huangyhg

pcacol (columns, load input)
i'm using pcacol, ver. 3.00. i have a general question. in the load input section of the software, it has options to input moments at top and at the bottom of col.
if i have let say 50 k-ft moment at the top, and a 10k lateral load at the top of a 20 ft col., should i enter the bottom moment as (50+10*20=250 k-ft)? or just the moment due to the lateral load (10*20=200 k-ft) and the software will internally adds the top moment?
i appreciate your input as usuall.
thanks,
mansour
i've not used the software, but i would judge that you would enter the end moments from a "free body" diagram of the particular column.
for example, if your column is a "flag pole" with a concentrated moment at the top as well as a lateral force at the top, then the moment reaction at the base would be m + pxl. the program probably needs this moment reaction to determine moment magnification. be careful of the sign because double curvature can be much different than single curvature.
good luck.

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