Starting with version 10.00 of spColumn, a model can be made with multiple solid shapes each capable of containing multiple openings.

complex models with multiple solids can be solved by spColumn to design and determine the strength of member cross sections encountered in buildings, bridges, and numerous other structures.

In multi solid models, the user has a choice to merge the shapes into one final combined model or keep the shapes separated without merging them. Shapes can be kept separate to facilitate modification to geometry of the shape and the reinforcing bar arrangement.

The spColumn solver requires merging of multi solid shapes only when they are overlapped.

Utilizing Templates is a quick and simple option for new models in spColumn. The user can select from a set of pre-defined templates and edit their properties for simple and quick model generation.

Each template focuses on a particular structural shape with a specific reinforcement pattern consistent with the shape. The user can edit the geometric dimensions of the shape and the bars' properties. Other shape specific options may also be available for some templates.

This modeling option is currently provided in spColumn v11.00 - Beta and is available to the StructurePoint Advanced Users Group. It will be available for all users when public release is announced by StructurePoint.

Contact StructurePoint to evaluate modeling with templates in advance of public release.

Starting with Version 10.00 of spColumn, multiple interaction diagrams can be compared at once using the impoved superimpose Module.

Design of regular sections in spColumn is accompanied with a design trace feature allwoing the user to follow the progression of design iteration leading to the final proposed design section.

spColumn solver can be run in batch mode using the Batch Processor module. Multiple models can be designed and analyzed at once by loading more than one file into the Batch Processor module. The desired report format, export file types and solve options can also be selected from the module before invoking the solver.

Batch Processor module can be utilized along with Column Text Input files (CTI) for automating spColumn runs for Projects with large numbers of sections.

After a successful run, a message box will display a brief summary of the Run status. Solution status, section information and capacity ratios (C.R.) for each analyzed section are displayed in the module data grid and exported to a summary file _Batch Processing Report.csv with additional details on warnings and errors.

Starting with Version 10.00, spColumn introduces a new feature to directly import loads from the ETABS building analysis software solution files.

The import module provides users with various options to select the column or pier loads under investigation. Import loads can be further filtered based on the load combinations used in the ETABS model.

Users can check the loads imported based on the option selected by navigating the preview window.

spColumn imports section shape and reinforcement using DXF files to overcome geometries and reinforcement configurations.

Elliptical Column - Hollow Section

spColumn provides the option to export sections to a DXF file that is usable by AutoCAD. When exporting to DXF, the program automatically exports the Solids, Openings, and Bars into three different layers with corresponding names as the section components.

Barbell Shear Wall - Unsymmetrical Boundary Elements

spColumn is able to read three file formats COL, COLX, and CTI and save its input data into two file formats COLX file or CTI file. CTI files are plain text files that can be edited by any text editing software.

The best way to create a CTI file is by using the spColumn GUI and selecting CTI file type in the Save As menu command. Then, any necessary modifications to the CTI file can be applied with any text editor.

The CTI file is organized by sections. Each section contains a title in square brackets, followed by values required by the section.