Product Overview

ColumnBase is integrated software for analysis and design of column-base connections using three-dimensional finite element modeling.

 

Why Use ColumnBase Software?

Accurate Design of Base Plate Connections
Design of Base Plate And Anchor Rods for Biaxial Moments
Design of Base Plates For Unlimited Anchor Bolts In Number and Arrangement
Design of Base Plates For Various Arrangement of Stiffeners
Automatic Check/Design of Column-Base Connection According to AISC, ACI & ...
Automatic Check Design of Concrete Footing and even Grout! According to AISC, ACI & ...
 Advanced Reporting for Modeling, Analysis Results and Design Results In the XPS and PDF formats

 

Since 1950, many laboratory studies have been done and many theories have been proposed in order to study the behavior of these connections. Researchers have tried to find an applicable solution for engineer designers by applying simplified hypotheses. The results of these studies have been reflected in designing handbooks and instructions. These principles, inevitably, impose some hypotheses and constraints (rigidity of column-base and anchors, strain compatibility, and other assumptions) to analyses that are far from reality. Most of these designing principles have not been tested in the laboratory and are based on analytical methods, few experimental data, and engineering judgments. Indeed, simplified hypotheses that are employed in the column-base designation are far different from the real behavior of these connections, and cannot respond to diverse problems that designers confront with.

 


ColumnBase software has been invented to solve these problems in structural engineering. This software provides a three dimensional model of connection parts (including foundation, grout, column, base plate, stiffeners, etc.) for finite element analysis, and by applying contact modeling analysis to connection parts in simultaneous loading cases, analyzes connection model and finally applies its results according to designing handbooks and standards. Outputs of this software have been proved by the most reliable laboratory experiments, and its accuracy is incomparable.

 

Overview on Features

Visual and User-friendly Interface
The user-friendly interface has been performed for modeling, analysis, and design of column-base connection.

ColumnBase - 3D FE software for analysis and design of stiffened base plates

 

 

Easy & Fast Model Initialization
New model initialization with custom units and several available templates and predefined databases has been performed.

New Model Initialization

 

Custom Units
Several unit systems are available; Metric SI, Metric MKS, I.R. and U.S. Imperial units. Also set of each component unit has been performed. By changing the units, all inputs and results will be updated automatically.

ColumnBase, Set custom units; SI, MKS, IR, US Imperial units

 

 

Available Column Sections
Definition of I-Shaped, I/Wide Flange, Double I Section & Tube box sections are available.

Available Column Sections; I-Shaped, I/Wide Flange, Double I Section, Tube Box

 

 

Easy Use of Predefined Databases
Importing new materials and sections is performed from available predefined databases.

Import Materials  from available databases , Import Column Sections from available databases

 

Advanced Preferences for Anchors Definition
Definition of headed and hooked anchors with several head types has been performed. Automatic control of anchor bolts spacing and edge distances can be done according to available standards provisions.


 

 

Assign Loads to the Connection
Axial force (Tension or compression), biaxial flexural moments and shear loads in both directions can be applied to the connection. Assigning loads to the connection is done by  assigning the factored loads directly.

ColumnBase , Assign Loads to the base plate connection

 

Automatic Model Checking Before Start of Analysis
Before the start of the analysis, overall checking is performed, automatically. Model is checked for any geometric problem, any problem in user-defined values, estimating pre-analysis problems, etc.

Overall check before start of analysis

 

 

Visual Results in 2D & 3D Views
Analysis results are shown in visual 2D and 3D modes. All outputs including deformations and stresses for all parts of the connection (Plate, column, stiffeners, grout, and footing) can be shown.

ColumnBase 3D View Results - Base plate and anchor rod design software

 

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Realistic Simulation of the Column-Base Connections Behaviour
Verification of the software outputs has been proved by several valid experimental tests. Verification report is available via this link. The realistic base-rotation stiffness of the connections is one of the useful output of this software, that can be used for precise structure modeling in STAAD, SAP2000, ETABS and etc.

Realistic Simulation of the Column-Base Connections Behaviour, ColumnBase Software

 

Advanced Design of Connection Parts
After analysis completed, design procedure starts and strength of connection parts are checked by standards/codes. Now, AISC360-10 [LRFD] and ACI318-14 standards are available in the design modules.

ColumnBase Design Options. Design of column-base parts according to standards/codes

 

Advanced Reporting
Modelling details, analysis outputs and design results are reported in ColumnBase software.  All reports can be exported to xps and pdf file formats. Visual and detailed reports are from the capabilities of ColumnBase software. Download sample output reports via this link.

ColumnBase Reports, Input Data Report, base plate design software

 

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For more information about software's features and its capabilities, download the free version of the software and use it or view its user's manual via this link

 

System Requirements

Minimum System Requirements
CPU: 1.6 Gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor
RAM: 2GB for 32-bit & 4GB for 64-bit
HDD: Minimum 2GB
.NET Framework: .NET 3.5

Tutorial Videos
Tutorial Documents