The Beam V1.0

AUTOMATED ANALYSIS, DESIGN AND DRAFTING OF CONTINOUS
BEAM
Prashant Garg1, Rahul Sheokand2, Karandeep Singh3
1, Department of Civil Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana
2, 3 Student Department of Civil Engineering, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana
KEY WORD:
Continuous Beam, Moment Distribution Method, Beam Designing, Beam Drafting,
ABSTRACT: Beam is common structural component to resist mostly flexural forces. Structural Engineer is supposed to
know the analysis, design and drafting procedure for beam. Most common type of beam one come across is the
continuous beam. In the present paper a spreadsheet is made for the purpose of analysis design and drafting a continuous
Beam. Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice Calc is used for the purpose of making the spreadsheet. Physical parameter,
material and loading criteria are taken as input then moment distribution method is used for analysis and designing is
done as per IS 456: 2000. Drafting is done using VBA in excel and AutoCAD as the CAD software The whole
spreadsheet is prepared for being used for the purpose of learning, better understanding and observing how effect of
changing some parameter affects the other.
Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, Visual Basics for Application, AutoCAD.
Er Prashant Garg is presently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering; Guru
Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana and Research scholar, Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala. His
research interest includes formulation of analytical models of different structural systems in linear and nonlinear
range using principles of limit analysis and mechanics.
Rahul Sheokand is presently student in the Department of Civil Engineering; Guru Nanak Dev Engineering
College, Ludhiana. His research interest includes Structural Designing and Detailing, Building Cost Optimization
and using Information Technology with a special emphasis on Structural, Geo-technical and surveying problems.
Karandeep Singh is presently student in the Department of Civil Engineering; Guru Nanak Dev Engineering
College, Ludhiana. His research interest includes Structural Designing, Transportation and highway Engineering,
sustainable development.
INTRODUCTION
Beams are included in the structure to mainly resist the flexural forces produced. Many
approaches have been suggested to analyse a continuous beam for shear forces, support
reaction and moments produced. For the purpose of designing the beam IS 456:2000 is used
and then beam can be drafted in drafting software like openCAD, AutoCAD etc. For the
purpose of teaching most of texts available considers different examples for analysis
designing and drafting However in reality there is always the same beam which has to be
analysed, designed and drafted. This spreadsheet eliminates this gap for a better
understanding. With change in any parameter results as simultaneously available so it also
helps in understanding the effect of changing parameter. In the present study a continuous
beam of 10 spans in considered and it is analysed, designed and drafted. Flexibility of
changing different parameters at later stages is also provided. If required only one individual
feature may also be used. Everything is created in a simple transparent manner to provide a
good understanding of what is really going on. In order to keep the complexity low and
making beginners able to relate everything spreadsheet is used instead of any other high end
programming language. Microsoft Excel is used because of being capable of serving the
purpose in most efficient way However considering compatibility with other operating
systems LibreOffice compatibility is also kept along wherever possible. In whole spreadsheet
all units correspond to Force in Newton (N) and Length in millimetre (mm).
MAKING OF SPREADSHEET
Spreadsheet is consisting of ten sheet named as Intro, Main, Moment, Support, Shear, Design,
Draft, AutoCAD, Extra and Help as shown in Fig. 1
Fig 1
1.1 Intro
This sheet contains the information of the creator of spreadsheet and various ways of
contacting him as in Fig 2. This also contains the url to the blog where information regarding
the spreadsheet is available and spreadsheet can also be obtained from this url by anyone.
Fig 2
1.2 Main
As the name suggests this is main sheet and it consists of five portions named as Input, Using
Moment Distribution, Bending Moment Diagram, Shear Force Diagram and Results.
1.3 Input
This is the portion where most of input parameter are taken. It is as shown in Fig 3 and Fig 4
Fig 3
Fig 4
In Column C value is length in mm is taken as input. Grade of concrete is taken input in

column F.
Column G shows the value of elasticity modules of concrete calculated using formula given in
IS 456:2000 as
. User can also enter a value of E manually, in column H. If
value of E entered manually is greater than 0 then only manual value will be used else value
as per IS456:2000 will be used
1.4 Moment Distribution Method
This is the portion where Moments are calculated as per moment distribution method. It is
shown in Fig 5 and Fig 6
Fig 5
Fig 6
Five iteration are done in moment distribution so as to obtain satisfactorily accurate results.
Resulting negative moments are calculated which are used furthor for the purpose of
calculating the net moment at any point on the beam.
1.5 Bending Moment Diagrams
This portion contains the graph shows the net moment (in Nmm) which is drawn on the basis
of results obtained in sheet named as Moment against distance from the extreme left end. It is
shown in Fig 7. However, the graph can also show negative moment, moment due to uniform
distribution load, moment due to point load, moment due to both load simultaneously by
selecting it from the list of filters appearing by clicking on the graph.
Fig 7
1.6 Shear Force Diagrams
This portion contains the graph shows the net moment (in Nmm) which is drawn on the basis
of results obtained in sheet named as Moment against distance from the extreme left end. It is
shown in Fig 8.
Fig 8
1.7 Results
Each span is divided into 10 equal parts and moment and shear force are calculated at every
tenth portion of each span in the sheet named as moment and shear respectively. Maximum
value for shear force and moments i.e., maximum negative moment and maximum positive
moment are shown as in Fig 9.
Fig 9
Note: Value used for Bending Moment Diagrams, Shear Force Diagrams and Results are
based on the division of each span in ten portion due to which actual diagrams or results
may vary if point loads are applied at any point other than those ten position in beam.
1.8 Moment
Sheet named as Moment is consists of ten span shown by span number. For each certain
parameter are calculated and named relative position, absolute position, negative moment,
moment due to UDL, moment due to point load, moment due to both load and net moment.
Relative position is the distance taken from left hand side of the span under consideration
whereas absolute position is the distance taken from the left hand side of the whole beam.
Lets consider Span 1 refer to Fig 10. First column contains span number, second contains the
length of span as entered in Input for of Main sheet. Column three enlist the ten position
obtained by dividing the span in ten equal parts, it writes the distance of point under
consideration form the left end of the span itself. Next column contains the absolute position
of the point under consideration which is the distance from the extreme left support of the
entire beam.
Fig 10
Fifth column contain the negative moment which obtained by linearly distributing the
negative moment calculated under the Moment distribution portion of the Main sheet. Next
columns contain the moment due to uniformly distributed load, the point load and by both of
them successively. Based on these negative and positive moments Net Moment is calculated
and listed in the last column.
Manual Pos represents the manual position which a user can enter if the value is desired at
any other position apart from the calculated ten positions.
Similar treatment is given to all the spans and results are enlisted successively row wise.
1.9 Support
Sheet named as Support calculates the support reaction for every support. For calculating the
reaction moment due to supports on the left, moment due to load on the left and net moment
at point of consideration is used.
For calculating moment due to load, moment due to uniformly distributed load and point load
at every span generated due to load at every other span on left are calculated individually and
listed in table as shown in Fig. 11.
Fig 11
These moments, moment on left and moment due to supports on the left are then used for
calculating the support reaction on the point of consideration refer Fig 12. In case the support
is extreme right vertical load balancing (force equilibrium) is used.
Fig 12
1.10
Shear
Sheet named as shear is consists of ten span shown by span number. For each span certain
parameter are calculated and named relative position, absolute position, support reaction,
UDL, point load, a (distance of point load from the nearest support), negative shear force
(consisting due to UDL, due to point load, due to both load i.e., total), net shear force,
absolute position and maximum shear force.
Considering Span 1 refer to Fig 13. First column contains span number, second contains the
length of span as entered in Input for of Main sheet. Column three enlist the ten position
obtained by dividing the span in ten equal parts, it writes the distance of point under
consideration form the left end of the span itself just like in moment.
Manual Pos represents the manual position which a user can enter if the value is desired at
any other position apart from the calculated ten positions.
Fig 13
1.11
Design
Sheet named as design consist of the design calculation as per IS 456 2000 . First portion
contains the input parametres for the additional information required for designing. Value can
be entered individualy for each span. Value entered for first span can automatically copied for
all other spans. This can be done by clicking on the button provided as shown in fig 14.
Fig 14
VBA code (Visual Basic for Applications) is generated by recording the Macro. Given below
the VBA code for updating the value of factor of safety for all the span.
Sub Update_Factor_Safety()
'
' Update_Factor_Safety Macro
' This will update factor of safety value entered in cell D3 to other in row D
'
'
Range("D3").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("I3").Select
Selection.PasteSpecial Paste:=xlPasteValues, Operation:=xlNone, SkipBlanks _
:=False, Transpose:=False
Range("N3").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Range("S3").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Range("X3").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Range("AC3").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Range("AH3").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Range("AM3").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Range("AR3").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Range("AW3").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Application.CutCopyMode = False
Range("D3").Select
End Sub
Second portion design the main reinforcement for the beam as per IS 456 2000. It may be
singly reinforced or doubly reinforced appropriate should be used as stated in the code as
shown in the fig 15.
Fig 15
Third portion contains the design of shear reinforcement. Here user can enter the manual
value of shear force for which user want to design the beam, else the value calculated in the
sheet shear will be used. This portion is shown in Fig 16.
Fig 16
Fourth portion contains the check for maximum deflection and maximum reinforcement
permitted in IS 456 2000.this is shown in the fig 17.
Fig 17
Fifth, last portion of the sheet Design summerises the result obtained for top bottom and
sher reinforcement for each span as shown in fig 18.
Fig 18
1.12
Draft
Sheet Draft contains the calculation and the values required for creating the AutoCAD
output. By default, the specification of the beam for designing purpose will be used. However,
user can enter the specification manually in the input portion for the purpose of only drafting
any other beam or changing specification of any span of initial beam. Update button is also
provided for using the value of span 1 to all other span. Fig 19 shows the input portion of
sheet draft.
Fig 19
Second portion of sheet draft calculate the value of coordinates for drafting. In this portion
user can also enter the coordinate of the left extreme bottom of the beam as shown in fig 20.
Fig 20
Third portion display the commands to be entered in AutoCAD for drafting the beam, refer fig
21.
Fig 21
1.13
AutoCAD
Sheet AutoCAD contains the area for entering the commands to send in AutoCAD. It also
contains three buttons namely Update commands, Send Commands and Clear All as
shown in Fig 22. A user can enter up to 250 commands, maximum number of arguments for
each command can be up to 50.
Fig 22
1.1 Update Commands

This button updates the commands for drafting a ten span continuous beam as in sheet
Draft. For creating this button following VBA Code is used.
Sub Update_Commands()
'
' Update_Commands Macro
' This macro is for copying commands from command array of sheet draft to sheet
Autocad so that it can be sent to autocad after that.
'
'
Sheets("Draft").Select
Range("B70:F88").Select
Selection.Copy
Sheets("AutoCAD").Select
Range("C13").Select
Range("G70:K88").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("C32").Select
Range("C51").Select
Range("L70:P88").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("C70").Select
ActiveWindow.LargeScroll ToRight:=1
ActiveWindow.ScrollColumn = 16
Range("Q70:U88").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("C89").Select
Range("V70:Z88").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("C108").Select
Range("AA65").Select
ActiveWindow.SmallScroll ToRight:=10
Range("AA70:AE88").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("AF70:AJ88").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("AK65").Select
Range("AK70:AO88").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("AP70:AT88").Select
Selection.Copy
ActiveSheet.Paste
Range("AU65").Select
Range("AU70:AY88").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("B89:M89").Select
Selection.Copy
Range("B12").Select
Range("A1").Select
Range("B12").Select
Range("C13:K13").Select
Selection.AutoFill Destination:=Range("C13:K196"), Type:=xlFillFormats
Range("C13:K196").Select
ActiveWindow.SmallScroll Down:=-30
Range("B12").Select
End Sub
1.2 Send Commands

This button Send the commands written in the space to the AutoCAD and execute them.
Following is the code behind Send commands button.
Sub SendAutoCADCommands()
'--------------------------------------------------------------------------------'The macro sends the commands that exist in the sheet named "Send AutoCAD
Commands" to the opened or to a new AutoCAD drawing.
'It uses the AutoCAD SendCommand method to send the user commands. Note that it
works only for VALID AutoCAD commands!
'Moreover, unlike the typical AutoCAD behavior, you must first select an object
and then apply any modifications to it.
'So, if you want to move an object, first send the select command and then the
move; the opposite will NOT work!!!
'The code uses late binding, so no reference to external AutoCAD (type)
library is required.
'It goes without saying that AutoCAD, as well as VBA in AutoCAD, must be installed
at your computer before running this code.
'---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Declaring the necessary variables.

Dim acadApp
As Object
Dim acadDoc
As Object
Dim acadCmd
As String
Dim sht
As Worksheet
Dim LastRow
As Long
Dim LastColumn
As Integer
Dim i
As Long
Dim j
As Integer
'Set the sheet name that contains the commands.

Set sht = ThisWorkbook.Sheets("AutoCAD")
'Activate the Send AutoCAD Commands sheet and find the last row.
With sht
.Activate
LastRow = .Cells(.Rows.Count, "C").End(xlUp).Row
End With
'Check if there is at least one command to send.
If LastRow < 13 Then

MsgBox "There are no commands to send!", vbCritical, "No Commands Error"
sht.Range("C13").Select
Exit Sub
End If
'Check if AutoCAD application is open. If it is not opened create a new instance

and make it visible.
On Error Resume Next
Set acadApp = CreateObject("AutoCAD.Application")
acadApp.Visible = True
'Check (again) if there is an AutoCAD object.

If acadApp Is Nothing Then
MsgBox "Sorry, it was impossible to start AutoCAD!", vbCritical, "AutoCAD
Error"
Exit Sub
End If
'Maximize AutoCAD window.

acadApp.WindowState = 3 '3 = acMax
in early binding
On Error GoTo 0
'If there is no active drawing create a new one.

On Error Resume Next
Set acadDoc = acadApp.ActiveDocument
If acadDoc Is Nothing Then
Set acadDoc = acadApp.Documents.add
End If
On Error GoTo 0
'Check if the active space is paper space and change it to model space.
If acadDoc.ActiveSpace = 0 Then '0 = acPaperSpace in early binding
acadDoc.ActiveSpace = 1
'1 = acModelSpace in early binding
End If
With sht
'Loop through all the rows of the sheet that contain commands.
For i = 13 To LastRow
'Find the last column.

LastColumn = .Cells(i, .Columns.Count).End(xlToLeft).Column
'Check if there is at least on command in each row.

If LastColumn > 2 Then
'Create a string that incorporates all the commands that exist in each
row.
acadCmd = ""
For j = 3 To LastColumn
If Not IsEmpty(.Cells(i, j).Value) Then
acadCmd = acadCmd & .Cells(i, j).Value & vbCr
End If
Next j
'Check AutoCAD version.

If Val(acadApp.Version) < 20 Then
'Prior to AutoCAD 2015, in Select and Select All commands
(AI_SELALL) the carriage-return
'character 'vbCr' is used, since another command should be applied
in the selected items.
'In all other commands the Enter character 'Chr$(27)' is used in
order to denote that the command finished.
If InStr(1, acadCmd, "SELECT", vbTextCompare) > 0 Or InStr(1,
acadCmd, "AI_SELALL", vbTextCompare) Then
acadDoc.SendCommand acadCmd & vbCr
Else
acadDoc.SendCommand acadCmd & Chr$(27)
End If
Else
'In the newest version of AutoCAD (2015) the carriage-return
'character 'vbCr' is applied in all commands.
acadDoc.SendCommand acadCmd & vbCr
End If
End If
'Pause a few milliseconds

line is probably optional.
before proceed to the next command. The next
'However, I suggest to not remove it in order to give AutoCAD the

necessary time to execute the command.
Next i
End With
'Inform the user about the process.

MsgBox "The user commands were successfully sent to AutoCAD!", vbInformation,
"Done"
End Sub
1.3 Clear All

This button clean up the area where commands are entered. Following is the code behind the
Clear all button.
Sub ClearAll()
Dim LastRow As Long
'Find the last row and clear all the input data from the sheet.
With Sheets("AutoCAD")
.Activate
LastRow = .Cells(.Rows.Count, "C").End(xlUp).Row
If LastRow > 12 Then
.Range("C13:BA" & LastRow).ClearContents
End If
.Range("C13").Select
End With
End Sub
1.4 Extra
This sheet has list of different parameters used for design purpose as per IS 456:2000
recommendation. These values may be alerted if required provide they are supported by
experimented results.
1.5 Help
This sheet has got help content like cell style pattern used in spreadsheet, brief information
about various sheet and other minor information.
DISCUSION AND FUTURE ASPECTS

1. Utility as teaching tool
The spreadsheet can be used from various basic level calculation like finding bending
moments to high level industrial utility iteration in design and drafting method. Relation
between various condition and quants studied easily. This can help in better understanding of
analysis, designing and drafting components.it can be used for multiple purposes like
distributing moments, bending moments finding shear force designing beams and
corresponding commands thus covering the many aspects of academic backgrounds. It
eliminates the chances of human errors and safe a lot of time for evaluation purposes.
2. Utility for designers
The spreadsheet can be used by the designer for doing quick iterations for obtaining more
economical detailing resulting into more economical structure. All the purpose of analysis and
drafting can be completed thus saving a lot of time and money. Various changes for each span
or any other [property can be made easily without going under cumbersome process.
3. Utility for students
The spreadsheet is designed keeping in mind the special utility for civil engineering students.
It can be used by students not having any background of programming. It can be used for
studying relation between various parameters and the effect of changing conditions on other
parameters, property or results. It provides a deep knowledge of the concepts covering
academic aspects as well their industrial applications.
For example:
Using The Beam one can easily finds How much additional moment capacity can a beam
have by changing it from singly reinforced to doubly reinforced and can easily use these facts
for further improvements in future.
4. Accessibility and Future Aspects
The spreadsheet can be viewed on almost any computer running on Windows XP of above. It
can be downloaded by anyone free of cost from www.rsheokand.wordpress.com. For the
purpose of any other changes required or additional changes needed contact details are also
mentioned for obtaining unprotected copy of spreadsheet.
RESULT AND CONCLUSION

A Study is carried out to observe the effect of use The Beam by Teachers, Students and
Designers. The conclusions drawn are as below:
1
Spreadsheet for analysis, designing and drafting is very useful tool for teaching
during the various levels of engineering.
Spreadsheet can be used by designer for quickly creating continuous beams and or
doing iteration on various parameters.
Spreadsheet is very useful for studying and learning various aspect of analysing,
designing and drafting the beam. It proved to be very useful for establishing relation
between stuff studied in classroom and stuff done industrial world out there.
REFERENCES
1. S. Ramamrutham and R. Narayanan (2012), Strength of Materials.
1. S. Ramamrutham and R. Narayanan (2014), Theory of Structures.
2. S. Ramamrutham (2013), Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures.
3. M.S. Shetty (2013), Concrete Technology.

4. Reddy (2011), Basic Structural Analysis.
5. Prashant Garg, Harvinder Singh and J N Jha, Pseudo static Analysis Of Pile In Different
Soils, India.
6. http://www.myengineeringworld.net/2014/10/send-autocad-commands-from-excel-vba.html
7. http://www.techonthenet.com/excel/formulas/if_nested.php
8. AutoCAD Guide book, CADD Centre.

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The Beam V1.0

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AUTOMATED ANALYSIS, DESIGN AND DRAFTING OF CONTINOUS

Continuous Beam, Moment Distribution Method, Beam Designing, Beam Drafting,

Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, Visual Basics for Application, AutoCAD.

In Column C value is length in mm is taken as input. Grade of concrete is taken input in

1.1 Update Commands

1.2 Send Commands

'Declaring the necessary variables.

'Set the sheet name that contains the commands.

'Check if there is at least one command to send.

If LastRow < 13 Then

'Check if AutoCAD application is open. If it is not opened create a new instance

'Check (again) if there is an AutoCAD object.

'Maximize AutoCAD window.

'If there is no active drawing create a new one.

'1 = acModelSpace in early binding

'Find the last column.

'Check if there is at least on command in each row.

'Check AutoCAD version.

'Pause a few milliseconds

before proceed to the next command. The next

'However, I suggest to not remove it in order to give AutoCAD the

'Inform the user about the process.

1.3 Clear All

Dim LastRow As Long

DISCUSION AND FUTURE ASPECTS

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

3. M.S. Shetty (2013), Concrete Technology.

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