.2  Common Properties of Structural Components .........................................55 
5.3  LEVEL ASSIGNMENTS ......................................................................................58 
5.4  LEVEL ASSIGNMENT TOOL.............................................................................60 
5.5  ORGANIZATION OF THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS DATA................61 
5.6  MODELING OPTIONS ........................................................................................61 
5.6.1  Transform to Structural Components Toolbar ...........................................62 
5.6.2  Build Toolbar.............................................................................................64 
5.6.3  Structural Modeling and Display Aids.......................................................68 
5.6.4  Loads..........................................................................................................69 
5.6.4.1  Load Case Definition ...............................................................70 
5.6.4.2  Loading Toolbar.......................................................................71 

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 STRUCTURAL MODELING TOOLS Chapter 5

5.1 OVERVIEW

This chapter describes in detail how to generate a structural model. You will use
the structural model for your analysis and design, either via ADAPT-PT or using
the ADAPT-Floor Pro option. Your structural model will be the same, regardless
of which method you use. The creation of a structural model is your first step in
using the BUILDER platform for your design and drafting, regardless of whether
the structure is conventionally reinforced or prestressed. The previous chapters
described the environment of the program and the general purpose tools of
drafting, editing and viewing. The focus of this chapter is on components that
form your structure, such as columns and slabs. These are called Structural
Components.

The structural model will be a faithful three-dimensional representation of the

shape of the floor system you plan to design, along with one story of supporting
structure (walls and columns) below it and, if any, one story of walls and columns
above it. It will be a single-level floor system. However, it will include all the
details, such as openings, steps on the slab, beams, drop caps and drop panels.
The following figure shows a representation of a structural model displayed in
wire frame format.

FIGURE 5.1-1 THREE DIMENSIONAL VIEW OF STRUCTURAL MODEL

You can view the structural model in solid and other formats too. This is
explained in the sections dealing with the viewers of the program.

In addition to the geometry, you also will define boundary conditions for the
model. That is to say, the manner in which the structure is supported or the way
parts of the structure are connected. For example, you may wish the connection

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Chapter 5 STRUCTURAL MODELING TOOLS

between a slab region and its supporting column to be hinged. This is described in
the section on Release/Restraints.

Presence of loads, such as selfweight, live load or other loads also is considered to
be part of the structural model, and will be discussed in this chapter. How the
loads should be factored and combined to meet the requirements of various
building codes, however, is covered later, in the sections dealing with analysis
and design options. Similarly, selection of design codes and design criteria are
handled in the chapters covering analysis and design.

5.2 STRUCTURAL MODEL PARTS

5.2.1 Structural Components

The building structure you model consists of entities called Structural

Components. You assemble the components to form a true representation
of the floor system and its supporting structure.

The primary Structural Components of the current version of the program

are:

• Slab regions
• Columns
• Openings
• Beams
• Drop cap/drop panel
• Springs (point spring, line spring or area springs)
• Supports (point support or line support)

If you use ADAPT-Floor Pro, an additional component is available:

• Prestressing tendons

For the program for the mat foundation, you have:

• Soil area support

Further, the Rebar Module of the program includes:

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 STRUCTURAL MODELING TOOLS Chapter 5

• Bar reinforcement (rebar)

5.2.2 Common Properties of Structural Components

Each Structural Component has properties specific to itself, such as

material and location. The properties of each Structural Component are
listed in their component’s property box. Some of these property items,
such specification of material, are common among all components. The
following describes the most common properties.

There are three ways you can open the property box of an entity. These
are:

• Double-click on it.
• Select the entity, then click on the Item’s Properties tool on the
main toolbar.
• Place the cursor over it, right-click and select Properties from the
list that opens.

The property box of a slab region (Fig. 5.2-1) is used as a sample to

describe the common properties.

GENERAL TAB (Fig.5.2-1(a)):

#.This field displays the number of the entity. Modeler automatically

assigns an ascending number (1, 2, 3…) to this field each time an entity of
the same type, such as a column, is created. If you delete an entity, the
program automatically re-numbers the entities of that group, before saving
the data. The last number gives the total count of entities of any given
group used in your model. You cannot change the information displayed
in this field.

Label. In this field, the program assigns a name to each entity. For
example, for the third column you generate, it will assign “Column_3.”
The important difference between this field and the one above is that in
this field you can enter a name that you assign to the entity, such as
“Rose.” In its reports, the program will list the name you have assigned to
the entity along with the number it selected in the previous field.

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(a) General Tab

(b) Location Tab

(c) Properties Tab

FIGURE 5.2-1 SAMPLE PROPERTY BOX

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Material. This field identifies the material selected for the structural
component. You can change the material of the structural model by
selecting a different one listed in the combo box. If the material you intend
to use is not listed, you must go to the Material pull-down menu and first
define it. Once you do so, the new material will appear on the list of the
combo box for you to select.

Group. Each entity, whether a Structural Component or an arc, is placed

in a group. It was described in earlier chapters how to select specific
groups for display or other operations. Initially, the program places every
entity in its default group “Group 1.” You can move the entity created
into a different group by selecting the group of your choice from the list in
the combo box. If you want to create a new group, you must go to the
Grouping menu item in the Settings pull-down menu.

Other Properties. Depending on the type of the entity at hand, there will
be other properties, such as dimensions, that will be listed for view and
editing.

LOCATION TAB (Fig.5.2-1(b)):

Offset. The value given as offset defines the location of the entity with
respect to the reference plane to which it is associated. For example, an
offset for slab will describe the distance of the top of slab to the current
plane. An offset for the top of an upper column gives the distance of the
column top end from the top reference line.

Coordinates. The coordinates of the vertices of each entity is listed in a

table. You can select each vertex and edit its coordinates. This option
enables you to place an entity at an exact location.

PROPERTIES TAB (Fig.5.2-1(c)):

Layer. This field shows where the graphical display information of the
entity is saved. You can change the layer to another one from the list in
combo box.

Line Thickness. This field is used to edit the width of the lines used to
display the entity. It applied to display on the screen and in printed
hardcopies.

Color. This field is used to edit the color of the object on the screen.

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Filling. This field is used to choose and display a fill pattern for the
display of an entity, if it covers an area such as a slab.

5.3 LEVEL ASSIGNMENTS

In this version of the program, you model one floor level along with the supports
immediately below and above it. You will be using three horizontal planes to
describe the structure. The first is the level you have selected to design. It is
referred to as the current plane. All the features of the floor system, such as the
position of the slab regions, beams and steps on the slab will be expressed with
respect to this plane (Fig 5.3-1). The walls and columns below the slab are
assumed to extend from the current plane to the plane below it (bottom plane).
Likewise, the walls and columns above the slab extend from the current plane to
the next plane above (top plane). These are the default length assignments of the
program. Obviously, you can modify the length of a support above or below to a
value different from the distance between the two respective planes. This will be
explained along with the modeling of walls and columns.

FIGURE 5.3-1 REFERENCE PLANES (LEVEL ASSIGNMENT)

IN ELEVATION

Note that in Fig. 5.3-1 one of the columns does not extend to the top plane. The
top of that column is said to have an offset with respect to its natural position (top
plane). Similarly, a section of the slab is stepped down below the current plane.
Again, this slab region is viewed to have an offset with respect to its natural
(default) position.

Unless you specify otherwise, the program initially inserts each structural
component with respect of the reference planes as shown in Fig. 5.3-2.

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FIGURE 5.3-2

You can adjust the program’s initial positioning of the structural components, by
using the Offset feature of each component (Fig. 5.3-3). This is described later.

FIGURE 5.3-3

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Figure 5.3-4 is an illustration of a complex floor system composed of the basic

Structural Components and the offset features.

FIGURE 5.3-4

The program comes with default values for the distance between the
current plane and the top and bottom planes. You may need to change this,
however, to match the details of your project. This is explained next.

5.4 LEVEL ASSIGNMENT TOOL

This specifies the distance between the top of the typical region of the floor slab
you are designing to the top of the slab above (top plane) and the top of the slab
below (bottom plane). When you create a column or wall, it will initially assume
the distances you specify here, until you change it.

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Level Assignment. This button is in the Build toolbar, which will be

described further on. It opens the Reference Plane dialog box (Fig. 5.4-1)
in which the distance between the three reference planes is described by
their height above a datum level.

FIGURE 5.4-1 REFERENCE PLANE DIALOG WINDOW

5.5 ORGANIZATION OF THE STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS DATA

The program stores the graphical information of each of the Structural

Components in a dedicated default layer. You can view these layers by clicking
on the layer tool on the main toolbar of the screen and selecting the layer of your
choice for viewing.

5.6 MODELING OPTIONS

There are two principal options for modeling real-life projects. One is to start with
an available architect’s drawing (DWG or DXF file). The other is to draft the
model entirely within the environment of the BUILDER platform, using the
Modeler’s drafting capability. In the first case, you may need to use some of the
Modeler’s drafting capability along with the information obtained from a
DWG/DXF file.

When you use a DWG/DXF file to generate a model, most of your work will be in
the transformation or conversion of the drawing items into Structural
Components. You are likely to start with the Transform to Structural Component
toolbar. On the other hand, when you plan to draft your model from scratch, you
will use the Build toolbar.

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5.6.1 Transform to Structural Components Toolbar

You will use this tool if you start with a DWG or DXF file, and plan to
convert the items shown on the drawing to Structural Components for
your model. In other words, if you are not importing a drawing for
conversion to your model, you are not likely to use the tools on this
toolbar. You will use the Build toolbar.

Once you import a DWG or DXF drawing, your first choice is to

transform the items on the imported drawing directly to structural model.
The items shown on the imported drawing are simply lines (graphics). The
process of conversion is to (1) pick an item on the drawing, such as a
column, and (2) click on the associated structural component tool
(Transform to Column), in order to convert it to a structural component.

Transform Polygon Only items that are in form of a closed

polygon can be picked and converted directly into structural
components. Not every column or opening in the imported
structural drawing is drawn as a closed polygon.

This button is used to transform groups of lines that are drawn

separately, but intersect into a polygon. Click on the tool. The
program searches the drawing and creates polygons for the
instances where conversion of intersecting lines into polygons is
practical. The program retains the original items on the drawing,
but writes the polygons created in a new layer called
“Polygons_from_line.”

Transform Slab Region. This button is used to transform a

polygon (closed polyline) to a slab region. The tool operates in the
same manner as the Transform Column tool, which is described
in greater detail below. The transformed slab region is always
located at the Current Reference Plane.

Transform Column. This tool is used to transform a rectangle

(polygon) or circle to a column.

To transform a (polygon) rectangle into a column do the following:

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• Select one or more rectangles that are made up of

polygons.
• Click on the Transform Column tool. All selected
entities will be transformed into columns with the same
dimensions as the rectangle or circle.

The default of the program places the transformed columns below

the slab. If they are intended to be placed above the slab or both
below and above, you must make the correction either through the
property box of the column, or by way of using the copy/move
commands. The use of the property box is described in the section
on “Build Toolbar.”

Transform Wall. This button is used to transform a rectangle

(closed polyline) into a wall. The tool operates in the same manner
as the Transform Column tool.

Transform into Several Walls. When a polygon represents two or

more intersecting walls, this button is used to transform it into
several individual walls, each having a rectangular cross-section.
In the analysis, however, the program treats the walls integrated
into one along their common vertical joints. The tool operates in
the same manner as the Transform Column tool.

Transform Drop Cap/Panel. This button is used to transform a

rectangle (closed polyline) into a drop cap. This tool operates in
the same manner as the Transform Column tool.

Transform Beam. This button is used to transform a polygon

(closed polyline) into a beam. The tool operates in the same
manner as the Transform Column tool.

Transform Opening. This button is used to transform a polygon

(closed polyline) into an opening. The tool operates in the same
manner as the Transform Column tool.

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5.6.2 Build Toolbar

The primary application of this toolbar is to create a structural model from

scratch – as opposed to using an imported DWG/ DXF file. In addition, it
works as a supplement to the Transformation tool described in the
preceding, since not all Structural Components can be transformed directly
from an imported file. You may have to create some of them manually,
using the tools of this toolbar.

For a major real-life structural model, you are likely to start by setting out
some gridlines, and/or use a grid on the background to help you in your
drafting. For this purpose, you use the Gridline Toolbar described earlier
in this manual.

Create Slab Region. This tool creates a new slab region with the
corresponding properties input in the dialog box shown in Fig.5.2-
1. To create a slab region, use the following procedure:

• Click on the Create Slab Region tool. The dialog

1
box shown in Fig. 5.2-1 will open .
• Edit the input fields as required (each input field is
described below). These values will be used in the
future, until they are changed again2.
• Draw the outline of the slab region. Click the mouse at
each point required3.
• After the last point has been selected, Press C to close
the area.
To edit the properties of an existing slab region, open its property
box and edit as described earlier. If you want to change the shape
of a slab region on plan graphically, do the following:

1
The property dialog box window will automatically open if you selected option “Open Items Property
Dialog Box Automatically” in the Settings pull-down menu, item General Settings (Fig. 3.8-3)
2
To have the parameters, such as thickness, material and offset, of the slab region you have created to be
used for the subsequent slabs you create, you should use the option of “Use Last Properties as Default.”
This option can be turned on from the pull-down menu Settings, item General Settings.
3
You are likely to make mistakes as you trace a slab boundary. Continue until done. When finished, correct
your mistakes by stretching the slab boundary to where it should be and using the tools Move Selected
Vertex, Delete Vertex and Insert Vertex.

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• To change the location of an entire slab region, make

sure the Move Selection tool is highlighted, then just
drag the slab region by a vertex to its new location.
• If you would like to change the location of just one
vertex, make sure the Move Selected Point tool is
highlighted, then just drag the vertex to its new
location.
• If you would like to remove a vertex, use Delete Point
tool.
• If you would like to add a vertex, use Insert Point
tool.

Create Column. This tool creates a new Column with the

properties input in the corresponding dialog box (Fig.5.6-1). To
create a Column, use the following procedure:

• Click on the Create Column tool. The dialog box

shown below will open.
• Edit the input fields on each tab as required. These
values will be used in the future, until they are changed
again.
• Click the mouse at the column location (you may do
this in conjunction with snapping tools).

FIGURE 5.6-1 COLUMN PROPERTY BOX

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The properties specific to a column are as follows:

A:. This field is used to input dimension “A” of a rectangular or

square column and it is also used to input the diameter of circular
columns. For a rectangular column, dimension “A” is the length of
the side along X-axis, if no angle is specified (Ang field, See
below).

B:. This field is used to input dimension “B” of a rectangular

column. Dimension B is the side along the Y-axis, if no angle is
specified.

Ang:. This field is used to input the angular orientation of the

column on the XY-plane. The orientation is expressed with the
counterclockwise angle from the positive direction of X-axis to
side “A” of the column.

There are other properties listed in the Column property box that
relate to the analysis and design features of the program. These are
discussed either in the Strip Modeling or Finite Element modeling
sections of the manual.

Create Wall. This tool creates a new wall with the properties input
in the corresponding dialog. To create a new wall, do the
following:

• Click on the Create Wall tool. The wall’s property

box opens (if this is the option you have selected in the
General Settings tool).
• Edit the input fields on each tab as required. These
values will be used in the future, until they are changed
again.
• Click the mouse at one endpoint of the wall and then
click at the other end.

Create Beam. This tool creates a new beam with dimensions and
properties that are reflected in its property box. To create a new
beam, do the following:

• Click on the Create Beam tool.

• Draw the beam. Click the mouse at one endpoint of the
beam and then click at the other end. You may have to

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use the snap tools, if you want to connect the beam to

other structural components.

Offset. This field is used to input a vertical offset to the beam from
the reference plane. A value of “0” places the top of the beam at
the level of the reference plane. A positive offset moves the beam
down and a negative offset moves the beam up. Fig. 5.6-2
illustrates two options for inputting the T-beam cross-section.
Both options shown are equivalent and will produce the same input
data for ADAPT-PT. Option 2 uses a 5-inch offset. Option 1 will
result in a larger local stiffness, due to the overlap of slab and
beam stems. Both options, however, will give the same stress and
same reinforcement for the same design values (moments and
shears).

Beams may be drawn alone or in conjunction with a topping slab

to create a T-section. Beams and slabs are drawn separately in
modeling the structure.

FIGURE 5.6-2

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Create Opening. This tool creates a new opening. Click on the

tool and follow the instructions on the screen.

Create Drop Cap/Panel. This tool creates a new drop cap or drop
panel. Click on the Drop Cap/Panel tool and insert it on a slab
region. If you want it centered around a column, use the End Snap
tool. Change the default orientation and dimensions of the drop
created by opening its property box.

Drop caps/panels generated using this tool will be rectangular on

plan, but do not necessarily need to be oriented along the X and Y
axes. You can rotate the drops using their property boxes.

If you have a drop with an irregular shape, you can use the slab
region tool. With the slab region tool, draw the cap on plan and
specify its offset and depth to match that of the drop. A newly
drawn slab region will override the properties (including thickness)
of the slab region over which it has been drawn. The new slab
region around a column will act as a drop cap/panel.

5.6.3 Structural Modeling and Display Aids

Translate Vertically (Copy and Move). This tool moves or

copies an entity vertically up or down to the location you choose.
Do the following:

• Select the item(s) to be copied or moved.

• Click on the Translate Vertically tool, and follow the
instructions in the dialog box that opens.

Structural Component/Aids Display Toolbar

This toolbar, which is characterized by small yellow circles on each tool,

contains tools that toggle the visibility of the entity they display. The
following is the list.

Display Slab Region

Display Column

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Display Wall

Display Beam

Display Opening

Display Drop Cap

Display Support Line

Display Splitter

Display Point Support

Display Gridline

Support lines, splitters and point supports will be discussed later in the
section on Strip Modeling.

5.6.4 Loads

You can apply an essentially unlimited number of loads on the structure.

The loads can be applied at arbitrary locations, regardless of the method
and details of the analysis that would follow. The types of load that you
can specify are:

Point Load (concentrated or moment)

Line Load (linearly varying force or moment)
Patch (area load), uniform intensity or varying in magnitude

Each load belongs to a load case, such as dead load, superimposed load or
other load cases that you choose to have. There is essentially no limit on
the number of load cases. The program comes with a number of pre-
defined load cases. But you can add your own to them. The program’s pre-
defined load cases are:

Selfweight
Dead Load
Live Load
Prestressing (If you use ADAPT Floor Pro with Prestressing)
Hyperstatic (If you use ADAPT Floor Pro with Prestressing)

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Each load has its own property box and can be edited individually. Also,
you can view each load case on its own. Later, we will discuss how load
cases can be factored and combined for code check.

Loads can be applied at any point, line or area over the slab region. Apart
from having a shape, such as point load, line load or patch load, each load
has a magnitude and belongs to a load case. Loads that when projected
along the vertical axis do not fall on a slab beam or wall will be
disregarded by the program. For example, if you place a uniform load over
an area that contains an opening, or slab cutouts, the program disregards
the portion of the load that falls on the opening, or falls outside the
boundary of a slab region.

Loads can overlap. In other words, you can specify two or more loads that
in whole, or part, cover the same region. Where there is overlap, the
program adds the contribution of each to obtain a total load.

5.6.4.1 Load Case Definition

If you want to have one or more load cases in addition to those

already defined by the program and listed above, do the
following:

From the Loading pull-down menu, select Load Case Library

The dialog window shown in Fig. 5.6-3 will display. The Load
Case Library is made up of two parts. The upper part deals
with gravity and all other loads. The lower part deals with
lateral loads, such as wind and earthquake. The lower part will
be displayed only if your program includes the lateral module4.

The load cases selfweight, prestressing and hyperstatic are not

listed in the library displayed, since these are generated
automatically by the program. You cannot edit them. For
example, the selfweight is automatically calculated from the
volume of the structural components and their unit weight.
Likewise, prestressing, if available, is automatically calculated
from the parameters of tendon profiles and the stressing of
tendons.

4
The lateral load option of the program is described in the manual “Integration with Multistory Programs.”
Loads assigned to this option will be treated differently.

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To create a new load case, click on the Add button. A new load
case will appear on the list. Click on it if you want to change its
name (label).

FIGURE 5.6-3 LOAD CASE LIBRARY

5.6.4.2 Loading Toolbar

Create Point Load. This tool inserts a new point load or

moment with the properties shown in Fig. 5.6-4. To create
a point load do the following.

Click on the Create Point Load tool.

• Insert the point load.

• Open the property box of the point load (if it did not
open prior to its insertion) and edit the input fields
on each tab as required.

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FIGURE 5.6-4 POINT LOAD DIALOG BOX

Each point load can be specified with the following load

components:

Forces: Fx, Fy, Fz

Moments: Mxx, Myy

The default point of application of a point load is on the reference

plane. By changing its offset in the property box, you can move the
point load in the vertical direction too. This becomes important to
note, when you deal with forces Fx and Fy. A force in the
horizontal direction applied at the reference plane will have a
moment about the slab that does not have its centroid on the
reference line. The program automatically recognizes these
conditions and accounts for them in its computations.

Create Line Load. This tool creates a new line load with the
properties shown in Fig. 5.6-5. Line loads can consist of a constant
or variable force along the length of the line with or without
constant or variable moments Mxx and Myy along the same line.
The moments are specified about the global axis.

To create a line load do the following:

• Click on the Create Line Load tool.

• To draw the line load just click at the two endpoints of
the load. The load may be drawn outside the slab or
over openings. The program automatically recognizes
this condition and ignores those portions that do not fall
on a slab region.

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• Edit the input fields on each tab as required.

FIGURE 5.6-5 LINE LOAD DIALOG BOX

Create Patch Load. This tool creates a new patch load. A patch
load covers an area within a boundary drawn or selected by you. If
the area covered by the boundary you draw/identify falls in part
outside a slab region, the program considers only the loads that fall
on slab regions, beams and walls.

A patch load is defined by the area within its boundary and a plane
that specifies the distribution of load over it. The distribution of the
load intensity over the patch is defined by the ordinates of three of
its vertices, identified as vertices1, 2 and 3. You can enter the
value at these points, and view the distribution of the load on the
screen. If the vertices selected are not the right ones, use the arrow
tool to move your selection along the boundary of the patch, until
you reach the right location ( ).

You can specify the following load distributions over a patch

load:

Forces: Fx, Fy, Fz

Moments: Mx, My

To create a patch load do the following.

• Click on the Create Patch Load tool.

• Edit the input fields on each tab as required (Fig.5.6-6).

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• Click at the vertex points on the perimeter of the load

area. The load may be drawn outside the slab, or over
slab openings. The program automatically recognizes
this condition and ignores those portions that do not fall
directly on a slab region.
• After clicking on the last vertex, input C to close the
input.
• To edit a patch load, open its property box (shown
below).

FIGURE 5.6-6 PATCH LOAD DIALOG BOX

Patch Load Wizard. This tool creates an area load over an

enclosed region that you select. To automatically create a set of
patch loads, do the following.

• Click on the Patch Load Wizard tool.

• Enter the value and load case. The program will
automatically generate a patch load over the area
selected.
• To edit the load you selected, open the property box of
the load.

Line Load Wizard. This tool automatically creates a set of line

loads on a line, beam or wall that you select. It also works for a
load over a polyline.

To generate a set of line loads on selected line do the following.

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• Select the line or polyline over which you want to

generate a set of line loads.
• Click on the Line Load Wizard tool.
• Edit the input fields of the dialog box that opens as
required.
• Click on the Create button to create the loads. A line
load for each load case specified will be generated
automatically over the lengths of the line(s) chosen.

Load Case Library. This tool opens the Load Case Library. The
features of this library were described earlier in section on load
case definition.

Display Load. This tool displays or hides all loads that have been
identified as “visible” in the load case library.

Generate Lateral Point Loads. This tool generates lateral loads at

the top of the upper columns and walls and bottom of the lower
columns and walls (specific for the ADAPT-Floor Pro and
ADAPT-MAT).

To generate a set of lateral loads on selected columns or walls do

the following.

• Select column(s) or wall(s) where you want to generate

lateral loads.
• Click on the Generate Lateral Point Loads tool.
• Edit the input fields of the dialog box that opens as
required.

Click on the Create button to create the loads. A point lateral load
for each lateral load case specified will be generated automatically
over the column(s) and wall(s) chosen.

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STRIP MODELING TOOLS

6.1  OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................................79 

6.2  MODELING TOOLBAR ......................................................................................81 
6.3  MODEL/DESIGN STRIP TOOLBAR ..................................................................89 
6.4  OTHER DATA SPECIFIC TO ADAPT-PT AND ADAPT-RC ...........................90 
6.4.1  Data Specific to Current Design Strip........................................................90 
6.4.2  Data Applicable to the Entire Project.........................................................91 

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6.1 OVERVIEW

This Chapter describes the tools you will be using for the analysis and design of
the structural model you have created, regardless of the method of analysis. The
tools apply to both the Equivalent Frame Method of design (EFM) that uses
ADAPT-RC or ADAPT-PT, and the Finite Element Method (FEM) of analysis
and design that uses ADAPT Floor Pro.

Briefly, you identify a region of a floor system as design strip, determine the
actions (moments, shears, etc) that are associated with the design strip selected,
find out whether the actions determined for the design strip can be resisted within
the requirements of the building code you select (code check), and then calculate
the reinforcement that must be placed within the design strip.

Figure 6.1-1(a) shows a floor system and a single design strip. For a complete
design, you must cover the entire floor plan with several design strips. The
elements of a design strip generally include:

• Support Line
• Supports
• Tributary
• Splitter

The tributary determines the region of consideration. The support line identifies
the direction along which the reinforcement is calculated and is likely to be
placed. Selection of supports, such as walls and columns, either by you or by the
program automatically, will result in the appropriate selection of building code
provisions in the code check part of the design process.

(a) 3D Wire Outline View of the Structure

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(b) Identification of a Support Line, Tributary and Design Strip

FIGURE 6.1-1 SUPPORT LINE, TRIBUTARY AND DESIGN STRIP

Design strips are generated automatically by the program. The automatic

generation follows a number of rules detailed below. Some of the considerations
are:

• Width of a Design Strip. The program creates a uniform tributary over

the entire length of each span with a width equal to the largest width of the
non-idealized tributary. This is generally conservative. It can be improved
if you select a Splitter and break each span into more segments. Splitter is
a tool that is described later in this Chapter.
• Separation of Adjacent Design Strips. The separation between two
adjacent design strips is done by the program automatically, along the line
that breaks the distance between two adjacent support lines into two equal
parts. If this automatic separation is not where you want it, you can
override it by drawing a Splitter along the tributary line of your choice.
• Modeling of Openings. Depending on the size and location of an
opening, the strip method modeling may disregard its presence or assign
portions of the slab around it to adjacent support lines. Using Splitters you
can override the programs automatic treatment of openings and exercise
full control of how the region around it should be accounted for in load
transfer.

As mentioned earlier, strip modeling tools generally are applicable to both

ADAPT-PT and Floor Pro. Where a tool is specific to ADAPT-PT it is so
identified. By disregarding these, you will be concentrating on the tools that are
applicable to ADAPT Floor Pro. As a guide, the tools that are specific to ADAPT-
RC/PT are shown with a brown background. Skip these, if you do not intend to
export your data to ADAPT-RC or ADAPT-PT. These specific tools also will not

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appear on your computer screen if you do not select the Equivalent Frame option
in the splash window (first screen) that appears when you open the program.

6.2 MODELING TOOLBAR

The first three tools of this toolbar deal specifically with the creation of design
strips. The remainder helps you to improve or correct your work.

Support Line. You use this tool to create a new support line manually. In
most instances the second tool (Support Line Wizard) will be simpler and
faster to use. Generally, it is recommended to use the Support Line Wizard
and edit the support line it creates, if needed.

A support line generally starts and terminates at the boundary of a slab or

opening. It is also permissible for it to start, or terminate at another
support line, or Splitter. Splitters are discussed later in this section.

You draw the support line manually using the mouse. Each support line is
drawn by clicking from slab edge to each support along a chosen line to
the other slab edge, using the Snapping tools to facilitate correct
placement. The program uses each support line to define the following
design parameters:

• The number of spans in the design strip. A span is the support line
segment between two insertion points. If an end insertion point
does not correspond to a support location then the span defines a
cantilever.
• The lengths of all spans and cantilevers. The length of each
segment defines the length of each span in the design strip.
• In conjunction with adjacent design strips, the width of the design
strip in each span is based upon midpoints between two adjacent
support lines, unless you use splitters to delineate a tributary.

When generating support lines it is important to keep in mind that all

support line insertion points must correspond with one of the following
points:

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• A slab edge, real or apparent: Generally, the first and last insertion
point should be snapped to the outside edge of the slab (the real
slab edge). These points may or may not also correspond to a
support location. If not, the end segment defines a cantilever.
Note that a cantilever may be defined by a very short support line
segment if the support’s insertion point lies just inside the slab
edge.
• For special situations, you may extend a support line beyond the
boundary of a slab, if you wish an overhang that is not directly
along the support line you are creating to be accounted for in your
design.
• Column, wall or point supports: Each interior insertion point must
correspond to the insertion point (end point) of a column or point
support. If the support line passes over a wall, the insertion point
must correspond to the wall centerline. If the support line runs
along the top of a wall then one insertion point is placed at one end
of the wall and another insertion point at the other end of the wall.
• Another support line: Specifically for ADAPT-PT modeling, if
one support line is intended to support an intersecting support line,
you will use a point support at the intersection of the two support
lines, below the support line that is shedding load.2

To generate a support line:

• Click on the Support Line tool.

• Set up object snapping tools so the cursor will snap to the desired
points (endpoints for columns, nearest point for slab edges, nearest
point for wall center line, end point for wall end).
• Draw the support line. Left-click the mouse at each point required.
• After the last point has been inserted, Press C to close the input of
the support line, or press the End key.

To edit a previously drawn support line:

• Select the desired support line.

• To open the dialog box just double-click on the support line or
right-click and select Properties from the object menu that opens.
• Edit the input fields on each tab of the dialog box as required (each
input field is described below).

2
To insert support use Create Design Strip Support tool as described later in this Chapter.

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• Click OK to accept the new input values.

• If you would like to change the support line location, make sure
the Move Selection tool is highlighted, then just drag the support
line by an insertion point to its new location.
• If you would like to change the location of just one insertion point,
make sure the Move Selected Point tool is highlighted, then just
drag the insertion point to its new location.
• If you would like to remove an insertion point, select the point and
click on the Delete Point tool.
• If you would like to add an insertion point, select the insertion
point next to the one you plan to insert and click on the Insert
Point tool. Then just drag the point to its final location.

Specific input controls are described below.

FIGURE 6.2-1 SUPPORT LINE GENERAL TAB

GENERAL TAB (Fig.6.2-1):

Direction, X-Direction; Y-Direction. This field is used to select the

direction of the Support Line (X- or Y-direction). X and Y refer to the
orientation of the principal reinforcement in two directions. They do not
refer to the global axes that use the same symbol. For each support line,
the direction is determined by the line you draw on plan for that support
line.

Freeze. This field is used to lock the support line so that manual changes
can be stored and not lost due to further processing of your data.

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DESIGN TAB (Fig.6.2-2):

Criteria. This combo box describes the code criteria you wish to be used
for the design of the design strip selected. Depending on the building code
you will select later, the program will give priority to the requirements of
the building code and override the selection made here, should there be a
conflict. For example, if there is a beam in the model, the program will
treat it as a beam and will calculate the stirrup requirement, even if it is
specified otherwise in this field.

Tendon Profile (Specific to ADAPT-PT). This field is used to select a

predefined tendon shape for the support line. Before the support line is
drawn, only one profile type may be assigned. After the support line is
drawn, however, the dialog box may be reopened and a different tendon
profile assigned to each span of the support line.

FIGURE 6.2-2 DESIGN TAB OF SUPPORT LINE

Outer Layer/Inner Layer. The rebar cover you specify in the criteria of the
program is from the surface of concrete to the first layer of primary
reinforcement. For reinforcement in two directions, one of the layers will
be the outer layer (near the surface) and the other layer the inner layer
(nearer to the center of the slab). Here, you specify the position of the
primary reinforcement for and inner or outer layer.

DISPLAY TAB, Fig 6.2-3(specific to ADAPT-PT):

When a design strip is to be analyzed and designed separate from the rest
of the structure, as is the case in strip methods, its geometry will be
idealized. Likewise, the loading that falls on the tributary will be
transferred to the support line of the design strip. The tools of the Display
Tab enable you to view the idealization done by the program. You will
have the opportunity to review and edit the program’s idealization before

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exporting the design strip information to ADAPT-PT for analysis and

design.

Load region separator. Displays the load separators of the support line.
Load separators are used to specify how a load is divided among adjacent
spans. The initial orientation of a load separator, as calculated by the
program, may be edited manually by dragging the end to any desired point
on the slab. In most cases, however, load separators will not have to be
moved.

FIGURE 6.2-3 SUPPORT LINE IDEALIZATION

DISPLAY OPTIONS

Load projection. Displays the manner in which an applied load over the
tributary of a design strip is represented on the support line. Loads that are
located on a design strip, but do not fall on its support line are brought to
the support line prior to analysis using ADAPT-RC or ADAPT-PT.

Idealized tributary. Displays the idealized tributaries of the support line.

Rotate fill pattern. Changes the orientation of a tributary’s hatching to

avoid conflict with adjacent hatching. This tool is used when you generate
a printed report of your modeling. If in print preview, adjacent design
strips happen to have the same fill pattern, you may change the pattern
using this option.

The following icons can be used only after a global model has been
calculated from the Model Strips toolbar. They are not used to create a
support line, but are an essential part of the data transferring process in the
ADAPT-PT or ADAPT-RC programs. The buttons will not be visible
until the design strips have been created.

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Viewing the Design Strip. This button is used to create a 3-D

rendering of the idealized design strip. The idealization is done for
the purpose of exporting the design strip for analysis and design to
either ADAPT-PT or ADAPT-PC. You can rotate and view the
idealized model in detail, and modify its geometry or loading
before exporting it to ADAPT-PT or ADAPT-RC.

Each of the buttons displayed on the right margin of the viewing

screen will open a text file that reports a specific aspect of the
idealized model. These include information on span geometry,
supports and loading. Click on each to view the contents. Some of
the values of the report are linked to the displayed model. If you
change the text value in the report, that change will be reflected in
the display of your model.

Export to Strip Modeling. This button is used to write the

support line input data to a subdirectory, ready to be
analyzed with ADAPT-PT or ADAPT-RC. This tool
writes the input data only; it does not open either program.
The subdirectory to which the data is exported is given the
same name as the model file.

Display Section. This button will generate a cut along the

length of the support line and display it at an insertion point
of your choice. You can enlarge the thickness of the slab,
by increasing the Z-scale from the Settings pull-down menu
and selecting Distortion Scale.

Support Line Wizard. This tool creates a support line automatically.

Clicking on this tool opens the dialog box shown in Fig. 6.2-4. The
support line wizard automatically generates a support line in the direction
that you specify. The wizard searches for possible supports over a strip
specified by the band width you define. The wizard detects slab edges,
column ends, wall ends and wall center lines that are located within the
band you define. Once it creates a support line and displays it on the
screen, you will be able to edit it, if needed. In most cases, it is simpler to
use the wizard and edit its support line automatically than to create one
manually.

To generate a support line with the wizard:

• Click on the Support Line Wizard button on the Modeling toolbar.

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• Select the span direction in the dialog box shown in figure. Then
select the scanning area in which supports may be regarded in
creation of the support line.
• The program will automatically catch every support in this selected
area.
• Click on the OK button to create the support line.

FIGURE 6.2-4 SUPPORT LINE WIZARD DIALOG WINDOW

Splitter. This tool creates a new splitter. Splitters are used to delineate a
separation in the slab. You can use them to identify the boundary of a
region that you wish to consider in your design. Also, they can be used to
identify the boundaries of a design strip tributary. They have other
important and useful functions too. Each splitter is associated with the
design intended for one of the orthogonal directions, referred to as X- or
Y-directions. It is defined according to the strip direction the splitter is
meant to affect. Each splitter affects strips in one specified direction at a
time. Therefore, separate splitters should be drawn for each direction. For
example, if a splitter is intended to affect the strips in the X-direction,
draw the splitter in the X-direction.

To generate a splitter:

• Click on the Create Splitter tool

• Set up the Snapping tools so the cursor will snap to the desired
points (nearest point for slab edges, end point for column ends
etc.).

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• Draw the splitter. Left-click the mouse at each point required.

• After the last point has been inserted, Press C to close the input of
the splitter, or press the End key.

To edit an existing splitter:

• Select the desired splitter.

• To open the dialog box just double-click on the splitter outline or
right-click and select Properties from the menu that opens.
• Edit the input fields on each tab of the dialog box as required.
• Click OK to accept the new input values.

Strip Method Load Transfer (Specific to ADAPT-PT and ADAPT-RC).

When a support line is designed to rest on another support line in the
orthogonal direction and transfer its load to the supporting line, there is no
physical support such as a column or wall at the intersection. The
reinforcement in the slab or post-tensioning is designed to carry the load
of the support recipient support line. In modeling for strip method, you
must mark the location, where a support line is shedding load without the
presence of a supporting wall or column.

Connect Drop Caps to Columns. This tool is used to connect all existing
drop cap endpoint with the endpoint of the column. The center point of the
drop cap is moved to the center point of the column. The connection of
column and cap makes sure that the complete cross-sectional area is taken
into account at the support. The resulting offset is automatically
calculated.

The following tools improve the quality and accuracy of modeling. For a support
line to fully account for the existence of a column or wall support, when it comes
to code check or export to ADAPT-PT, it should snap to the column or wall at the
time of its creation. Once a support line is snapped to a column, it would
automatically detect the properties of the column and report to you the moment
and stresses at the face of the column. It also will give you the reinforcement at
the face of column, as well as along other locations within the span. The support
line wizard will automatically detect supports and snap to them. If you generate
the support lines manually, however, or move a support after you created a
support line, the snapping feature may be breached. Two of the tools given below
are intended to correct this situation.

Connect Support Lines to Columns and Walls. Use this tool to connect
the existing support lines to walls and columns. Support lines have to be

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connected to the endpoint of a column or the both endpoints of a wall to

account for them fully in the design stage of your work.

Connect Beams to Columns and Walls. This tool establishes the

snapping connection between all existing beams and adjacent walls or
columns, where beam ends are adjacent to a support but are not snapped to
it. While the program can handle a beam that terminates short of a
column, for proper treatment of beams that are connected to columns you
should use the Snap option. This tool will search for such instances in your
model and will establish the connection.

Support Lines Extension. This tool extends all existing support lines to
the edges of the slab. Use this tool if you created a support line manually,
as it is likely you missed snapping its ends to the slab edges. If the
distance of the support line end to a slab edge is more than the program’s
tolerance, you must do the connection manually.

Align Structural Components. This tool improves the quality of your

modeling. You can automatically adjust the location of a wall or column
that you have drawn to line up with the face of slab. Left-click on the tool
and follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen. Fig. 6.2-5
illustrates the function of the tool in shifting the position of a wall and a
corner column to the slab edges. The tool shifts the position of the wall
and column, but retains the edges of slab at their original position.

6.3 MODEL/DESIGN STRIP TOOLBAR

Generate Design Strips. This button is used to create the design strips
automatically. It concludes by generating as many design strips as support
lines created by you, taking into account the splitters that you may have
used, in order to impose your preferences. The design strip calculation
can be followed up by requesting that the data generated for each design
strip be automatically written in a subdirectory for processing by ADAPT-
PT or ADAPT-RC3.

3
To write the data of all the design strips of your structural model automatically in organized
subdirectories for processing by ADAPT-PT or ADAPT-RC, click on Generate Input Data for ADAPT-
RC/PT menu item from the Strip Method pull-down menu.

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(a) Wall and Column Centered on Slab Edge

(b) Wall and Column Aligned with Slab Edge

FIGURE 6.2-5 REPOSITIONING OF BEAM AND COLUMN TO SLAB EDGE

Discard Strips Modeled. This tool erases the data of the last
automatically generated design strip calculations, but retains all the
information that you entered manually, such as support lines and splitters.
This tool is generally used when you decide to modify design strips
calculated by the program.

This toolbar also controls the display of support lines and design strips. If
design strips already have been calculated, the tools will display them.
Otherwise only the support lines you created will be displayed.

Display Strip X

Display Strip Y

6.4 OTHER DATA SPECIFIC TO ADAPT-PT AND ADAPT-RC

In addition to the general modeling data and tools described earlier, there are
additional data that you provide for export of data to ADAPT-PT and ADAPT-
RC. These are grouped into data specific to the design strip you are currently
dealing with, and more general data, such as allowable stresses, that apply to an
entire project.

6.4.1 Data Specific to Current Design Strip

Support Boundary Conditions. Prior to exporting a design strip to

ADAPT-PT or ADAPT-RC, you specify the boundary conditions of each
of its supports. Fig. 6.4-1 shows the dialog window for specification of
column supports. Open the property box of a column to access the tab for
its boundary conditions. A similar dialog window is available in the
property box of walls.

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FIGURE 6.4-1 DIALOG WINDOW FOR SPECIFYING THE BOUNDARY

CONDITIONS OF COLUMNS FOR ADAPT-RC/PT DATA

6.4.2 Data Applicable to the Entire Project

Enter the data that is applicable to your entire project in the dialog
windows listed in this section, knowing that in each instance, you have the
option to go and edit them individually in ADAPT-PT and ADAPT-RC.
The dialog windows and data fields used in the following are essentially
the same as those you have come to know in ADAPT-PT and ADAPT-
RC. A detailed explanation of each is provided in the respective manuals.
In the following they are presented with a brief description.

Concrete Material. Access this dialog window from the Materials pull-
down menu.

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FIGURE 6.4-2 MATERIALS DIALOG WINDOW FOR ADAPT-RC/PT

The following dialog windows (Fig.6.4-3) are accessed from the Criteria
pull-down menu.

(a) Effective Width Input Window

(b) Handling of Load Input Window

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(c) Tabs Each Covering a Section of Input Data

(d) Tendon Shape Library

FIGURE 6.4-3 INPUT DATA WINDOWS SPECIFIC TO ADAPT-RC/PT

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7.1  OVERVIEW ..........................................................................................................97 

7.2  MESHING .............................................................................................................98 
7.2.1  Overview....................................................................................................98 
7.2.2  Maximum Mesh Size .................................................................................98 
7.2.3  Meshing Tools ...........................................................................................99 
7.3  ANALYZE STRUCTURE ..................................................................................105 
7.4  VIEW ANALYSIS RESULTS ............................................................................105 
7.5  EXAMINE DESIGN VALUES...........................................................................106 
7.6  EDIT/APPLY BOUNDARY CONDITONS .......................................................108 
7.6.1  Overview..................................................................................................108 
7.6.2  How to View and Edit the Boundary Conditions.....................................109 
7.6.3  How to Apply Boundary Conditions .......................................................110 
7.6.4  FEM Supports and Springs Toolbar.........................................................110 

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7.1 OVERVIEW

In this chapter you will learn how to obtain a finite element solution for your
structural model. The building code check and determination of reinforcement is
covered in a separate manual1. We start by assuming that you have created your
structural model using the information in previous chapters. You have viewed
your model in three dimensions (solid form) and are satisfied that it is correct.
This chapter introduces the tools and steps that conclude with a finite element
solution of the structure. The introduction of post-tensioning is covered in the
ADAPT-Floor Pro manual.

To obtain a finite element solution you:

• Mesh the structure

• Select the load combination
• Solve the structure
• View the solution
• Examine the validity of the solution
• Edit/apply boundary conditions

Items related to building codes and calculation of reinforcement are handled in the
ADAPT-Floor Pro manual and other manuals.

In the normal course of analysis and design, you would specify the boundary
conditions of your structure prior to its analysis. The proven procedure
recommended here, however, is that you first obtain a FEM using the defaults of
the program to validate your structural model. Then customize your boundary
conditions and releases. The program automatically applies a set of boundary
conditions for the structure you have created, and automatically stabilizes it
during the solution.

In its default setting, the program assumes that the floor you are dealing with is a
typical story of a multilevel structure. It is resting on a similar floor below and
supports a similar floor above. The far ends of the walls and columns of your
structural model are assumed to be fixed against rotation, but free to slide in the
horizontal direction. Also, the far ends of the lower supports are assumed to have
been placed on firm (non-sinking) supports. The columns and walls themselves,
however, will shorten based on the load they receive and their material properties.

1
ADAPT-Floor Pro User Manual

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The program places adequate supports at selected points to stop your structure
from floating in the horizontal direction. The fixity provided by the program
against floating horizontally would not impact your solution.

The program offers a number of other features, such as including or disregarding

one or more structural components in your analysis. These are grouped under
Advanced Features and are discussed at the end of this chapter. It is good to
review the advance features and take advantage of them after you have obtained
your first finite element solution of your structural model.

7.2 MESHING

7.2.1 Overview

The meshing stage of your analysis consists of subdividing the slab

regions into well-proportioned, quadrilateral finite elements. Using the
mesh of the slab regions, the program automatically generates the finite
elements of the beams, walls and columns.2 Hence, only slab regions need
be meshed by you.

You have two options for meshing – manual and automatic. It is

recommended that you use the automatic meshing option of the program
and edit the mesh generated. In general, you do not need to edit the mesh
generated by the program. In its automatic meshing option, the program
uses an adaptive meshing capability that generates well-proportioned
quadrilateral finite elements.

7.2.2 Maximum Mesh Size

In most cases, six to eight divisions for the typical span of a floor system
gives design values (moments, shears) that are within 2 percent of the
value obtained, if a very fine mesh is used.3 This accuracy applies to
design stresses too. In your first attempt, start with a suggested cell size of

2
For the slab regions, walls and drop caps/panels, the program uses a flat shell element with both
membrane and flexural degrees of freedom. For the beam and columns, the program uses a stick element
with six degrees of freedom at each node. The subdivision of the columns and walls in the horizontal
direction is controlled by a parameter that is in the initialization file of the program. Generally, two
divisions are used. Vertically, the program automatically matches the division to that of the slab regions.
Full connectivity between the walls, beams, columns and adjacent slab regions is automatically achieved by
the program.
3
. The Technical Note TN-184: “Mesh Density and Accuracy of Design Values Using ADAPT-Floor Pro”
gives a detailed evaluation of the mesh density and the accuracy of the solution. This Technical Note is on
your program CD-ROM and can be downloaded from the ADAPT website, www.adaptsoft.com.

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four feet (1.20 meters). Most structural models can be analyzed and
designed well with 3,000 to 4,000 cells. A complex structure may require
up to 6,000 cells. It is very rare that you need to solve a structure needing
more than 10,000 cells. If you do, chances are that the structural modeling
is not efficient.

7.2.3 Meshing Tools

The tools provided for meshing can be reached from the FEM pull-down
menu. They are:

General Tools:

• Automatic Mesh Generation

• Manual Mesh Generation
• Clear Mesh
• Analysis Options

Advanced Tools:

• Node Proximity Detection

• Shift Node Automatically
• Shift Node Manually
• Cancel Nod Shift

In this manual we will be dealing with the general tools, including Node
Proximity Detection from the advanced tools. Once you become more
familiar with the operation of the software, you may wish to explore the
advanced tools.4

Automatic Mesh Generation. Click on the Automatic Mesh Generation

tool from the FEM pull-down menu , the following dialog window
opens.

4
The Advanced Tools of Meshing are described in the ADAPT-Floor Pro user manual.

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FIGURE 7.2-1 AUTOMATIC MESHING DIALOG WINDOW

• Select four feet (1.2 meters) for Suggested Cell Size.

• Disregard the Exclude Slab Region for Meshing. This is discussed
in detail in ADAPT-Floor Pro User Manual.
• For Node Consolidation select a value between 1.5 to 2.0 times the
average slab thickness. Again, this feature is discussed in detail in
ADAPT-Floor Pro User Manual.

The program will scan your structural model in order to determine

whether the details of structure are such that a cell size will be less than
the size suggested by you. If such a location is detected, the program will
encircle and display it on the screen (Fig. 7.2-2). In most instances, it is
best to ask the program to continue. Should it be impractical to mesh the
structure with the mesh size you have specified, the program will let you
know and request that you select a smaller mesh size. Follow the
instructions on the screen.

FIGURE 7.2-2 CIRCLE IDENTIFIES WHERE DISTANCE IS LESS

THAN USER DEFINED SIZE

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Figure 7.2-3 shows an example of a structural model ready for mesh.

Once successful, the program will display the mesh, as is shown in Fig.
7.2-4.

Manual Mesh Generation. You can generate the meshing of your

structural plan manually. You can also use the manual meshing option of
the program to edit automatically generated mesh. The process of manual
meshing is illustrated through the following example (Fig. 7.2-5).

FIGURE 7.2-3 STRUCTURAL MODEL, READY FOR MESHING

FIGURE 7.2-4 AUTOMATIC ADAPTIVE MESHING OF

THE STRUCTURAL MODEL

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(a) 3D View of Structural Model

Click on the Manual Mesh Generation tool, to get the dialog box
shown in (b).

(b) This dialog box opens, when you click on Manual Mesh Generation.
Select the number of divisions in each direction.

(c) Once the Manual Meshing tool is activated, the program converts your model to its
component representation, consisting of lines and points. The nodes of your manual mesh
should coincide with the points and lines shown on plan.

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(d) Click on the four corners of the region you wish to mesh. The program maps a mesh
over the region.

(e) Pick each node as shown above, making sure that it includes all the cells common to
that node (generally four) and pull it to snap to the center of a column (point) as shown in
(f) or the centerline of a beam (line).

(f) Common node of four cells is pulled and snapped to the center of column.

(g) Completed model in which the cells nodes are pulled to coincide with columns and
the beam.

FIGURE 7.2-5 ILLUSTRATION OF MANUAL MESHING PROCESS

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Figure 7.2-6(a) show a structural model that is meshed manually (Fig.

7.2-6(b))

(a) Structural Model

(b) Display of Manually Generated Mesh

FIGURE 7.2-6 MANUAL MESH GENERATION OF
A STRUCTURAL MODEL

Clear Mesh. This tool will erase the mesh, whether generated
automatically or manually.

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Analysis Options. This tool opens the analysis options dialog window
(shown below).

FIGURE 7.2-7 ANALYSIS OPTIONS

DIALOG WINDOW

In your fist finite element run, you need not go through this dialog
window. If your input loading is limited to the vertical direction, and you
do not provide fixity against horizontal body movement of the entire
structure, the structural model is free to float (roll) in the horizontal plane.
The program will automatically stabilize the structure. When there are
horizontal loads and you have provided restrains against horizontal
movement, however, you will need to disable the program’s automatic
stabilization feature by unchecking the box.

7.3 ANALYZE STRUCTURE

Click on this button to start the analysis. The program goes through a number of
steps and concludes with the analysis results. If you did not enter any loads prior
to the analysis, the results will be for the selfweight of the structure under the load
combination service. The program will prompt you on the screen to resolve any
errors.

7.4 VIEW ANALYSIS RESULTS

View Analysis Results Tool. Click on this tool to open the three
dimensional viewer of the program and examine the solution obtained.
Once the 3D viewer opens, do the following:

• On the left margin of the screen, click on the Load

Cases/Combinations button.
• From the list that opens, select Service.

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• Click on the Results button on the top of the screen.

• From the list that opens, select Z-Translation.

• Finally, click on the Display Results tool.

This will display the deflected shape contour of your structure. If the

deflected contour does not display, click on this button:

• Use the Warp Display and Rotate tools to examine the

deformation of the structure. Make sure the slab does not displace
excessively where it is supported on walls and columns.
• Use the other tools on the screen for closer examination of the
solution.

7.5 EXAMINE DESIGN VALUES

Close the 3D viewer and return to the main screen. You can examine the design
values by generating manual cuts at locations of your choice. The program has the
option of automatically obtaining the design values for the entire floor system and
performing a code compliance check. This option is explained in the ADAPT-
Floor Pro user manual. In this section, we limit ourselves to the manual
examination of selected locations.

Consider the structural model shown in Fig. 7.5-1. We already have obtained a
solution for this structure, viewed it in three dimensions and are satisfied with the
outcome.

Next, let’s examine the design values, stresses and the reinforcement required at a
given location in the slab. From FEM pull-down menu, click on Create Design
Sections Manually. Follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen, and draw a
line over the plan to identify the cut (location) for which you seek the values.
Figure 7.5-2 displays an enlargement of the interior of the floor plan with a two
manual cuts.

• Again, from the FEM pull-down menu, click on the Design the Design
Section(s).
• Once the operation is complete, double-click on the cut to open up its
property box (Fig. 7.5-3). This table lists the results of the forces acting
on the cut, reduced to six actions (three forces and three moments) and
expressed at the centroid of the cut for each of the load combinations

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specified. The reinforcement given is the envelope of all the load

combinations. The stresses are from the service condition, if the program
detects a prestressing tendon in the section.

FIGURE 7.5-1 PLAN OF THE STRUCTURAL MODEL

In addition to the window of design values, the program shows the envelope of
reinforcement area on plan in the direction, where the reinforcement should be
placed (Fig. 7.5-4).

FIGURE 7.5-2 MANUALLY GENERATED CUTS ON PLAN

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FIGURE 7.5-3 WINDOW OF DESIGN VALUES FOR

MANUAL CUT

FIGURE 7.5-4 DISPLAY OF REBAR ON PLAN

7.6 EDIT/APPLY BOUNDARY CONDITONS

7.6.1 Overview

As explained earlier, the program uses default support conditions and

stabilizes your structural model automatically to obtain a solution. There
will be situations, however, when you may want to specify support
conditions other than the program defaults. This section guides you
through the process of editing or applying boundary conditions.

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The boundary condition describes the manner in which your structural

model is attached to its supports. All the components of your structural
model are assumed to be rigidly connected to one another where they
meet. For example, a column shown below a slab is assumed by the
program to be rigidly connected to the slab. You may wish, however, to
have a hinge connection in order to eliminate transfer of moment from the
slab to the column. The specification of a condition other than full fixity
among the structural components of your model is called release. For
example, you can release a slab to slide over a wall. The specification for
releases can be directly accessed from the property box of each structural
component.

The following is a quote from an earlier section of this manual, and

describes the default boundary conditions of the program.

In its default setting, the program assumes that the floor you are
dealing with is a typical story of a multilevel structure. It is resting
on a similar floor below and supports a similar floor above. The
far ends of the walls and columns of your structural model are
assumed to be fixed against rotation, but free to slide in the
horizontal direction. Also, the far ends of the lower supports are
assumed to have been placed on firm (non-sinking) supports. But,
the columns and walls themselves will shorten based on the load
they receive and their material properties. The program places
adequate supports at selected points to stop your structure to float
in the horizontal direction. The fixity provided by the program
against floating of the structure in the horizontal direction would
not impact your solution.

7.6.2 How to View and Edit the Boundary Conditions

The program’s default boundary conditions consist of point supports

below the columns and line supports below the walls. There might be
other support conditions in your model that you may have imposed, such
as a line spring, or a point support below a slab.

From the Select/Set View Items ( ) go to the FEM tab and select the
following check boxes:

• Point Support
• Line Support

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Click OK to close the dialog window. The icon of the boundary conditions
should appear on the screen. For better viewing, click on the Top-Front-
Right View button ( ) or a similar one, in order to display a perspective
view of the structure. If the symbol sizes of the boundary conditions
displayed are not large enough for easy viewing and selection, go back to
the Select/Set View Items toolbar and change the symbol size of the point
and line supports to a larger value.

Select the boundary condition symbol you want to view or edit.

Depending on which type of boundary symbol you select, a dialog
window such as the one shown below will open.

FIGURE 7.6-1 POINT SUPPORT DIALOG WINDOW

Among other information, the dialog window displays the restraints of the
support in or about various directions. Edit as required. Click to tick mark
button ( ) to accept your modification and close the window.

7.6.3 How to Apply Boundary Conditions

To specify a support condition at a point, or along a line in your structural

model, use the FEM Supports and Springs toolbar.

7.6.4 FEM Supports and Springs Toolbar

Add Point Support. This tool is used to specify a point anywhere

on your structural model where you want to set the displacements
(translation or rotation) in or about any of the three axes to zero.

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You can use this tool to specify fixity at a point in a slab region, or
at the bottom or top of a column. To insert a point support:

• Click on the Add Point Support.

• Insert the point support by snapping it to the
location/structural component. For example, for a column
snap to column’s center. The point support will be inserted
at the current plane.6
• If the point support was not inserted in the location you
intended, edit the location by going through the view/edit
steps described above. For example, if you want the point
support to be at the bottom of a column, open the property
box of the point support. From the General tab, select
Bottom Plane for the location (Fig. 7.6-2).

Add Line Support. Many of the comments made for specification

of point supports apply equally to line supports. Line supports can
be placed below slabs, walls or beams. To insert or edit the
specifics of a line support, follow the same type of instructions as
described for point supports.

Add Point Spring. This tool is used to specify the point spring at a
location on a slab. The insertion and view/editing is similar to a
point support.

Add Line Spring. This tool is used to specify the lines in which
the slab is supported on springs.

6
The current plane is the default for insertion of the supports. You have the option of defining the
particulars of a support , such as its point of insertion and its fixity beforehand, then inserting similar
supports at locations of your choice. You do this through the Settings pull-down menu and the General
Settings menu item.

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FIGURE 7.6-2 POINT SUPPORT

DIALOG WINDOW

Add Area Spring. To insert an area spring below a slab:

• Click on the Add Area Spring tool

• Follow the instruction on the screen to draw the region
where area spring applies. If any part of the region you
draw is not covered by a slab, the program will
disregard that part.

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 APPENDIX A

A1 TREATMEMENT OF COMPOUND (INTERCONNECTED)

WALL ASSEMBLIES........................................................................................115
A1.1 STRUCTURAL MODELING .............................................................................115
A1.2 SUPPORT LINES AND DESIGN STRIPS.........................................................115

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 APPENDIX A Appendix A

A1 TREATMEMENT OF COMPOUND (INTERCONNECTED) WALL

ASSEMBLIES

Walls are not always isolated, simple, and rectangular in shape. In many cases
walls are assemblies of two or more wall segments, such as (a) in Fig. A1.1-1.
Both ADAPT-Modeler and Floor Pro can faithfully model, and account for the
structural features of an entire wall assembly.

A1.1 STRUCTURAL MODELING

In your structural model, a wall assembly must be broken down into rectangular
wall segments. There are two options as illustrated in Fig. A1.1-1. In option 1,
each wall segment butts against the side of an adjoining wall, with no overlap of
wall segments. In option 2, the wall segments are connected to one another at
their centerlines. In both modeling options, the program treats the segments
working together as one whole. Option 2 takes less computer resources for
analysis and design. If you follow the modeling procedure outlined in this manual,
the structural drawing you will generate from either of the two options will show
the wall in its true form (Fig. A1.1-1(a)).

(b) Modeling option 1 (c) Modeling option 2

(a) Actual wall assembly

FIGURE A.1.1-1 MODELING OPTIONS OF WALL ASSEMBLIES

A1.2 SUPPORT LINES AND DESIGN STRIPS

As much as practical, you will use the support line wizard ( ) to generate
support lines. For compound wall assemblies, it would not be practical to consider
each wall segment as a separate support. Ideally, you would like to identify a
point that is the beginning of wall support, and another one at the end of the wall
support. Again, there are two options for you to achieve this, when you use the
support line wizard.

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Option 1

In this option, you can change the property of a wall segment, such as wall
segment marked “3" in Fig. A1.2-1(b )to “disregard.” You do so, by opening the
property window of the wall marked “3,” and under the FEM tab change its
property from “consider” to “disregard.” This change in property will result in the
wall segment not to be accounted for, when the support line wizard automatically
creates a support line. The outcome will be similar to Fig. A1.2-1(e). If the wall
segment 3 is not disregarded, the support line created automatically will be as
shown in Fig. A1.2-1(d).

Option 2

In this option you do not “disregard” a wall segment. After the support line is
generated, you will eliminate the support line segments that zigzag over the
interconnected wall segments. Do the following.

• Turn the support line symbol on. The small circles are the “support”
locations of the support line.
• Retain the first and the last support points, and delete the support points
(circles) in between. Do so by using the delete vertex tool ( ). The
outcome will be a view, similar to Fig. A1.2-2.

(a) Original wall (b) Wall subdivided for (c) Wall centerline and
structural modeling ends

(d) Support line created (e) Support line created

automatically considering automatically, considering (f) Display of support line”
both walls wall 2 only support points”
FIGURE A1.2-1 TREATMENT OF SUPPORT LINES FOR COMPOUND WALL
SEGMENTS

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 APPENDIX A Appendix A

FIGURE A1.2-2 SUPPORT LINE WITH TWO SUPPORT

POINTS OVER COMPOUND WALL

If you disregard a wall segment prior to the analysis, its stiffness will not be
included in the analysis of the floor system. But, at design time, its presence will
be recognized. Walls segments that are primarily for architectural reasons and do
not provide a significant support to the structure are best disregarded in the
analysis. Otherwise, in creation of support lines use Option 2, whereby you would
edit the automatically generated support lines.

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INDEX

119
 INDEX Index

Abandon an operation, 18
Build Menu
beam/frame wizard, 26
floor wizard, 27
preprocessing/establish component connectivity, 26
Coordinate System, 48
Create
beam, 66
column, 65
drop cap/panel, 68
opening, 68
slab region, 64
wall, 66
Create a Cut, 38
Cursor Function, 16
Define Item’s Properties, 35
Delete Point, 34, 65
Design Strip, 79
Display
all, 38
all items, 40
all labels, 40
beam, 69
column, 69
drop cap, 69
gridline, 69
items by type, 40
labels on selection, 40
load, 75
opening, 69
point support, 69
selection, 38
slab region, 68
splitter, 69
support line, 69
wall, 69
Draw Orthogonal tool, 41
DWG/DXF, 61, 64
Export of data to ADAPT-PT&RC, 90
Exporting to PT/RC, 86
FEM Method
ADAPT-Floor Pro, 97
analysis, 105
boundary conditions, 109
meshing, 98
supports and springs, 110

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Index INDEX

view analysis results, 105

File Menu
automatically save option, 19
save as default values, 19
Go to Default Display, 36
Graphical Rotation, 47
Graphical Translation, 47
Grid Settings, 41
Gridline Wizard, 46
Hide Selection, 38
Insert Point, 65
Insert Vertex, 35
Key combinations, 18
Layer Translation, 47
Level Assignments, 58
Load Case Library, 70, 75
Loads
create line load, 72
create patch load, 73
create point load, 71
line load wizard, 74
patch load wizard, 74
Modify Item Properties, 25, 38
Modify Menu
extend, 24
mirror, 24
scale selected items, 25
split, 25
trim, 24
unsplit, 25
Mouse Function, 16
Move Selected Point, 34, 65
Move Selection, 34, 65
Properties of Structural Components, 55
color, 57
coordinates, 57
filling, 58
group, 57
label, 55
line thickness, 57
material, 57
offset, 57
Render Design Strip tool, 36
Return key, 18
Scaling, 48
Select All, 34

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 INDEX Index

Select/Set View Items, 35

Selection
by layer, 33
by type, 33
hint mode, 32
lasso, 32
path, 33
window, 32
Setting
colors, 32
layer, 32
line style, 32
Settings Menu
distortion scale, 22
environment/text, 21
folder for saving data, 23
general settings, 21
grouping, 22
Snap Settings, 41
Snaping, 40
Solid Modeling, 36
Splitter, 87
Status Bar, 16
Structural Components, 54
Support Line, 81
Support Line Wizard, 86
Tab key, 18
Tools Menu
calibrate drawing, 24
change project origin, 24
coordinates, 23
measure, 23
Transform to
beam, 63
column., 62
drop cap/panel, 63
opening, 63
polygon, 62
slab region., 62
wall, 63
Translate Vertically, 68
Translation by Coordinates, 47
User Information Bar, 15
View Model tool, 36
Wizard
beam/frame, 26

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Index INDEX

floor, 27
gridline, 46
line load, 74
patch load, 74
support line, 86

124