Questions and Answers about CAST Design Tool

CAST Design Tool | Strut-and-Tie Method (STM) | Q & A about STM

Q1. Can CAST be used to design statically indeterminate strut-and-tie models?

Yes, CAST can be used to design statically indeterminate strut-and-tie models. However, the current version of CAST only permits elastic distribution of forces in the Strut-and-Tie Model components, i.e., Struts and Ties. In order to obtain reasonable force distribution in this manner, you must first estimate the Relative Stiffnesses between the Strut-and-Tie components and then supply the values to CAST. Note that Relative Stiffness of an STM Element represents compressive or tensile rigidity, EA, of an STM Element relative to other STM Elements, where: E = modulus of elasticity and A = effective area. By default, CAST assumes that all Struts and Ties have a Relative Stiffness of 1.0. To supply Relative Stiffnesses of Struts or Ties:

Click

on the button from the Selecting toolbar to be in the Select mode.

Select the Struts and Ties whose Relative Stiffnesses are to be changed to the same level.

Click on the

button from the Assigning toolbar (or click the Relative Stiffnesses and

Widths menu from the Assign menu). The Assign Relative Stiffnesses and Widths dialog box as shown in Figure 1.1 will appear on the screen.

Figure 1.1 The Assign Relative Stiffnesses and Widths Dialog Box Type in the level of Relative Stiffness in the Relative Stiffness text box. Leave the Provided Effective Width text box blank. Uncheck the Automatic Calculation of Effective Width of Struts checkbox. Click the OK button to confirm the change and close the dialog box.

Repeat the above steps for other Struts and Ties having the same level of Relative Stiffness.

Q2. Can CAST handle multiple loading cases in one model?

Yes, multiple loading cases can be created in one CAST model. In CAST terminology, this is called multiple Load Conditions. Different strut-and-tie models can also be created to accommodate different load patterns. The current version, however, does not automatically consider any strength and/or stiffness degradation in the struts or ties, caused by plastic strain and crack history of other Load Conditions. For each Load Condition, you must explicitly supply reasonable strength limits and relative stiffnesses that reflect the strength/stiffness degradation in the struts and ties. By default, CAST assumes there is one Load Condition named LC1. To add a new Load Condition: Select Load Conditions from the Define menu. The Define Load Conditions shown in Figure 2.1 below will appear.

Figure 2.1 The Define Load Conditions Dialog Box Add the new Load Condition name in the Name text box in the Load Condition List frame. Click the Add button. The Select Objects for New Load Condition dialog box similar to Figure 2.2 will then be revealed. In this dialog box, select objects you want to include in this Load Condition. Select the D-Region Boundaries Only option if you want to create the Strut-and-Tie Model for the new Load Condition from scratch. Select D-Region Boundaries + Strut-and-Tie Model Identical to

the Model for Load Condition option if you want to select a Strut-and-Tie Model pattern from the available Strut-and-Tie Models associated with the existing Load Conditions, include it for the new Load Condition, and later change it accordingly. Once you check this option, you can select one of the available Strut-and-Tie Models from the combo box.

Figure 2.2 The Select Objects for New Load Condition Dialog Box Click the OK button to confirm this input and close the Select Objects for New Load Condition dialog box. The new Load Condition name you supplied is now listed in the Defined Load Conditions list box of the Define Load Conditions dialog box. Click again the OK button to confirm the addition and close the dialog box. To modify a Load Condition name: Select Load Conditions from the Define menu. The Define Load Conditions shown in Figure 2.1 below will appear. Click the Load Condition name you want to change from the Defined Load Conditions list box. The name will show up in the Name text box. Type in the new name. Click the Modify button. Click the OK button to confirm the change and close the dialog box.

Q3. What are the differences between Outer Boundary and Inner Boundary? When and where are they necessary?
Outer Boundary represents the perimeter of the structure under consideration. Inner Boundaries represent boundary of openings, if any, in the structure. Inner Boundaries should not be outside the Outer Boundary. You are allowed to create only one Outer Boundary, but you can create as many Inner Boundaries as you need. In CAST, both boundary types are represented by closed, non-intersecting polygons. Their functions are to place STM Nodes which carry Bearing Plates, Point loads, or Supports. Only one STM Element is allowed to frame into STM Nodes placed on the Boundaries.

The Outer Boundary is created through the (Draw Outer D-Region Boundary) button or by clicking the Construct menu, pointing to Boundaries, and then clicking Outer. The Inner Boundaries are created through the (Draw Inner D-Region Boundaries) button or by clicking the Construct menu, pointing to Boundaries, and then clicking Inner. Both Outer and Inner Boundaries can be edited (add/remove corners, move corner or entire boundary positions) through the (Edit D-Region Boundaries) button.

The Inner Boundaries cannot be created before the Outer Boundary. The

and

buttons will be button will

disabled before the Outer Boundary is created. After the Outer Boundary is created, the be disabled.

Q4. What is a Stabilizer? Why and When is it necessary?

Stabilizers are basically STM Elements that are required to avoid ill-conditioned structure stiffness matrix in the truss analysis. The member forces in Stabilizers are always zero. CAST identifies and assigns Stabilizers during truss analysis; however, you must always create a stable strut-and-tie model. See Q & A #9 for more detail information about how to create a stable Strut-and-Tie Model. Stabilizers are not included in dimensioning STM Nodes. An example of CAST's strut-and-tie model that requires Stabilizers can be seen in Figure 4.1. In this CAST model, two Stabilizers are required to avoid mechanism to occur. STM Element E10 is needed to make the truss stable internally, and STM Element E6 is required to make the truss stable externally. Since the element force of these two STM Elements is zero, they are assigned by CAST as Stabilizers. As also can be seen in Figure 4.2, these Stabilizers are not included in the construction of STM Nodes N1, N2, and N4.

Figure 4.1 Example of CAST's Strut-and-Tie Model that Uses Stabilizers

Figure 4.2 Nodal Zones N1, N2, and N4 of Figure 4.1's Strut-and-Tie Model

Q5. Can STM Element or STM Node ID labels be changed?

Yes, you can change STM Element or STM Node ID labels. By default, CAST assigns a unique alphanumeric ID label to each STM Element or STM Node when it is created; prefix "E" is used for STM Elements, and prefix "N" is used for STM Nodes. To change a particular STM Element ID label: Right-click on the STM Element in one of the display windows you open. The STM Element Info dialog box similar to Figure 5.1 will be displayed. In this dialog box, change the ID label in the ID text box.

Figure 5.1 The STM Element Info Dialog Box Click the OK button to confirm the input and close the dialog box.

Similarly, to change a particular STM Node ID label: Right-click on the STM Node in one of the display windows you open. The STM Node Info dialog box similar to Figure 5.2 will appear. In this dialog box, change the ID label in the ID text box.

Figure 5.2 The STM Node Info Dialog Box Click the OK button to confirm the input and close the dialog box.

To change a series of STM Element ID labels: From the Display menu, point to STM Elements, and select STM Element Geometry Info. The STM Element Geometry Info dialog box similar to Figure 5.3 will be revealed. In this dialog box, select the appropriate load condition in the Load Condition combo box. By default, CAST will show the load condition associated with the active display window.

Figure 5.3 The STM Element Geometry Info Dialog Box

In this dialog box, click each STM Element whose ID label is to be changed in the Element ID column and type in the new STM Element ID label. Click the OK button to confirm the input and close this dialog box.

To change a series of STM Node ID labels: From the Display menu, point to STM Nodes, and select STM Node Geometry Info. The STM Node Geometry Info dialog box similar to Figure 5.4 will appear. In this dialog box, select the appropriate load condition in the Load Condition combo box. By default, CAST will show the load condition associated with the active display window.

Figure 5.4 The STM Node Geometry Info Dialog Box

In this dialog box, click each STM Node whose ID label is to be changed in the Node ID column and type in the new STM Node ID label.

Click the OK button to confirm the input and close this dialog box.

Q6. When creating the strut-and-tie model, should I create STM Nodes first before create the STM Elements?
You don't have to create STM Nodes first before creating STM Elements. After clicking the (Construct STM Elements) button, you create STM Elements by clicking their end locations on the display window; the STM Nodes will automatically be created at the ends of the STM Elements.

Q7. Some of the menus are labeled (NA) at the end of the phrases. What does this mean?
Menus that are labeled (NA) at the end of the phrases are not available yet. They are still under construction and may be made available in the next release of CAST.

Q8. Why are most of the buttons in the left toolbar buttons disabled? Are they not available yet?
All the buttons in the left toolbar are available. They are disabled because they are context sensitive. Context sensitive buttons are buttons that are only enabled in certain conditions. For example, the (Assign Bearing Plates) and (Assign Boundary Conditions) buttons will only be enabled after one or more STM Nodes are selected from the active display window. Another important example is the drawing and editing tool buttons, such as the Region Boundaries), (Draw Inner D-Region Boundaries), (Edit D-

(Draw STM Elements), and

(Drag STM Elements or Nodes) buttons. (Draw Outer D-Region

They are only enabled after the Outer Boundary is created using the Boundary) button. The

button itself will be disabled once the Outer Boundary is created.

Q9. I obtained error messages during the truss analysis. What should I do?
If the error message you obtained is similar to that of Figure 9.1, the strut-and-tie model that you created for the associated load condition is not stable.

Figure 9.1 CAST Error Message As listed in the message, the instability may be caused by one or combination of several problems as follows: 1. The restraint (support) system is not sufficient The solution to this problem is to provide a sufficient restraint system. In general, a sufficient restraint system for a CAST's strut-and-tie (truss) model must consist of at least three non-concurrent supports on the D-Region Boundary. When more than three non-concurrent restraints are provided in a truss model, the model becomes externally statically indeterminate. Figure 9.2(a) shows an example of a CAST's truss model in which the restraint (support) system consists of only two supports. The model is lack of restraint to prevent movement in horizontal direction. Figure 9.2(b) is one of many solutions to make restraint system is sufficient. As shown in the figure, a short STM Element with a horizontal support is added on the lower left STM Node so that the support system has a minimum three nonconcurrent supports.

Figure 9.2(a) Example of CAST's Strut-and-Tie Model Lacking Restraint in Horizontal Direction

Figure 9.2(b) Revised CAST's Strut-and-Tie Model of Figure 9.2(a) Figure 9.3 shows another strut-and-tie model example where there are three supports on the D-Region Boundaries, but they are concurrent. The support system of this truss is not sufficient because it is free to rotate about an axis that passes through the meeting point of the supports (Point A).

Figure 9.3 Example of a CAST's Strut-and-Tie Model with Concurrent Supports

2.

The number of STM Elements and/or the configuration of the truss system is not adequate The solution to this problem is to provide a sufficient number of STM Elements in the truss system and make sure that the truss configuration is adequate for stability. In general, a minimum number of STM Elements for a stable truss system is twice the number of STM Nodes that are located within the D-Region Boundaries plus the number of nodes that are located on the D-Region Boundaries minus the number of supports. If the number of STM Elements exceeds the minimum required, the truss system becomes internally statically indeterminate. An example of CAST's strut-and-tie model that lacks STM Elements is shown in Figure 9.4(a). The truss has a total of nine STM Nodes, nine STM Elements, and three supports. Four STM Nodes are located within the D-Region Boundaries, and five nodes are located on the D-Region Boundaries. A stable truss needs at least 2(4) + 5 - 3 = 10 STM Elements, but we have only nine STM Elements. Therefore, we need to add one STM Element to make it stable. Figure 9.4(b) shows an example of how to properly place the required STM Element to fix the problem.

Figure 9.4(a) Example of a CAST's Strut-and-Tie Model in Which the Number of Elements are Not Enough

Figure 9.4(b) Revised CAST's Strut-and-Tie Model of Figure 9.4(a) Figure 9.5(a) shows a CAST's strut-and-tie model which has enough number of STM Elements, but its configuration is not adequate; the top part of the truss system has an extra diagonal member whereas the middle part is lack of a diagonal member. Figure 9.5(b) shows how to fix the problem.

Figure 9.5(a) Example of an Inadequate Truss Configuration

Figure 9.5(b) Corrected Truss Configuration of Figure 9.5(a)

3.

The STM Elements are not properly connected to each other at STM Nodes The solution to this problem is to simply check if STM Elements framing into STM Nodes are properly connected. An example of this problem is shown in Figure 9.6(a). The STM Node shown in the figure appears to properly connect STM Elements E18 and E40. As clearly shown in Figure 9.6(b), the right end of STM Element E18 and the left end of STM Element E40 are not actually properly connected; there are two STM Nodes (N23 and N47), which are the ends of STM Element E18 and E40, respectively, occupy the same place. Further, the brief information shown in the same figure indicates that STM Node N23 has one element connectivity, which is not what it is expected. This problem can be fixed easily by gluing STM Nodes N23 and N47.

Figure 9.6(a)

Figure 9.6(b) Please follow the above suggestions to make your strut-and-tie model stable. If you still cannot resolve the problem after following the suggestions or if you encountered other errors, please contact Dan Kuchma at kuchma@uiuc.edu or Tjen Tjhin at tjhin@uiuc.edu.

Q10. Is there a way to overwrite the default values used in CAST?

Yes, you can change the default values used in CAST, such as the ACI Beta factors for struts and nodes, ACI strength reduction factors, strut or node type names, and utilization factors. All can be done in the Set Default Values dialog box as shown in Figure 10.1. This dialog box can be accessed by clicking Set Default Values from the Options window.

Figure 10.1 The Set Default Values Dialog Box Note: All default values are stored in CAST.INI file which resides in the same directory as the CAST executable file.

Q11. Can we customize CAST window?

You can set the object colors, object dimensions, such as the thickness and radius, and the text sizes. You can also set the unit of measure, zoom tool parameters, maximum number of recently used files, and maximum levels of undo and redo. The numerical tolerances can also be changed to the level you wish. To set preferences: From Options menu, select Set Preferences. The Set Preferences dialog box similar to Figure 11.1 will show up.

Figure 11.1 The Set Preferences Dialog Box

In this dialog box, select the appropriate tab and set the new values in the text edit boxes or combo boxes available. If you want to save the new parameters in the selected tab as the defaults for the next opening of CAST, click the Save As Defaults button. If you click the Reset Defaults button, all default parameters set by the developers will be loaded and stored in the appropriate tab.

Note:

Click the OK button to confirm the input and close this dialog box.

If you click the Save As Defaults button, all parameters in the selected tab will be stored in CAST.INI file which resides in the same directory as the CAST executable file.

Q12. Does CAST support color printers?

Yes, CAST supports color printers. Just make sure that you check the Print in Color Mode check box in the Print dialog box (Figure 12.1) if you want to get a color printout.

Figure 12.1 The Print Dialog Box

Q13. What are Stress Ratio, fc' Ratio, and Beta Ratio? Which one should I use for design acceptance?
Stress Ratio, also termed Utilization Factor, is defined in CAST as the ratio of stress demand to stress limit. For Concrete Struts and Nodes, the Stress Ratio is defined as

where:

= Strut stress or Node side (perpendicular) stress, = strength reduction factor, = effective strength = , = specified compressive strength of concrete, and = efficiency factor.
For Non-Prestressed Reinforcement Ties, the Stress Ratio is given as

where:

= Tie stress,

= yield strength of non-prestressed reinforcement, and = yield overstrength of non-prestressed reinforcement.

fc' Ratio is defined as the ratio of stress demand to the specified compressive strength of concrete or

Beta Ratio is defined as the ratio of stress demand to

or

Notes: A design is acceptable if all Stress Ratios in the Struts, Ties, and Nodes are less than 1.0. Struts, Ties, and Nodes whose Stress Ratios are greater than 1.0 are declared overstressed (O/S). Please note that merely satisfying all Stress Ratios in Struts, Ties, and Nodes is not enough. The design also has to satisfy equilibrium; however, this requirement is automatically satisfied if your truss analysis is successful. In addition, all Strut and Tie Effective Widths and Node dimensions have to be located within the Boundaries. A good design also has to consider serviceability requirement to avoid excessive deformation and cracks. The last requirement can be implicitly satisfied if the selected Strut-and-Tie Model follows the elastic solution. The stress demand for Concrete Struts and Nodes is given as

where:

= Strut force or force acting on a Node side, = D-Region thickness, and = Strut Effective Width or Node side (perpendicular) width.
The stress demand for Non-Prestressed Reinforcement Ties is given as

where:

= Tie force and = cross-sectional area of non-prestressed reinforcement.

fc' Ratio and Beta Ratio are only applicable to Concrete Struts and Nodes. The efficiency factors for Struts and Nodes according to ACI Code are

and

respectively, where:

= beta factor for Struts and = beta factor for Nodes.

Click here to see summary of and defined in ACI Code.

Q14. How are STM Node shapes constructed in CAST?

The shape of an STM Node is simply formed by the intersection of Effective Widths of Struts and Ties framing into that STM Node. Stresses in the Node, along with its Stress Ratios, fc' Ratios, and Beta Ratios, are reported at each side of the Node shape. To show stresses in an STM Node: Right-click the Node on the display window. The STM Node Info dialog box similar to Figure 14.1 will be displayed. To obtain the information on a Node side stress, select the Node side ID from the Node Side combo box. Alternatively, click the Node side on the image of the dialog box. To show all Node side stresses together, click the Show Table button. The STM Node Stress Info dialog box similar to Figure 14.2 will show up.

Figure 14.1 The STM Node Info Dialog Box

Figure 14.2 The STM Node Stress Info Dialog Box

Q15. I want to capture image displayed on some dialog boxes, such as the Define NonPrestressed Reinforcement Tie Types and Show STM Node Info dialog boxes, and then paste it in my design report. I also want to copy and paste the values shown in dialog boxes' text boxes. Can I do that?
Yes. To capture image displayed in dialog boxes, just simply right click on the image. After the pop-up menu shown in Figure 15.1 is displayed, click on Copy Image to Clipboard. The image you want to have now is in the windows' clipboard. The pop-up menu will disappear, and the image is ready for pasting.

Figure 15.1 The Pop-up Menu for Copying Dialog boxes' Image Similarly, to capture text in dialog boxes' text boxes, right click on the image. After the pop-up menu as shown in Figure 15.2 is displayed, click on Copy. The pop-up menu will disappear, and the image is ready for pasting.

Figure 15.2 The Pop-up Menu for Copying Dialog boxes' Image

Q16. I was trying to check the Stress Ratios, fc' Ratios, and Beta Ratios in the Struts and STM Nodes, but I could not get the values. All were labeled NA after I ran analysis. Did I miss something when defining the properties?
CAST does not compute the Stress Ratios, fc' Ratios, and Beta Ratios of Struts, Ties, and STM Nodes when they are not properly defined. Instead, they will be labeled 'Not Available' (NA). For Struts, Stress Ratios, fc' Ratios, and Beta Ratios are only computed when the following properties are properly defined: Non-zero Effective Widths Strut Property Types

For ties, only Stress Ratios are computed. The fc' Ratios, and Beta Ratios have no meaning for ties; CAST will label them NA. The only thing required to be defined to show Stress Ratios of ties is the Property Type. For nodes, Stress Ratios, fc' Ratios, and Beta Ratios are computed when the following properties are properly defined: Effective Widths of the Struts and/or Ties that frame into the STM Nodes Node Property Types

See Q & A #13 for definition of Stress Ratios, fc' Ratios, and Beta Ratios.

Q17. I tried to remove the Outer Boundary, but I could not select and delete it. Is there a way to remove it?
CAST does not allow you to remove the Outer Boundary once you create it because the Outer Boundary plays a unique role in a CAST model. There is only one Outer Boundary that should exist in your model, and the region inside the Outer Boundary represents the concrete continuum. This means that other CAST objects, such as Inner Boundaries, Strut-and-Tie models, Bearing Plates, Point Loads, and Point Supports, cannot exist when there is no Outer Boundary defined or it is removed. However, there are two situations where you can still remove the Outer Boundary, namely: You press the Esc key during creating the Outer Boundary. You click the Undo button just after you finish creating the Outer Boundary.

You are surely allowed to change the positions of the Boundary Corners. You are also allowed to add and remove Boundary Corners as you want.

Q18. Where can I obtain examples of CAST input files?

Examples of CAST input files are included in CAST Design Tool package. During the installation of CAST program, these example files are copied to a subfolder called Examples, located under the main CAST folder. For example, if you install CAST program to reside in C:/Program Files/CAST, these examples will be placed in C:/Program Files/CAST/Examples. CAST input files have an extension of .CST. You may also download the same examples provided in CAST package by clicking the link below. These examples are packaged in zip format. CSTExamples.zip

Q19. Where can I go to get more information about the CAST Design Tool?
All features about CAST Design Tool will be documented in the Help file accessible from the Help menu. The current Help file is approximately 90 percent complete. It is expected to be expanded and updated periodically.

Q20. What if my questions are not listed here?

Please send them via e-mail to Tjen Tjhin at tjhin@uiuc.edu or Dan Kuchma at kuchma@uiuc.edu.