General | Network | spColumn | spSlab | spMats | spWall | spBeam | spFrame
| What is the difference between spMats and pcaMats? |
| pcaMats, also formerly known as MATS, was renamed spMats to better relate and support the registered trade name of the publisher, StructurePoint, formerly the PCA's Engineering Software Group. |
| After I press the Evaluate button, the program performs an invalid operation. What should I do? |
| Upgrade Internet Explorer to the latest version from Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie. |
| It seems that my contours are wrong and they do not match the text results. Why? |
| Please upgrade to the latest version. |
| What method does the program use? |
| Finite Element Method |
| Can I use long file name for my data file using the program? |
| Yes. Version 6.0 or higher is a 32-bit windows software that supports long file names. |
| Which design codes are supported? |
| For information on supported codes please visit spMats features. |
| What units are supported? |
| English and Metric |
| The load locations on the grid view seem not correct after I delete a load from the load list box. What should I do? |
| Upgrade to the latest version. |
| I got “conversion data error” when running my model. What should I do? |
| Upgrade to the latest version. If error persists, contact our technical support group. |
| How can I show node numbers and element numbers on my grid view? |
| Option 1: Right click on the main model window, and select Show Node Numbers or Show Element Numbers from the pop-up menu. Option 2: Select menu Options | Display... and check Show Node Numbers or Show Element Numbers. |
| I checked Display Node Numbers and Display Element Numbers, but I still cannot see them on grid view. Why? |
| You don’t have any finite elements. Please assign thickness to grid cells in the grid view first. |
| What is the relationship between grid lines and finite elements? |
| A grid line cell (empty rectangular space surrounded by grid line) is a potential finite element. Assigning a thickness to a grid cell turns it into a finite element. |
| What are the directions of rebar Asx and Asy? |
| Asx refers to the rebar in X direction (parallel to X axis). Asy refers to the rebar in Y direction (parallel to Y axis). |
| Does the program check punching shear around columns and piles? |
| Yes. Punching shear around columns and piles are checked in version 6.0 and higher. |
| Does the program check one-way shear? |
| No. |
| What kinds of load can be transferred from a column or a wall to mat foundation? |
| Axial load can be modeled as concentrated load (in –Z direction). Overturning moments can be applied to the interface of a column or a wall and mat foundation. |
| How can I model the in-plane (X-Y mat plane) force transferred from a column or a wall to mat foundation? |
| In-plane forces are not supported. |
| How can I export my results to a file? |
| Select Solve on left then select Report tab. Select Print to File rather than Print to Printer. Type in a path and file name for the out put file (i.e. C:\MyResults\Mats_1.txt). Press the Print button. The saved file is a plane text file that can be opened and edited by any word processing software (i.e. Wordpad). |
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