Technical FAQ's

Get answers to the mostly asked technical questions

Technical FAQs

It selects them by either identifying the load combination that requires the maximum steel ratio or by finding the combination with the highest interaction value (if an interaction check is applicable).
No. The governing load combinations are selected after the design is completed. It should be noted that Strsof designs for all load combinations for each support joint entered in the ‘Support Reactions’ input sheet.
This is a unique feature of all StrSof software and templates. All values are calculated in the background within the software, and the results are then presented as numbers in the design report.
The figures referenced by formulas mostly change based on the resulting scenario or outcome of the calculations.

Yes, it is preferable to include all costs associated with the reinforcing bars in the steel price. This ensures that the software can determine the most cost-effective member size based on accurate material rates.

In this case, it is prudent to use the default values. If the default values are expected to be significantly inaccurate, it is advised to disregard the costs in the output.

The software begins with the minimum anchor diameter you provided and checks its adequacy for each load combination (LC). If the anchor is found to be inadequate for any LC, the diameter is increased. This process is repeated until the anchor size is adequate for all LCs. The final diameter is never less than the initial value provided by the user.

No, the maximum value the software can consider is 40%.

In the input, set the minimum anchor diameter to 24mm and the factor for minimum anchor spacing to 6.25 (i.e., 150/24).

In the input, set the minimum diameter for links/lateral ties to 10mm.
This customization is not available in the compiled version of the software that you have purchased. Please contact our technical support at support@strsof.com and provide a copy of the desired calculation format for further assistance.
This message indicates that the design code you selected in the input is not supported by the version of the software you are using. The list of supported design codes is available on the website, and it corresponds to what is included in your purchased license.

You will need to manually replace the distorted logo in the output sheets with the correctly proportioned one, ensuring it fits properly in the designated space.

The software does not display the exact range to prevent the dialog box from becoming too lengthy. However, the range is designed to accommodate even extreme values entered by the user. This restriction also helps new users avoid unintentional mistakes, particularly those related to unit conversions.

To view the newly created AutoCAD drawing, open the minimized AutoCAD application window and click on the first AutoCAD drawing that was created since the software started (located at the far left in the list).

The ‘BP0’ title is the default setting. For a more meaningful name (e.g., BP03A), enter it in the ‘Member Designation’ input box located in the ‘Proj Info’ worksheet of the software. This will reflect in the AutoCAD detail drawn.

Absolutely! To do this, open the StrSof Spread Footing software, enable macros, and follow the prompts using the ‘Default’ and ‘Next’ buttons. Use the default inputs for all fields except for the 11 highlighted in the images above. Here’s how you should fill in those fields:

  1. Enter any positive integer, such as 1.
  2. Enter any positive integer, such as 1.
  3. Only use this field if your footing includes top bars; otherwise, leave it blank. If your footing does have top bars, try values like -150, -200, -250 etc until you achieve the desired results in the AutoCAD DWG.

4 & 5. Enter the footing’s length and width in these fields.

  1. Enter the footing thickness here.
  2. If your footing has side face bars, input a value that is 1 mm less than the footing thickness; otherwise, leave it as the default.
  3. Enter the clear cover for the main bars.
  4. Select the bottom bar diameter for your footing from the list.
  5. Choose the minimum bar diameter used in your footing from the list.
  6. Input the larger of the bar spacing for your bottom bars in the 2 directions.

The coordinate axes displayed for the baseplate, pedestal, or footing in the AutoCAD DWG correspond to the axes selected by the user in the software’s ‘Axes’ input sheet. You should replace these axes with the locating grids for the member, aligned with the structure’s global axes, and adjust them laterally and/or vertically as needed.

The cost of a structural member, such as an RCC pedestal or spread footing, is primarily influenced by the costs of concrete, reinforcement bars, and formwork. Unless the design template or software accounts for the material rates of these components, achieving a cost-effective design is unlikely.

Unlike traditional “hit-and-trial” methods, StrSof software integrates the material rates for concrete, reinforcement bars, and formwork directly into the design process. This ensures the most economical member size is selected. The effectiveness of this approach is evident in the final output sheet, which lists all possible member sizes along with their costs.

StrSof software achieves cost-effective designs for members like RCC pedestals and pad footings through a systematic and efficient process.

The design begins with input parameters such as minimum dimensions and limiting aspect ratios. Using these inputs, the software generates numerous member sizes through exhaustive permutations of the member’s dimensions (three dimensions for footings and two for pedestals).

For each generated size, design checks are conducted based on the selected design code. A member is deemed successful only if it satisfies the design criteria under all load combinations at all support joints.

Finally, for all successful members, the software calculates costs by incorporating material rates for concrete, reinforcement bars, and formwork. The most cost-effective member size is identified as the one with the lowest calculated cost, ensuring both structural integrity and economic efficiency.

Once you have designed a structural member (such as a slab, baseplate, pedestal, or footing), the detailed calculations and design results will be available in the Excel file. The associated drawing is generated as a DXF file and saved in the Output folder. To locate it, open the Output folder, sort files by modified date, and open the most recent DXF file. Double-click the file to open it in a DXF viewer such as GstarCAD. Although the drawing may not be immediately visible, it exists within the file. To view it, type Z (Zoom), press Enter, then type A (All), and press Enter again. This will zoom the view to the full extents of the drawing, displaying the complete layout.

If you’re experiencing issues opening a DXF file in the AutoCAD viewer, there are several alternative applications you can use to view your drawing. Two reliable options include:

(i) GstarCAD Viewer: Download GstarCAD Viewer- https://en.dwgfastview.com/cloud/windows/

(ii) ZWCAD Viewer: Download ZWCAD Viewer – https://zwcad-viewer.en.softonic.com/?ex=RAMP-3507.2&rex=true#google_vignette

These tools support DXF formats and can serve as effective alternatives for reviewing CAD drawings when AutoCAD Viewer is not functioning as expected.

After downloading the file from the website, please follow these steps to resolve the issue:

  1. Locate the downloaded file, right-click on it, and select “Extract All”.
  2. Choose your preferred location and click “Extract” to unzip the file.
  3. Once extracted, right-click on the unzipped file and select “Properties”.
  4. In the General tab, if you see a message stating the file is blocked, check the box next to “Unblock”, then click “Apply” and “OK”.

Your file should now be ready for use.

To resolve this issue and enable macros in your Excel file, please follow these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Excel (do not open the file yet).
  2. Click on File > Options.
  3. In the Excel Options window, select Trust Center from the left-hand menu, then click on Trust Centre Settings.
  4. Go to the Macro Settings section and select “Enable VBA macros” (Note: enabling all macros can pose security risks, so only do this for trusted files).
  5. Next, navigate to the Trusted Locations tab.
  6. Click “Add new location…” and browse to the folder where the Excel file is saved.
  7. Select the folder and click OK to add it as a trusted location.

Once completed, reopen your Excel file from the newly added trusted folder. The macros should now run without any security warning