Joining structural precast elements

Module(s): Structural Precast Elements

You can use the Join Structural Precast Elements tool to connect columns with beams or girders in various ways. In addition, you can specify whether or not the column base is to be connected with the foundation.

Right-clicking in the input area of the palette opens a shortcut menu where you can show and hide the graphics at the top of the palette and the description at the bottom.
In addition, you can add the currently selected area or parameter to the quick input list and move QuickInput to the top of the palette so that it is the first tab displayed in the palette. Similarly, you can remove the currently selected area or parameter from the quick input list. As soon as you remove the last parameter from the quick input list, the QuickInput tab is hidden. To make sure that QuickInput is always open when the palette starts, select Start with QuickInput on the shortcut menu.

This section provides detailed information on the parameter currently selected. If there is not enough space to display the entire text, three dots at the end of the text indicate that some text is missing. You cannot scroll the description.

To enlarge the section so that you can read the full text, you can increase the width of the entire palette and/or move the line separating the parameter area from the description up.

To join structural precast elements

• The angle between the beams/girders and the column is obtuse.

1. Click Join Structural Precast Elements (How).
   

   Activate Join Structural Precast Elements in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Precast Factories Structural Precast Units

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Structural Precast Units

2. Select an option in the Selection tab at the top of the Join Structural Precast Elements palette.

   When you select one of the first four options, the column heads are always adapted in accordance with the parameters set. The height of the column changes due to the parts that are attached to or removed from the components when joined. The column remains unchanged when you select the fifth option.
   When corbels are attached to the columns, the program creates a cope in the beam or girder (depending on the parameters set).

3. Select a column and then the beam(s) or girder(s) or a foundation.
4. Enter parameters and check the geometry of the connection created and the position of the fixtures (if any).
   

   The parameters of the individual connection options are graphically explained in the illustrations. Consequently, they are not described in detail here. Please contact your sales engineer or our Precast Teamline in Salzburg, Austria, if you have difficulties with this tool.

   • When you have selected one of the first two options, you need to specify the Support length so that the beam/girder extends into the column. This cuts out the column.
   • Some parameters are calculated automatically and are displayed for information only.
   • You can specify fixtures by selecting a File and an Entry. There are particular issues to bear in mind when you create fixtures. Please contact your sales engineer or our Precast Teamline in Salzburg, Austria, for more information.
   • When you have selected the second option and define the Geometry parameters globally for both sides, the program automatically defines the Corbel parameters globally for both sides, too. In addition, you can also specify global parameters for Empty conduits and reinforcement.
     In this case, you cannot enter parameters on the Connection to beam 1 and Connection to beam 2 tabs.
   • When creating empty conduits for the column base or starter bars in the foundation, you can use the Direction parameter to define the positions of the inlet openings or of the horizontal legs.
5. If necessary, change the parameters and press ESC to finish.
   

Notes:

• You can use Match Properties to copy the parameters of another connection.
  You can use Save as a favorite to save the settings and Load favorite to read the settings back into the palette, where you can modify them. Click Favorite QuickSelect to select from the five favorites you have used most recently.
• The precast elements to be joined must be in the same drawing file.