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Structural Design of a Building Using ETabs And SAFE ǀ Plain Reinforced

Concrete Design

Research · June 2024

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.32340.00644

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Mudassar Fiaz
International Islamic University, Islamabad
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Plain Reinforced Concrete Design Lab-2

Abstract
This lab project aims to engage students in a comprehensive structural design process
for a commercial complex, utilizing both manual techniques and advanced software
tools. The architectural plans provided detail various aspects of a multi-level building,
including parking, shops, and passages. The project emphasizes the evaluation and
optimization of the building's structural integrity and functionality to meet modern
engineering standards and sustainability practices.
The project begins with an in-depth analysis of the existing architectural plans to
identify potential structural vulnerabilities and areas for design improvement. Utilizing
ETabs, students will develop the structural layout of the building, followed by the use
of Safe to refine the foundation and slab designs. Additionally, students will perform
manual calculations for structural elements such as beams, columns, slabs, and
foundations, employing spreadsheets where necessary to compare with software-
generated results.
A complete set of structural drawings will be developed, including detailed plans,
elevations, sections, and structural details that reflect the redesigned building. A
critical comparative analysis will be conducted to evaluate the differences between
manual calculations and software results.

 The expected outcomes of this project include:

 A comprehensive design output using ETabs and Safe,
 Manual and spreadsheet calculations for the entire design,
 Detailed structural drawings prepared on AutoCAD (A3 paper),
 A thorough comparative analysis of manual versus software-based design
methods,
 A final report documenting the redesign process, findings, and recommendations
for future projects.
This project aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of structural
design, enhance their practical skills in using engineering software, and develop their
ability to critically analyze and optimize building designs for improved efficiency and
sustainability.

Keywords
Structural Design, Reinforced Concrete, E-Tabs, Safe, Design Analysis.
Introduction
The structural design of complex buildings requires a meticulous approach to ensure
safety, functionality, and compliance with modern engineering standards. This lab
project is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the
comprehensive structural design of a commercial complex, leveraging both manual
methods and advanced software tools. The process involves several critical steps,
beginning with the use of ETabs and Safe for initial design and analysis, followed by
detailed drafting and further evaluations.
The initial phase involves a thorough analysis of the provided architectural plans to
understand the layout and identify potential structural vulnerabilities. We will use
ETabs to develop the structural layout of the building, focusing on the design of
primary structural elements such as beams, columns, and slabs. ETabs will facilitate a
preliminary design and analysis, allowing for adjustments to optimize the building's
structural integrity and efficiency.
Following the ETabs design, Safe will be used to refine the design of foundations and
slabs. Safe provides advanced tools for analyzing and designing floor systems and
foundations, ensuring that these critical components meet the necessary strength and
stability requirements.
Once the software-based designs are complete, we will draft the structural drawings
in AutoCAD. This involves creating detailed 2D and 3D plans, elevations, sections, and
structural details. AutoCAD drafting is essential for visualizing the design and ensuring
all structural elements are accurately represented.
The project also includes an analysis of the structural design in ETabs, incorporating
various checks to ensure the building can withstand seismic forces and other
environmental loads. Earthquake resistance and other safety checks will be performed
to validate the design against relevant codes and standards.
In addition to the software-based design and analysis, we will manually calculate the
structural elements, using spreadsheets to facilitate these calculations. This manual
approach provides a basis for comparison with the software-generated results,
highlighting any discrepancies and validating the design accuracy.
The culmination of this project involves a comparative analysis of manual versus
software-based design methods, along with a final report. This report will document
the entire redesign process, present findings, and offer recommendations for future
projects. By integrating both manual and software tools, we will gain a comprehensive
understanding of structural design, from initial concept to final evaluation.
Methodology
Working on ETabs

1. Creating grid systems in ETabs:

To begin the structural design in ETabs, a grid system was established to serve as the
foundation for placing structural elements. The following steps were taken:
Open ETabs and create a new model. Navigate to the grid system settings.
Enter the grid data in the "Display grid data spacing" section, specifying the number
and spacing of grid lines in both the X and Y directions.
Adjust the grid lines to align with the architectural layout provided.

2. Adding new material property:

Defining material frame properties for concrete, rebar and masonry in the material
properties section of ETabs.
Specify the grade and standard details for concrete, rebar and masonry in the material
properties section of ETabs.
3. Modify the property:
Now we need to modify the defined material properties.
In this step we need to define the property name and national size data and in
addition to this we also need to define the section dimensions, it’s width and
depth.

In this way we will now add section property:

Selecting the rectangular section.

4. Now adding wall sections:

To model the structural walls of the commercial complex in ETabs, a specific wall
property was created. This involved defining the wall material with a strength of 4000
psi, ensuring it met the necessary standards for reinforced concrete construction. The
wall was modeled as a thin shell type to accurately represent its behavior under load,
with a thickness of 12 inches. This detailed specification allows the software to
simulate the structural performance of the walls effectively, providing a realistic basis
for further analysis and design refinements.
Result:

5. Now adding slab property data:

In ETabs, a new slab property was established to accurately represent the floor slabs
within the commercial complex. The slab was modeled using the material properties
specified for beams, which ensures consistency in material characteristics across the
structure. The slab was defined as a thin shell type, capturing its structural behavior
under various loads, with a thickness of 8 inches. This precise configuration allows for
an accurate analysis of the slab's performance, contributing to a reliable and robust
structural design.
Results:

6. Now defining load patterns:

Adding uniform shell loads, from load combination section click on “Add Default
Design Combinations” where we will select concrete frame design:

To ensure the structural integrity and safety of the floor slabs in the commercial
complex, specific load parameters were assigned in ETabs. The live load was set at 100
lb/ft², reflecting the anticipated usage and occupancy levels within the building.
Additionally, a superimposed dead load of 26 lb/ft² was included to account for non-
structural elements such as finishes, partitions, and mechanical systems. These load
specifications are critical for accurately simulating the stresses and deflections that
the slabs will experience, thereby informing the design and ensuring compliance with
relevant building codes and standards.
Navigate into assign and frame load section. Define dead load and assign its type as
gravity load, also select replace existing load option. Then enter uniform load as 1.28
kip/ft.

7. 3D Rendered view:
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