Reinforcement Directions

For the reinforced concrete design of surfaces, the program needs the information on how the reinforcement directions φ₁ ("main reinforcement") and φ₂ ("transverse reinforcement") of each surface are defined. Both directions are usually aligned orthogonally and parallel to the surface axes x and y. The "Reinforcement Directions" type allows you to properly arrange the reinforcement direction of the individual surfaces.

Dialog Box "New Reinforcement Direction"

Direction Type

First Reinforcement Direction in x / y

There is a direction type preset, where the first reinforcement direction (φ₁) is oriented as parallel to the x-direction of each surface. In the case of curved surfaces, the x-axes of the finite surface elements serve as a reference.

If you want to arrange the direction φ₁ of the "main reinforcement" as parallel to the local y-axis of a surface, either change the direction type using the list or define a new direction type with the corresponding specification.

Surfaces with Local Axis System

User-Defined

If the reinforcement is not parallel to the surface axes or the directions φ₁ and φ₂ are not orthogonal, define the reinforcement direction using the "Rotated" option.

Defining "Rotated" Reinforcement Direction

Specify the angle φ₁ of the direction for the "first reinforcement". It describes the angle between the reinforcement direction 1 ("main reinforcement") and the local x-axis of the surface. You can only enter positive values. Thus, the reinforcement direction is rotated clockwise around the positive local z-axis.

In the same way, define the angle φ₂ for the "second reinforcement". This angle describes the rotation of the reinforcement direction 2 ("transverse reinforcement") with regard to the x-axis of the surface. Use the button to switch between the input of the angle φ₂ and the difference Δφ₂ related to Direction 1.

Surface with Three-Layer Reinforcement