Fespa Is Intoductory Example

The RC expert software
for the analysis and design of earthquake

resistant structures
Introductory Example
Fespa IS
Fespa Introductory Example
Concrete building
A step by step example
Version 1.1.27
Athens, July 2014
2 Fespa IS Introductory example
1 Introduction............................................................... 4
1.1 The user interface ......................................................................... 4
1.2 Components of the structural model............................................. 5
1.3 Steps to be followed ..................................................................... 6
1.4 The structure of the example ........................................................ 7
1.5 Entities: commands and properties .............................................. 8
2 General properties.................................................... 9
2.1 Structures design material ........................................................... 9
2.2 Seismic zone and ground type ................................................... 10
2.3 Behaviour factor .......................................................................... 11
3 Describe elements of floor 0 ................................. 13

3.1 Guide lines and snap points ....................................................... 14
3.2 Slab description .......................................................................... 15
3.3 Add columns ............................................................................... 15
3.4 Add nodes ................................................................................... 17
3.5 Add beams .................................................................................. 18
3.6 Insert grid lines ........................................................................... 19
3.7 Overview of 0 floor ...................................................................... 23
4 Generate floors ....................................................... 25
5 The loading model .................................................. 29
6 Generate footings ................................................... 33

6.1 Generate combinations of actions .............................................. 35
6.2 Quick preview of the model in 3DV and 3D ................................ 35
7 Data tables in Fespa ............................................... 38
8 Analysis and design of the building ..................... 40

8.1 Errors .......................................................................................... 41
8.2 Torsional rigidity overview for each floor .................................... 43
9 3DV .......................................................................... 44
Fespa IS Introductory example 3
9.1 Deformations/Mode shapes ........................................................ 44

9.2 Diagrams of action effects (shear/axial forces, bending moments)45
9.3 Loading diagrams ....................................................................... 46
10 Reinforcement adjustments .................................. 48
11 Reinforcement details ............................................ 51

11.1 Column details ............................................................................ 52
11.2 Beam elevation ........................................................................... 52
12 Report ...................................................................... 56
13 Plotting .................................................................... 67
13.1 Print/plot Setup ........................................................................... 67
13.2 Pens ............................................................................................ 68
13.3 Paper space ................................................................................ 70
13.4 Paper properties ......................................................................... 71
13.5 Editing layout and plotting........................................................... 72
1
Introduction
In this example, it is described how to design a simple R/C building with Fespa.
The following steps, from describing the buildings geometry to editing the final
report, are analytically presented.
1.1 The user interface
Image 1.1: The main screen of the program, with properties window and
commands set activated
The main screen of Fespa consists of the:

Menu bar
Information bar
Toolbars
In the toolbars, the entity (e.g. beam, slab, text, line etc) is selected. The toolbars
of Fespa are:
The Basic toolbar
The Structural toolbar
The toolbar of Auxiliary tools
Commands bar
The commands (e.g. Add, Erase, Move) of the corresponding entity appear in
that bar. The commands bar, of the selected entity, pops up by clicking [F5].
Properties window
The properties (e.g. cross-section type of column, thickness of slab, etc.) of each
entity are defined. The properties window, of the selected entity, pops up by
clicking [F6].
Prompt bar
Information on program status and continuous help is given when a command is
in progress.
1.2 Components of the structural model

Slabs
Linear members (beams, columns, rigid offsets, rigid girders, beams to
simulate foundation)
Nodes
Restraints
Loads
Material type
1.3 Steps to be followed

1.4 The structure of the example

The structure of the example is the one displayed in Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2.
There will be two concrete floors. Footings will be used for the foundation.
Figure 1.1: The first floor of the building.
Figure 1.2: The second floor of the building.

1.5 Entities: commands and properties

In Fespa the structural model is composed by entities (such as slabs, beams, free
nodes, slab rebars, lines etc.). Each entity has its own group of Properties and
Commands.
Commands
In Fespa, commands are used for inserting and editing entities. For example, if
the selected entity is a slab, the available commands are Add, Erase, Edit
name, Move vertex etc.
All commands of Fespa are applied with the sequence Command Entity,
which means that the user first applies the command and then selects the entity
that will follow the specific command.
The commands bar pops up by clicking the [F5] key.
Properties
Properties are the characteristics of the entities. E.g. for a slab some properties
are the Slab type, Thickness, Variable loads, Concrete grade etc.
By using the commands Get properties and Apply properties the
properties of every entity can be checked or modified
The properties window pops up by clicking the [F6] key.
2
General Properties
Image 2.1: The Building entity, on the Structural toolbar.
The general properties of the building (standards, seismic zone, material strength
class, ground type, etc.) have default values. In order to check or change those
values, select the Building entity, of the Structural toolbar, and press the
[F6] key for the properties window to pop up.
2.1 Structures design material
Image 2.2: The tab General of the Building properties window.
For the current example define the following properties in the tab General:
Structures main material: Concrete
2.2 Seismic zone and ground type
The maximum ground acceleration is automatically calculated by selecting the

preferable seismic zone in the tab Spectrum of the buildings properties
window.
The selected Type of soil, in the tab Spectrum, affects the spectrum and
specifically the characteristic period T C which defines the limits of constant
spectral acceleration.
Seismic zone: 1
Type of soil: I
Image 2.4: The tab Spectrum of the Building properties window.

2.3 Behaviour factor
The estimation of the behaviour factor depends on a series of properties.
Image 2.6: The tab Behaviour factor of the Building properties

window.
In the tab Behaviour factor, the designer defines the building system in the two
main orthogonal directions X, Z and the program automatically sets the
corresponding value of the response reduction factor Rx and Rz according to the
Standards (IS1893, Table 7).
Building system X: Ductile shear wall with SMRF
Building system Z: Ductile shear wall with SMRF
The right choice of the response reduction factor, R, and therefore for the type of
the building system, can be checked during the analysis in the General Results
window.
Image 2.7: The right choice for the type of the building system, can be
checked during the analysis in the General Results window.
Remark
After the analysis is finished select Analysis and design on the Structural
toolbar and click on the command Requirement for capacity check, checks of
torsional rigidity and regularity, and the General Results window will pop up
again.
But first go on with inserting the geometry of the building.

3
Describe elements of floor 0
Figure 3.1: Structural plan of floor 0.

3.1 Guide lines and snap points
Image 3.1: The Guide tool, on the Basic toolbar.
The Guide tool enables the accurate description of the buildings geometry.
The fixed vertices of columns, the vertices of slabs and the centers of nodes
automatically snap to the intersections of guide lines. Each snap point of the
guide is marked with an x.
By clicking on the Guide tool of the Basic toolbar, the commands set is
displayed.
Click on the X guide line command. Type 0 and press [Enter]. In that way
the guide line X=0 appears. Then type 6 and press [Enter], 7.5 [Enter].
After inserting the vertical guide lines, click on the Z guide line command and
repeat the previous steps for the lines Z=0 and Z=5.5.
Figure 3.2: Guide lines.
Finally, select the Hide guide lines command, in order for the guide snaps to
be created and the guide lines to be hidden.
3.2 Slab description
Image 3.2: The Slab entity, on the Structural toolbar.
To describe the geometry of slabs, select the Slab entity of the Structural
toolbar.
Select the Add successively command. The guide snaps help to accurately
specify the four vertices of the slabs S1 and S2. The S1 slab can be created by
sequentially clicking the guide snap points that describe its outline until ending
up at the initial snap point. Repeat the same steps to insert the S2 slab.
Figure 3.3: Insert the slabs of floor 0 by using the guide snap points.
3.3 Add columns
Image 3.3: The Column entity, on the Structural toolbar.
Select the Column entity on the Structural toolbar to describe the geometry
of the floors columns. Before inserting a column, press the [F6] key for the
properties window to pop up. For the top-left column, C1, select the L1 cross-
section type.
Image 3.4: The tab Cross-section of the Column properties windows.
Use the command Add successively to specify where the columns will be
inserted, as shown in the following figure.
By clicking for the first time, the fixed vertex of the column is specified (snap
point) whereas by clicking for the second time the quadrant on which the column
will be inserted is specified.
Dont forget to check the guidance (?) on the prompt bar (see Image 1.1).
Figure 3.4: Inserting a column by specifying fixed vertex and quadrant.
For column C1 set the value of the property Column> Cross-section> Cross-
section type = L-section 1.
For columns C2, C3 and C4 set the value of the property Column> Cross-
section> Cross-section type = Rectangular.
In Figure 3.5 the four different ways of inserting a rectangular column are
demonstrated.
Figure 3.5: Different ways of inserting rectangular columns in Fespa.
3.4 Add nodes
Image 3.5: The Node entity, on the Structural toolbar.
In order to insert the necessary nodes, select the Node entity on the structural
toolbar. Nodes are needed in case there are beams crossing each other (and the
crossing point is not a column edge), cantilever ends (see Figure 4.2), points
where a beams load changes, points of concentrated load or columns supported
by beams. Nodes should always be inserted at the edges of shear walls.
Insert nodes on the wall C3 by using the command Shear wall nodes.
Figure 3.6: Add nodes at shear wall ends.

3.5 Add beams
Image 3.6: The Beam entity, on the Structural toolbar.
A beam, depending on its type can be a general member, a tie-beam, a

foundation beam, a basement wall, a footing simulation beam or a wall-like
deep foundation beam.
Depending on the cross-section type a beam can be rectangular, T-section,
inverted T-section or of a random section.
In addition, it can receive loads from slabs as well as being loaded with
permanent or variable uniform load.
Select the Beam entity on the Structural toolbar.
Before inserting a beam, open the properties window [F6] to select the desired
cross-section type (for example T section 25/50). The effective width (b eff ) is
automatically calculated when applying the Adjust beams to slabs command
of the Generate tool.
Image 3.7: The tab Cross-section of the Beam properties window

To insert a beam select the Add successive beams start to end node
command.
By clicking the first two times, the start and end points of the beam series are
specified. On the third click the side on which the beam series will be inserted is
specified (see Figure 3.7).
Figure 3.7: How to insert a beam using the Add successive beams start to
end node command of the Beam entity (smart addition).
That way, beam B1.1 is inserted. In the same way, beams B2, B3 and B4 (1
span) may be inserted as well.
3.6 Insert grid lines
Image 3.8: The Grid tool, on the Basic toolbar.
The grid tool creates a custom local structural grid. The grid created by this tool
is interactive so the user may edit its components after placing them using the
grid tool properties window.
Each grid is associated to the floor where it is placed. Being part of the model it
serves as an editable framework for placing multiple elements.
It also conveys to the structural (or architectural) entities their specific location
within the project.
To facilitate the insertion of the grid lines, add guide snap points at the proper
positions (X=0.125, X=5.875 and Z=0.125, Z=5.375).
Image 3.9: Insertion of guide lines to facilitate the insertion of grid lines.
By clicking on the Grid tool of the Basic toolbar, the relative commands set
appears.
A single or more grid lines (parallel to each other) may be inserted, by following
the next steps:
1. Click on the Add grid line command.
2. Type 1 and press [Ok].
3. Specify the first point of the grid line to be inserted.
4. Specify the end point of grid line to be inserted.
In that way the horizontal grid line 1 appears on screen. Then type 2, press
[Ok] and specify the start and end point to insert the horizontal grid line 2.
Image 3.10: Type the name of the horizontal grid lines in the text dialog box
of the Add grid line command.
After inserting the horizontal grid lines, click again on the Add grid line
command and repeat the previous steps for grid lines A, B and C.
Image 3.11: Type the name of the vertical grid lines, in the text dialog box of
the Add grid line command.
Image 3.12: The plan view after the insertion of the Structural grid.
Location according to grid

By using the command Apply location to entities of the Grid tool, the
location according to the inserted grid is applied to beams, columns and footings.
In order for the applied locations to appear on the plan view activate the
respective layer (Layers > Structural Names > Location according to grid)
Image 3.13: Select the option Layers at the toolbar of Auxiliary tools.
Remark
Before applying the command Apply location to entities of the Grid tool,
make sure that the option Automatic location from grid (Data table 201.1:
Dimensions of column cross-sections, Data table 401.1: Dimensions of beam
cross-sections and Data table 601: Dimensions of footings) is set to Yes.
Otherwise, location will not be applied to the relevant entities.
Image 3.14: The Data Table 201.1: Dimensions of column cross-sections

of Fespa.
See more about the use of Data tables in Fespa in Chapter 7.
Location is applied to entities which are intersected by the grid lines segment L
(see Figure 3.8)
Figure 3.8: Segment (L) and end segment (l) of a grid line, in plan view.
Figure 3.9: Location is applied only to entities which are intersected at the
grid lines segment L.
Image 3.15: Activate the option Layers> Structural-Names> Location

(according to grid), in the tab Structural - Names of the
Layers window, in order to see the location of entities
included in their names.
3.7 Overview of 0 floor

After having inserted the 0 floor of the building, take a look of the plan on the
screen.
Click on [], on the Auxiliary tools toolbar, and the computational model of
the structure will appear on screen.
It should be noted that rigid beams are used for the proper modeling of the wall.
Also, observe the rigid offsets in columns which are used for the proper
connection of beams with columns (Figure 3.10).
Select the 3D wired frame view (3DV) tool, on the Structural toolbar, and
see the rigid offsets, which are used for the proper connection of columns with
columns (Figure 6.3).
Figure 3.10: Structural plan of floor 0.

4
Generate floors
Figure 4.1: Generation of floor 1 from floor 0.
Image 4.1: The Generate tool, on the Structural toolbar.

By using the Generate tool, of the Structural toolbar, the following steps are
executed:
Generation of floors
Generation of foundation (footings/foundation beams/mat foundation)
Load transferring from slabs to the frames
Automatic calculation of beams effective width
Design of footings
Change of floors height
After having described the ground floor, generate the first floor by applying the
Generate floor command. Floor 0 will be used as typical floor for the
generation of the above floor (floor 1). In order for grid lines to be generated on
floor 1 the property Generate > Building > Generate grid must be set to Yes
(Image 4.2). Select the Generate floor command. Click OK on the Generate
floor window to generate an extra floor (floor 1).
If the property Generate grid is set to Yes, then the next time that a floor
will be generated the grid lines of the typical floor will be applied to all
generated floors.
Image 4.2: The tab Building of the Generate tool.
Add free nodes at the end of cantilever beams

Use the Add successively command of the Node entity to insert the
necessary nodes at the desired snap points. For the building of the example,
nodes are needed at the end of cantilever beams (as shown in Figure 4.2).
Figure 4.2: Add free nodes at the end of cantilever beams (floor 1).
Figure 4.3: Beam B5.1 is inserted by using the Add successive beams start
to end node command of the Beam entity (smart
addition).
Continuous beams should have continuous numbering, so edit the name of the
last inserted beam by using the command Edit name of the Beam entity.
Image 4.3: The Beam name window opens after applying the command
Edit name and selecting the beam name to be changed.
Figure 4.4: Beam B5.1 has been renamed B1.2.

That way, beams B1.1 and B1.2 are inserted. In the same way, beams B2 (2
spans), B3 and B4 (1 span) can be inserted as well.
Move node
In order to avoid additional stresses due to eccentricities, the nodes should be
moved in such a way so that they will end on the centroid beam axis. In order to
move the nodes, apply the command Move of the Node entity and use the
snaps in the middle of beams web (marked with a red rhomb).
5
The loading model
Loads on slabs
Use the commands Get/Apply loads of the Slab entity to edit the dead and
imposed loads on slabs of each floor.
For example, change the imposed load of cantilever slabs from 2.00 kN/m2 to
5.00 kN/m2, by following the next steps:
1. Select the Slab entity on the Structural toolbar.
2. Select the command Get loads.
3. Select slab S2 of floor 0 to get loads of. The properties window will
automatically pop up.
4. Set the value of the property Slab> Loads> Uniform variable loads =
5.00.
5. Select the command Apply loads and click on slab S2 of floor 0.
6. Repeat the previous steps for slab S2 of floor 1.
Image 5.1: The tab Loads of the Slab properties window.

Loads on beams
Use the commands Get/Apply loads of the Beam entity to edit the dead and
imposed loads on beams of each floor.
For example, change the dead load of beams of floor 1 from 9.00 kN/m to 1.00
kN/m, by following the next steps:
1. Select the Beam entity on the Structural toolbar.
3. Select one beam of floor 1 to get loads of. The properties window will
4. Set the value of the property Beam> Loads> qy = -1.00.
5. Select the command Apply loads and click on the selected beam of
floor 1.
Repeat the previous steps for the rest beams of floor 1.
Image 5.2: The tab Loads of the Beam properties window.
Remark
Loads on slabs that act on gravity direction are positive while the loads on beams
are signed according to global coordinate system (i.e. negative for gravity).
Wind loading
Use the commands Get/Apply loads of the Column entity to apply the wind
forces to the columns of each floor.
The wind pressures and forces on building are calculated according to IS 875-3.
The calculated wind load acting normal to each direction X, Z is divided by the
number of columns of each floor.
Remark
The value of the property Column> Loads> Apply all actions should be
set to Yes before applying the command Apply loads (or Apply
properties) to assign all actions (Permanent G, Imposed Q, , other
additional actions) of the tab Loads to the selected member.
The columns inserted vertically, with respect to the global coordinate system,
are loaded more easily in accordance with the global coordinate system
(Column> Loads> Coordinate system).
1. Select the Column entity on the Structural toolbar.

3. Select a column of floor 0 to get loads of. The properties window will
4. In the available list of the property Column> Load> Action, select
Wind +x.
5. Set the value of the property Fx = 5.37 kN.
Wind +z.
7. Set the value of the property Fz = -6.17 kN.
Wind -x.
9. Set the value of the property Fx = -5.37 kN.
Wind -z.
11. Set the value of the property Fz = 6.17 kN.
12. Select the command Apply loads and click on every column of floor 0.
The four actions (Wind +x, Wind +z, Wind x, Wind -z) will be assigned to each
one, of the selected members, with one click.
13. Repeat the previous steps for the columns of floor 1. Set the values of the
properties Column> Loads> Action> Wind +x, Wind +z, Wind x, Wind
z equal to Fx = 2.68 kN, Fz = -3.08 kN, Fx = -2.68 kN, Fz = 3.08 kN
respectively.
Image 5.3: The tab Loads of the Column properties window.

6
Generate footings
Choose the Generate footings command of the Generate tool and define the
floor from which footings will be produced (ground floor 0). Fespa generates
footings and tie beams at the level of foundation (floor -1).
Figure 6.1: Footings and tie beam automatically created, at floor -1.
Remark
If the property Generate > Tie beams > Generate tie beams is set to No,
then the next time that a footing foundation will be generated, the footings will
not be connected in between with tie beams.
Image 6.1: The tab Tie beams of the Generate tool.
Adjust the computational model

By using the command Automatic adjustment of spatial frame, of the
Generate tool, Fespa executes for each floor of the building the following:
Adjust beams to slabs
The effective width of beams is calculated
The loads are transferred from the slabs to the beams that support them
The continuity of the current floors slabs is detected.
Figure 6.2: Beam B4.1 supports slabs S1 and S2

As it is shown in Figure 6.2, certain lines have been created to imply which
beams support that slab. For instance, slab S2 is a cantilever, which is shown by
the line pointing to the beam B4.1.
Adjust beams to columns
Adjoin with columns web. This is rather helpful while changing
dimensions of columns or moving nodes.
In addition, the joint dimension h c , which is necessary for the design of beams, is
calculated.
Auto-integrate members
Foundation adjustment
Ensure vertical position of columns
6.1 Generate combinations of actions

Choose the Generate combinations of actions command in order to
automatically generate the loading action combinations, which are necessary at
the ultimate limit state and the serviceability limit state checks (IS1893 6.3.1.2,
IS456 36 Table 18). The generated combinations of actions can be found at the
Data Table 816 (Structural> Calculation> Data tables).
6.2 Quick preview of the model in 3DV and 3D

After having generated the footings, the combinations of actions and the
appropriate adjustments between beams and columns go to 3DV, on the
Structural toolbar, in order to check your model. A figure like the one in
Figure 6.3 is shown.
Figure 6.3: 3D wired frame view of the model with information for columns,
beams and nodes.
In order to display the information of the members and the information of the
nodes click on the commands Node Name or Member names and
dimensions and then choose the member or node of which the information you
want to display. More information of the 3DV functions are given in chapter 9
3DV.
Figure 6.4: 3D solid view of the building
A 3D solid view of the building, similar to the one displayed in Figure 6.4, is
also available by using the 3D solid view tool of the Structural toolbar. Press
the F6 key, and choose the preferable visual style (3D solid view> General>
Visual style = Best).
Image 6.2: The tab General of the 3D solid view properties window.
7
Data tables in Fespa
Image 7.1: The Data tables tool, on the Structural toolbar.
With the command Data tables of the Structural toolbar, the program
presents all the data of the spatial model in tables.
All properties concerning all groups and all floors can be checked and/or
modified (slabs, columns, free nodes, beams, supports etc.) before the analysis
and design of the building.
Image 7.2: The Data Table 202.1: Inertial characteristics of columns of

Fespa.
Group changes can be made in the values of properties using the Data Tables.
For example, the concrete cover (cnom) may be modified for all columns of the
building, by following the next steps:
1. Click on the Data Tables tool, on the Structural toolbar,
2. Select table 201.1: Dimensions of cross-sections,
3. Click on the header cnom [m] so as to select all column cells.

4. Enter the new value e.g. 0.035.
5. Repeat the procedure for all floors.
Image 7.3: The Data Table 20.1: Dimensions of column cross-sections of

Fespa.
8
Analysis & design of the
building
Image 8.1: The Analysis and design tool, on the Structural toolbar.
By using the commands found in the Analysis and design tool, of the main
toolbar the following actions are executed:
Slab analysis and dimensioning
Spatial frame analysis
Requirement for capacity check, torsional rigidity & regularity checks
Beam dimensioning
Column dimensioning
Use the Building analysis and design command to solve the slabs and then
the spatial frame. The analysis is completed by calculating the reinforcement of
beams and columns.
In the General results window, the user can find the following:
Base shear ratio & Building system classification
Stability index Q
Earthquake analysis (seismic weight/ mass, fundamental natural period, etc.)
Centre of mass, rigidity & eccentricity
Soft storey check
Deformation checks
Image 8.2: The General results window.
When the slab and spatial frame analysis is completed, the General checks in
structure window may be activated again by using the Requirement for
capacity check, torsional rigidity & regularity checks command.
8.1 Errors
In the Analysis results window the sequential steps of the analysis are
shown, as well as the possible errors that have been detected during the
calculation of the reinforcement. This window may appear or disappear by
clicking on Toolbars> Errors on the Menu bar (see Image 8.3).
Image 8.3: After the analysis of the building the Analysis results window
appears.
By double clicking on an error or warning, the member which does not satisfy
the checks is pointed out by turning into yellow or red, depending on the
background colour (see Image 8.4).
Image 8.4: Warning message with explanations based on the relevant

paragraph of the Standards and recommended ways of resolving
the specific error.
8.2 Torsional rigidity overview for each floor

By clicking on [S] on the Auxiliary tools toolbar, only the structural plan of
the structure is visible.
By clicking on [], the computational model of the structure appears and

disappears on the screen.
By clicking on [C], the center of the mass and the radius of gyration of the
current floor appear on screen. Additionally, the torsional rigidity criterion
(according to EC8-1) is shown. A building is considered as torsional rigid if at
each level and for each direction of analysis X and Y, the torsional radius r is in
accordance with the following condition: r x /l s 1.0.
Finally, the beams of the floor are colourised according to the load that they
bear.
Image 8.5: The center of the mass, the radius of gyration and the torsional
rigidity criterion appear when clicking on the [C] button
By clicking on the option Layers, of the Auxiliary tools, each layer can be
activated or deactivated, whenever the user wants everything that a layer
contains to be visible or not, to be saved, to be printed, to appear at the 3D view
or not.
9
3DV
Image 9.1: The 3D wired frame view (3DV) tool, on the Structural
toolbar.
To check the accuracy of the model, choose the 3D wired frame view tool.
The building can be rotated using the buttons [] [] [] [] of the keyboard.
In the 3DV window one can control:
Buildings displacements for each shape mode
The diagrams of action effects of all the buildings members
The loading diagrams of the building
9.1 Deformations/Mode shapes

By using the command Deformations the buildings deformations are
presented.
In the window that opens choose Load case> Mode shape and select []
(Play) in order to watch the buildings animation for every mode shape.
Image 9.2: The deformations in 3DV.
9.2 Diagrams of action effects (shear/axial

forces, bending moments)
Image 9.3: Diagrams of action effects in 3DV.

By clicking on the Diagrams command the control panel of Diagrams pops

up. This command is used for selecting the part of the spatial frame for which the
diagrams of the applied loadings or the diagrams of action effects will be
displayed.
From the control panel of Diagrams the loading and type of diagram (action
effects or loading) is selected separately for beams and columns.
1. Set the Load case to 1.50DL+1.50IL.
2. Set the Action effects of beams to Bending moments Mz (3).
3. Click on the Add diagrams to area command (on the Diagrams
control panel). With the selection window select the members for which
the diagrams will be displayed.
Remark
To exclude members from a selected area use the Remove diagrams from area
command (on the Diagrams control panel)
To exit the 3D wire frame view (3DV, and return to the plan view, click on the
[x] button.
9.3 Loading diagrams

In order to display on the 3D wire frame the diagrams (for columns and beams)
of concentrated or distributed loads acting on the frame:
1. Set the Action effects of beams to Loading diagrams.
2. Set the Load case to IL (Imposed Loads).
3. Click on the Add diagrams to area command.
Image 9.4: Loading diagrams in 3DV.

10
Reinforcement adjustments
All the necessary tools for editing the structural plan are available in Fespa.
There are commands for moving the beam and column names as well as moving
main slab bars and additional beam bars.
With the command Move name, of the Column and Beam entities, their
name, including the reinforcement info, can be moved.
Image 10.1: The Move name command of the Column entity (floors 0,
1).
Image 10.2: The Move name command of the Beam entity.
Image 10.3: The Move name of column footprint command of the

Column entity (floor -1).
Image 10.4: The Slab rebar and Beam rebar entities, on the
Structural toolbar.
By using the Move command, any slab bar can be selected and moved (see
Image 10.5).
Image 10.5: The use of the Move command of the Slab rebar entity.
In the Basic toolbar, there are also commands for adding text, dimensions,
auxiliary lines, etc in order for the structural plan to be optimized.
Image 10.6: The 2D draw tools, on the Basic toolbar.

11
Reinforcement details
Image 11.1: The Reinforcement details tool, on the Structural toolbar.
By clicking on the Reinforcement details tool, at the Structural toolbar, the

commands Column details, Beam elevation and Beam elevations of current
floor are available.
Image 11.2: The Reinforcement details properties window.

11.1 Column details

By using the Column details command, a new file is created. This file includes
the column sections of each floor with their reinforcement (longitudinal bars and
stirrups) (see Image 11.3).
Image 11.3: The details of columns are automatically created when applying
the Column details command of the Reinforcement details
tool.
Image 11.4: There are available tools, at the Structural toolbar, so that
the user can edit sections and their reinforcements.
11.2 Beam elevation

Having activated the Beam elevation command, click on a specific beam. A
new file is created, containing the longitudinal section of the beam and its
reinforcement (see Image 11.5).
Image 11.5: The beam elevations are automatically created when applying
the command Beam elevation of the Reinforcement details
tool.
When applying the Beam elevations of current floor command, Fespa creates a
file (in a new window) that includes the longitudinal sections of all beams of the
current floor with all reinforcements in detail.
The horizontal and the vertical distance between them is controlled by the
properties Reinforcement details> Beams> Horizontal/ Vertical distance
between elevations.
Image 11.6: The beam elevations of the current floor are automatically
created when applying the command Beam elevations of
current floor of the Reinforcement details tool.
Figure 11.1: Horizontal and vertical distance between beam elevations of

current floor.
In the window of beam elevation, reinforcement details can be edited, by using

the relative commands of the Rebar in beam elevation entity.
Image 11.7: The Rebar in beam elevations entity, on the Structural

toolbar.
12
Report
To see the results of the analysis select the Building entity or the Analysis
and design tool on the Structural toolbar.
By clicking on the command Report the report of the analysis can be viewed
and plotted.
All the results of the buildings analysis and reinforcements can be found in the
report.
Image 12.2: The user interface of the module Report.
On the Report window, apply the command Load all files in order for the
program to read all the analysis results from the disk. Choose the results for
specific floors and members by using the option Table of contents.
Filter sets
By selecting the option Filters, at the Options menu, the sections of the
report that will be printed or left out are defined.
The user can choose between the following filter sets in the Report:
1. Brief version
2. Normal version
3. Extended version
4. Quantities estimate
Image 12.3: Select the preferable filter set.
Detailed design results in the Report

Detailed design results will be displayed in the Report, for selected members,
just by right-clicking on them (see Image 12.4).
Image 12.4: Detailed results of members at the table of contents of the

Report.
The user may select the members (beams, columns and footings) for which
detailed design results will be displayed in the Report by setting the proper
value to the property Detailed design results of the tabs Column> Structural,
Beam > Structural and Footing> Concrete.
Image 12.5: The tab Structural of the Column properties window.

Image 12.6: The tab Structural of the Beam properties window.
Image 12.7: The tab Concrete of the Footing properties window.

Figure 12.1: Detailed design results for column 2 in the Report.

Figure 12.2: Detailed design results for footing 2 in the Report.

Analysis results in the Report
Figure 12.3: Earthquake analysis results in the Report.
Print
Use the command Print to print the selected parts of the report using the
installed printer at your computer.
Image 12.8: Select printer (e.g. a virtual PDF printer) and printing method
by applying the command File> Print.
Image 12.9: Save the Report as a *.pdf file.

Image 12.10: The Report saved as a *.pdf file and opened with a pdf reader
software.
Image 12.11: Save the Report as an *.rtf file using the command File >
Save as of the Adobe Acrobat Pro software.
Image 12.12: The Report saved as an *.rtf file and opened with Microsoft
Word.
13
Plotting
13.1 Print/plot Setup

In order to plot a drawing, Fespa uses the device driver of windows (via GDI),
which is the most common way of plotting nowadays.
Click on Print setup at the File menu. At the displayed window define the
desired printer/plotter as well as the paper and its orientation. For the current
example you may choose Adobe PDF printer and A3 paper size with landscape
orientation.
Image 13.1: The Print setup window.

13.2 Pens
Each entity has been assigned to one (or more) pens by default that can be
changed using the tools of the Basic toolbar, Display pen colors and Pen
settings, as shown in Image 13.2.
Image 13.2: The Pen settings and Display pen colors tools, on the
Basic toolbar.
Pen settings
By clicking on the Pen settings command, the pen properties (screen color,
thickness) that have been assigned to the entities are presented as shown in
Image 13.3.
Image 13.3: The Pen settings window.

Pen colors
When the Display pen colors tool is activated, one can observe the pen
assignments for each entity in plan view, as shown in Image 13.4.
Image 13.4: The plot style properties (screen color, thickness) of each
entitys pen is shown on the screen by using the tool Display
Pen colours.
In order to edit pens globally in the project:

Click on the Edit tool and then use the + Color command to pick a
color from the drawing in order to change its pen.
Click on the Edit> Color/Pen tab ([F6]), as shown in Image 13.5, and
define the correspondence between the specific color and its pen.
Click on the Pen settings command of the Edit tool to apply the
aforementioned changes.
Image 13.5: Global editing of pens by using the Pen settings command of
the Edit tool.
13.3 Paper space

By clicking on the View to paper command, on the Basic toolbar, (see
Image 12.6).
Image 13.6 The View to paper command of the Basic toolbar.
Fespa switches from the work space to Paper space, as shown in Image 12.7,
and the current floor is placed in it while the Plot toolbar becomes active for
further editing of the layout (See 12.5).
Image 13.7: The Paper space and the Plot toolbar.
13.4 Paper properties

Once in Fespa paper space, by clicking on [F6], the Paper properties window
appears on screen where you can set the desired plotting settings, such as scale,
plot style, device driver, as shown in Image 12.8.
Image 13.8: The Paper properties window.

The current example, for instance, is to be plotted in scale 1:50, in black and
white (monochrome printing).
13.5 Editing layout and plotting

In order to customize further your layout you may use the commands of the
Plot toolbar (add drawing, add image, add title block, add border, move,
rotate, scale, align).
Image 13.9 The commands of the Plot toolbar.
In the current example, lets assume that you need to add to your layout a
drawing sheet with standard labels and notes. This can be done as follows:
Add border
Click on the Add border command.
The dialog window Select building and floor for placement will appear on
the screen. Select the desired *.tek file from your project directory folder and
click on Open. Make sure you select the right floor of the drawing sheet to be
inserted, as shown in Image 12.10.
Image 13.10 The Select Building and Floor for Placement window.
Once the above procedure is completed your layout is ready to be plotted (Image
12.11).
Image 13.11 The final layout to be plotted.
Plot
Click on the Plot command. Alternatively select File> Plot from the File
drop down menu
Your PDF file has been successfully created, as shown in Image 12.12.
Image 13.12 The PDF layout created.

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Fespa Is Intoductory Example

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The RC expert software

for the analysis and design of earthquake

A step by step example

3 Describe elements of floor 0 ................................. 13

4 Generate floors ....................................................... 25

5 The loading model .................................................. 29

6 Generate footings ................................................... 33

7 Data tables in Fespa ............................................... 38

8 Analysis and design of the building ..................... 40

9.1 Deformations/Mode shapes ........................................................ 44

10 Reinforcement adjustments .................................. 48

11 Reinforcement details ............................................ 51

1.1 The user interface

The main screen of Fespa consists of the:

1.2 Components of the structural model

1.3 Steps to be followed

1.4 The structure of the example

Figure 1.1: The first floor of the building.

Figure 1.2: The second floor of the building.

1.5 Entities: commands and properties

Image 2.1: The Building entity, on the Structural toolbar.

2.1 Structures design material

Image 2.2: The tab General of the Building properties window.

2.2 Seismic zone and ground type

Image 2.3: The Building entity, on the Structural toolbar.

The maximum ground acceleration is automatically calculated by selecting the

Image 2.4: The tab Spectrum of the Building properties window.

2.3 Behaviour factor

Image 2.5: The Building entity, on the Structural toolbar.

The estimation of the behaviour factor depends on a series of properties.

Image 2.6: The tab Behaviour factor of the Building properties

But first go on with inserting the geometry of the building.

Figure 3.1: Structural plan of floor 0.

3.1 Guide lines and snap points

Image 3.1: The Guide tool, on the Basic toolbar.

Figure 3.2: Guide lines.

3.2 Slab description

Image 3.2: The Slab entity, on the Structural toolbar.

3.3 Add columns

Image 3.3: The Column entity, on the Structural toolbar.

Image 3.4: The tab Cross-section of the Column properties windows.

Figure 3.4: Inserting a column by specifying fixed vertex and quadrant.

Figure 3.5: Different ways of inserting rectangular columns in Fespa.

3.4 Add nodes

Image 3.5: The Node entity, on the Structural toolbar.

Figure 3.6: Add nodes at shear wall ends.

3.5 Add beams

Image 3.6: The Beam entity, on the Structural toolbar.

A beam, depending on its type can be a general member, a tie-beam, a

Image 3.7: The tab Cross-section of the Beam properties window

3.6 Insert grid lines

Image 3.8: The Grid tool, on the Basic toolbar.

Location according to grid

Image 3.14: The Data Table 201.1: Dimensions of column cross-sections

See more about the use of Data tables in Fespa in Chapter 7.

Image 3.15: Activate the option Layers> Structural-Names> Location

3.7 Overview of 0 floor

Figure 3.10: Structural plan of floor 0.

Figure 4.1: Generation of floor 1 from floor 0.

Image 4.1: The Generate tool, on the Structural toolbar.

Image 4.2: The tab Building of the Generate tool.

Add free nodes at the end of cantilever beams

Figure 4.4: Beam B5.1 has been renamed B1.2.