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FAQ: pcaColumn
FAQ - pcaColumn
Q: pcaColumn - I cannot print on Windows 98. What should I do?
A: Please update to version 3.53 or higher.
Q: pcaColumn - What kind of sections can be handled by pcaColumn?
A: Square, rectangular, circular, and any irregular shape sections.
Q: pcaColumn - Which design codes are supported by pcaColumn?
A: ACI 318-05, ACI 318-02, CSA A23.3-04, and CSA A23.3-94.
Q: pcaColumn - What if I have to use an old ACI code (i.e. ACI 318-95)?
A: You need to use a prior version of pcaColumn.
Q: pcaColumn - Can I install the latest version of pcaColumn and prior versions on the same computer?
A: Yes. Just make sure they are installed in separated directories.
Q: pcaColumn - How can I change the default strength reduction factors used by pcaColumn?
A: Menu Input | Reinforcement | Confinement. Select Other in the Confinement drop down list, then the text boxes for Phi(a), Phi(b), and Phi(c) are editable.
Q: pcaColumn - Can I export the interaction diagram to a Word document?
A: Yes. Open a Word file first, then after the calculation is done select Copy Diagram to Clipboard in the View menu. Go back to Word, select Paste from the Edit menu.
Q: pcaColumn - How can I get the capacity of a column section without applying any loads on it?
A: After the geometry and reinforcement are defined, select menu Input | Loads | Control Points. In this case no service or factored loads are needed.
Q: pcaColumn - Where can I find the neutral axis depth in result report?
A: For uniaxial runs, neutral axis depth (along with maximum steel strain and strength reduction factor for ACI code) of each point corresponding to calculated capacity will be listed in the table on the bottom of the result report. The same applies to biaxial runs when Control Points are selected as load type. For other load types in case of biaxial bending, neutral axis location, maximum steel strain, and strength reduction factor (ACI code only) for each calculated point on the 3D failure surface can be found by exporting current interaction diagram or the whole 3D failure surface to a text file (comma separated or tab-delimited). To do so, select menu File | Export | Current Interaction Diagram or File | Export | 3D Failure Surface.
Q: pcaColumn - The Axial Loads menu item is disabled. Why?
A: Axial Loads are not supported when Biaxial is selected in the General Information dialog box. Select About X-Axis or About Y-Axis to enable it.
Q: pcaColumn - How can I find the P and M values of each of the points along my interaction diagram?
A: There are two ways to do that:
1. As you move the mouse cursor along the diagram, the P and M coordinates of the point where the current mouse point is located are shown in the status bar, as well as the eccentricity. If status bar is hidden, select menu View | Status Bar to make it visible.
2. Values of axial and moment capacities together with corresponding neutral axis locations, maximum steel strains, and strength reduction factors (ACI code only) for each calculated point on the interaction diagram or 3D failure surface can be found by exporting current interaction diagram or the whole 3D failure surface to a text file (comma separated or tab-delimited). To do so, select menu File | Export | Current Interaction Diagram or File | Export | 3D Failure Surface.
Q: pcaColumn - All of my slenderness menu items are disable. Why?
A: Answer Yes for the “Consider slenderness?” question in the General Information dialog box.
Q: pcaColumn - Where can I enter the cracked-section coefficients?
A: Menu Input | Slenderness | Factors.
Q: pcaColumn - Which axis does Ix or Iy refer to?
A: Ix or Iy refers to the x or y axis going through the centroid of the section. It does NOT refer to the x or y axis shown in the section window and section editor.
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