3. Masonry wall creation
The RC/masonry wall editor is run from the corresponding option of the main menu. Initially, the user must choose between RC or masonry section from the respective options at the bottom left of the screen :
3.1 RC wall creation
First the section type is selected from the available options (either from File -> New or from the respective toolbar buttons) :
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The geometric data for each section type are displayed in the following figure (these are displayed on screen by clicking the 
button) :
Having input the geometric data of the selected section type in the corresponding fields and the reinforcement cover, the section shape is created by clicking the 
button. Particular attention must be drawn at this point, since the local axes 2 and 3 displayed in the editor must match the respective axes in the ETABS/Scia model (on plan). Should this not be the case, the section must be rotated using the appropriate buttons 
and 
by +90ο and -90ο respectively (the axes remain constant).
button. Particular attention must be drawn at this point, since the local axes 2 and 3 displayed in the editor must match the respective axes in the ETABS/Scia model (on plan). Should this not be the case, the section must be rotated using the appropriate buttons and by +90ο and -90ο respectively (the axes remain constant).
When the section is ready, its name should be input in the relevant field and it must match the respective Pier name assigned in ETABS/Scia Engineer. Next, the section file must be saved in the same folder where the Input and Output design files were stored, as described in section 2.2. To save the file, either click on File -> Save or on the 
button. The file name will be the same as the section name , with a .wal extension, e.g. WALL1.wal in the following example :
button. The file name will be the same as the section name , with a .wal extension, e.g. WALL1.wal in the following example :
Additional editor options are as follows :
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button : Displays the RC wall outline (initial figure). button : Displays the outline of the RC wall’s hidden columns. button : Displays the outline of the RC wall’s core(s). |
Optional parameter Floor : Should the RC wall dimensions vary from floor to floor in the ETABS/Scia Engineer model, then separate sections (.wal fid by the value the user deifnes in this field.
Hidden column reinforcement ratio : For all the section types (except the rectangular), the editor calculates the reinforcement ratios between the hidden columns and the wall (which are to be calculated during the design) from the respective areas of the hidden column regions. These values can be altered by the user in the relevant fields.
3.2 Masonry wall creation
The same procedure as for RC wall section creation applies for the masonry wall section creation. The only differences are that the created file names have the .mas extension (e.g. MASONRY1.MAS) and their creation is not subject to regulatory clauses governing minimum dimensions. It is again highlighted that the local axes 2 and 3 displayed in the editor must match those in the model and the editor section name must match the corresponding Pier/Spandrel name assigned in the model.
The geometric data for each section type are shown in the following figure (these can be displayed on the screen by clicking the button) :
button) :
Usually in masonry wall models the number of blocks and bed-joints can be very large and the creation of the necessary elements following the above procedure can be cumbersome. To facilitate the creation of the masonry sections there is the option to create multiple masonry elements, which is displayed by clicking on the 
button at the toolbar. The procedure described below is to be followed in the popped up window :
button at the toolbar. The procedure described below is to be followed in the popped up window :1. By clicking the 
button (Copy) the form is copied on the Clipboard. Next this is pasted in a spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft Excel®).
button (Copy) the form is copied on the Clipboard. Next this is pasted in a spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft Excel®).
2. The geometric data is filled in the spreadsheet for each section (one per line). In the section type it is filled Ι, G, Τ, P, Ζ, S for rectangular, L-, T-, U-, Z- or S-section respectively. Next, select the whole table (Ctrl-A) and copy (Ctrl-C) and paste it in the multiple element creation window by clicking the 
button.
button.
3. By clicking the Save button, the folder where all the masonry wall section files (.mas) are saved is selected. Should any of the sections require further editing (e.g. rotation), they can be opened in the editor, modified accordingly and saved.
Save button, the folder where all the masonry wall section files (.mas) are saved is selected. Should any of the sections require further editing (e.g. rotation), they can be opened in the editor, modified accordingly and saved.