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Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

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IOSR Journal of Engineering (IOSRJEN) www.iosrjen.org
ISSN (e): 2250-3021, ISSN (p): 2278-8719
Vol. 09, Issue 2 (February. 2019), ||S (II) || PP 43-52

Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced

Column Design
Mohammed S. Al-Ansari1, Muhammad S. Afzal2
1
(Professor, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar)
2
(Teaching Assistant, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar)

Abstract: Mathcad is a sophisticated computation and presentation tool, which is versatile, easy to use, and
accessible. It holds strong potential as a learning aid for education and training. This paper demonstrates the
use of Mathcad to supplement and enhance traditional teaching and learning methods both inside and outside the
classroom. The paper focuses on the topic of reinforced concrete biaxial column design. Interactive teaching and
learning devices in reinforced concrete biaxial column deign produced using the presentation and programming
features available in Mathcad. This paper also compares the results of the Mathcad for the biaxial column with
the computer software “SP Column” and the results obtained from the Mathcad program are quite close to the
ones obtained from the computer software.

Keywords: Biaxial Column Design, learning methods, Mathcad, SP Column.

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Date of Submission: 28-01-2019 Date of acceptance:11-02-2019
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I. INTRODUCTION
Mathcad [1] is an efficient learning environment for technical topics such as reinforced
concrete design. It’s computational and presentation capabilities not only lend themselves to the
solution of mathematically based problems, but also to the effective communication of both problem
and solution. Mathcad contains powerful presentation capabilities, which include the use of charts,
graphic objects, and animation effects. It can also easily import objects from other application
programs, such as images and digital photographs. These capabilities offer significant learning
enhancements to students of technical subjects [2].
Mathcad makes possible new learning strategies for students and teachers [3-4]. What-if
discussions, trend analyses, trial and error analyses, and optimization are all valuable learning
activities, which take more time than the traditional technical problem-solving approach permits.
Taking advantage of the computational power and speed of Mathcad, instructors and students can
quickly cycle through problem scenarios, observing trends in the design behavior of reinforced
concrete components.
The proposed paper describes the use of Mathcad program as a teaching and learning tool in
reinforced concrete design courses. A program for the design of reinforced concrete bi-axial
columns discussed and demonstrated to show the attractive computational environment of Mathcad
and compares the results for the biaxial column with the computer-aided software “SP Column”
[5].This program will also help to illustrate its importance as a teaching and learning tool for Civil
Engineering students.

1.1 Overview of Reinforced Concrete Column Design

Columns are vertical compression members, which transmit loads from the upper floors to
the lower levels and to the soil through the foundations. Based on the position of the load on the
cross section, columns are classified as concentrically loaded, Figure 1, or eccentrically loaded,
Figure 2.
Eccentrically loaded columns are subjected to moments, in addition to axial force. The
moments can be converted to a load P and eccentricity eX and eY. The moments can be uniaxial, as in
the case when two adjacent panels are not similarly loaded, such as columns A and B in Figure 3.A
column is considered as bi-axially loaded when the bending occurs about the X and Y axes, such as
in the case of corner column C in Figure 3.

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

Figure 1: Concentrically Loaded columns Figure 2: Eccentrically Loaded Column

Figure 3: Uniaxially and Biaxially Loaded column

The strength of reinforced concrete columns is determined using the following principles:

1. A linear strain distribution exists across the thickness of the column

2. There is no slippage between the concrete and the steel
3. The concrete strain at failure for strength calculations is set equal to 0.003mm/mm.
4. The tensile resistance of the concrete is negligible and disregarded.

The strength of reinforced concrete columns is usually expressed using interaction diagrams
to relate the design axial load to the design bending moment . Figure 4 explains the control
points for the column interaction curve ( .Each point on the curve represents one
combination of design axial load and design bending moment corresponding to a neutral-
axis location. The interaction diagram is separated into a tension control region and a compression
control region. The balanced condition occurs when the failure develops simultaneously in tension
(i.e., steel yielding) and in compression (concrete crushing).

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

Figure 4: Control Points for Colum Interaction Curve ( [6]

Figure 5 displays the interaction curve for the biaxial column. The strength of the biaxial column can be
analyzed by using Bresler’s Formula[7]( Equation-1) to check if the obtained values of and are larger
or equal to the values of respectively. [8-19] explained the design of reinforced concrete biaxial
column in detail.

Figure 5: Biaxial Column Interaction Diagram

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

II. MATHCAD PROGRAM FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

A Mathcad program is written to automate the manual design of reinforced concrete columns.The
program, which totally emulates the manual design procedure, consists of the following
computational steps for X-X and Y-Y axis (Figure 6):

Figure 6: Biaxial column cross section

STEP-1:
The first step consists of reading the following input data (Figure 7):
1. The number of steel layers NSL.
2. The area of steel in each layer ( , j = 1..., NSL).
3. The distance between each layer and the top column fiber ( , j = 1..., NSL).
4. The dimensions b and hof the column.
5. The yield strength of steel fy, the concrete compressive strength f’c, and the steel modulus of elasticity
Es.
6. The factored load Pu and bending moment Mu.
7. If the factored bending moment Mu is less than the minimum bending moment Mmin, Mu is set equal to
Mmin. The minimum bending moment Mmin is computed using the following equation:
(2)

Figure 7: Reinforced concrete column strains and stresses

STEP-2:
In the second step, the plastic centroid Yp, the reinforcement ratio , and the parameter are computed. The
plastic centroid of the column cross section is computed using the following equation:

The reinforcement ratio is determined using the following equation:

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

Finally, the parameter is computed using the following equation:

(5)

STEP-3:
The iterative procedure starts by selecting the first position of the neutral axis Xi (Xi = i + d1, with i = 0).
Then, the parameter (depth of the compression block) is computed using the following equation:
(6)
STEP-4:
The strain in each reinforcing steel bar is determined by the linear strain distribution to ensure the strain
compatibility (Figure 7). The strain is computed using the following equation:
(7)
On the other hand, the stresses in each reinforcing steel bar is obtained using the expression:
(8)
where has to be less than or equal to the yield strength of steel fy.

Using the equilibrium of the internal forces and moments, the design axial load and the design bending
moment are, respectively, computed using the following equations:

The load eccentricity is computed using the following expression:

The values of and represent a point on the interaction diagram ( ).

STEP-5:
The number of iterations (i)is incremented by 1. Then, STEP 3 through STEP 5 are repeated until the value of
(i) reaches the value of h.

STEP-6:
At the end of the computation process, the design bending moment is set equal to zero (last point in
diagram)while the design axial loads and (located on the horizontal plateau of
diagram) are set equal to the following expression:

The values of and correspond to the design axial load of concentrically loaded columns (i.e., en
=0 and = 0)

At this stage, the interaction diagram is fully determined.

Step 7 through 9 are concerned with the manual design reinforced concrete biaxial columns. In other words, the
remaining computational steps deal with checking the strength adequacy of reinforced concrete columns.

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

STEP-7:
The eccentricity of the factored load Pu is computed using the following equation:

STEP-8:
MathCad Steps:
Draw a line that cuts the diagram in order to check the column strength.
Z=0…..2

First point determined by (F0, m 0)

Second point determined by (F1, m 1)
Third point determined by (F2, m2)

The required column strength is represented by the second point (F1, m1). The second point has to be inside or
on the diagram for the column to be safe.

STEP-9:
Another method for checking column strength. The method determines and which corresponds to the
closest to the ultimate load eccentricity
MathCad Steps:

Sort (e) Sort load eccentricities ei

eu = 0.16

t(e, eu):= Find the closet ei to eu

t(e, eu)= Value

Value of which corresponds to evalue
Value of which corresponds to evalue

The axial load and the bending moment , which corresponds to the ultimate load eccentricity ,
are first determined

STEP-10:
Repeat steps 1 through 9to determine the values and , which corresponded to the ultimate load
eccentricity
STEP-11:
The strength of the column is adequate if the obtained values satisfies the Bresler formula;

The obtained design values Pc should be higher than the factored values Pu. The strength of the column is
adequate if the point defined by Pu and Mu is inside, or on the interaction diagram ( . The strength
of the column is not adequate if the point is outside the curve The closet is the point to the curve
, the more economical is the design.

III. TRADITIONAL VERSUS MATHCAD ENHANCED INSTRUCTION

Traditional teaching methods usually involves the time-consuming task of the instructor writing
detailed problem solutions on the board while students hurriedly copy the solutions into their notebooks. The
learning process in the classroom is often suspended while the teacher and the students occupy themselves with
transcribing information. This traditional classroom activity can discourage critical thinking and deprives both
the students and the teachers of engaging exchanges with each other about the subject.

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

A Mathcad enhanced teaching method can be successfully integrated into a concrete design course.
Steps 1 to 11 shows the complete Mathcad program developed for the design of reinforced concrete Bi-axial
column.
The program is projected directly from the instructor's computer onto a large screen in an appropriately
equipped classroom. In the program, different formatting, including various fonts, colors, patterns, and borders
are used. The readability of the text exceeds what instructors can produce by hand on the classroom board. The
equations look the same as they are written on a blackboard or in a reference book. To free student attention
from transcription, students are given a hard copy for taking additional notes. An electronic copy of the Mathcad
program is also made available for the student to review and practice later.
The photograph, which is shown in Figure 8, was easily digitized and imported into the program.
Photographs and images are rich sources of visual information that can be shared among teachers and students.
Images from the field or laboratory bring glimpses of the engineering world into the classroom where they can
be shared quite easily. Existing photos and slides can be digitized using slide and film scanning processes.
Digital photographs can be taken with digital cameras and downloaded directly to the computer without the use
of film.

Figure 8: Program drawings and photographs [20]

The interaction diagram , which is shown in Figure 5, was easily produced by the program
like spreadsheets, as soon as a change is made in the input data, the results are updated, and the interaction
diagram is redrawn. Other types of charts, such as pie and histogram charts, can also be easily generated. As
was mentioned previously, interaction diagrams play an important role in the manual design of reinforced
concrete columns. The Mathcad program allows for the determination of an optimum design simply by
changing the input data and observing the changes in the interaction diagram.
There are several benefits of a Mathcad enhanced approach to teaching. The time saved from tedious
transcription free student and teacher for the discussion of concepts, and exploration of alternate problem
scenarios, observation of trends, and expansion of the discussion to related topics. Outside the classroom, the
instructor uses the same program to quickly generate test questions and solution keys. Trial and error solutions
are cycled through rapidly. The student can review the classroom material by changing input variables and
observing results. Homework assignments can be developed to encourage students to use the program. Making
the program available to students, encourages them to learn by exploring on their own. Visual changes of the
interaction diagram give students a good control of the design. The time spent using the program to explore
problem scenarios posted by the instructor, can lead students to a better understanding of the concepts involved
in the problems. Students can learn to write Mathcad programs using their own way of problem solving.

II. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE

The manual design example of the biaxial column is demonstrated using the Mathcad program and the
results were later compared with the computer software SP column. Selectthe most economical biaxial column
section(400x 800) mm, (450 x 600) mm and (400 x 700) mm using the Mathcad program from the given
ultimate load values and compare the results with the SP column.
Input Data:
Axial load = = 4000 kN Area of Steel = = =3619.1 mm2
Moment is X-direction = = 320 kN-m. Moment is Y-direction = = 160 kN-m.
Compressive strength of concrete = = 30MPa Steel yield strength = = 400 MPa
Cover to Rebar = = 80 mm Compression Control Failure = =0.7

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

Solution:
For the section 400mm x 800mm, the interaction diagram which is shown in Figure 9 demonstrates the section
as uneconomical since both points are well inside the curve. The value of Pc obtained is 5000 kN
which is much greater than the Pu= 4000 kN and it comes out to be an overdesigned section.

BIAXIAL INTERACTION DIAGRAM

6000

5400

4800

4200
AXIAL LOAD ( kN )

3600

3000

2400

1800

1200

600

0
0 90 180 270 360 450 540 630 720 810 900

M OM ENT ( kN - m )
Figure 9: Interaction diagram for section (400x800) mm

The Mathcad program can be used easily to improve the first design trial either by reducing the coulmn
cross section or by reducing the area of steel. For the second trial section, (450 mm x 600 mm), the interaction
diagram is shown in Figure 10.
BIAXIAL INTERACTION DIAGRAM
6000

5400

4800

4200
AXIAL LOAD ( kN )

3600

3000

2400

1800

1200

600

0
0 70 140 210 280 350 420 490 560 630 700

M OM ENT ( kN - m )

Figure 10: Interaction diagram for section (450x600) mm

The capacity of the section for this cross section is not adequate as the value of Pc= 3971 kN is lower than the
Pu= 4000 kN.

Therefore, the selected cross section dimensions are not acceptable and section dimensions are revised to be 400
mm x 700 mm. This section gives an optimum design as the value of Pc obtained is 4284 and the interaction
points obtained are quite closer to the curve (Figure 11).

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

BIAXIAL INTERACTION DIAGRAM

6000

5400

4800

4200

AXIAL LOAD ( kN )
3600

3000

2400

1800

1200

600

0
0 90 180 270 360 450 540 630 720 810 900

M OM ENT ( kN - m )

Figure 11: Interaction diagram for section (450x600) mm

The results obtained using Macthcad program were also compared with the Computer Software “SP Column”.
The comparison table illustrated in Table 1 really shows that the Mathcad results obtained are quite closer to the
ones obtained from the software. Both the programs justifies the 400 mm x 700mm section as the most
economical biaxial reinforced column section for the given loads. The results obtained are also depicted in the
bar chart shown in Figure 12.

Table 1: Comparison Table between three selected biaxial column sections

Computer Software “SP
Section Mathcad
No. Column Remarks
(mm x mm) Pc (kN)
Pc(kN)
1 400 x 800 5000 5316 Pc >> Pu over design
2 450 x 600 3971 3740 Pc <Pu Not adequate
3 400 x 700 4284 4228 Pc > Pu

Figure 12: Axial load capacity comparison for selected column cross sections

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 Mathcad: Teaching and Learning Tool for Biaxial Reinforced Column Design

IV. CONCLUSION
Mathcad contains tools which can enhance and supplement traditional methods of teaching and
learning. The versatility, accessibility, and ease of use make Mathcad a platform for creating learning modules
for technically based courses. Mathcad contains the capabilities for traditional classroom computation, but at
more accuracy, reliability, and presentation quality. In addition, its speed at repetitive tasks, and its
programmability, make new learning strategies possible. Mathcad programs take time for an instructor to
develop, but with many benefits in return. By freeing the instructor and student from tedious computation and
transcription, Mathcad programs create opportunities for meaningful understanding of technical material.
However, a well-designed Mathcad program can engage both student and teacher, inviting their exploration and
discovery of the subject, drawing them deeper into the secrets that it holds.
The design of biaxial reinforced concrete column can be done quite easily on Mathcad once the input
file is ready and that file can be used for any section to design a biaxial column. An example for the biaxial
column using Mathcad was also performed and the results were compared with the computer software “SP
Column” and it shows a good agreement between the results obtained from the Mathcad to the ones obtained
from the software.

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