Gear2003 Part A

ACECOMS GEAR
General Engineering Assistant and Reference
GENERAL TOOLS
And
GEOMETRIC PROPERTIES
USERS MANUAL AND

TECHNICAL REFERENCE
Asian Center for Engineering

Computations and Software.
AIT, Bangkok, Thailand
Version
May 2003
COPYRIGHT
The computer program ACECOMS GEAR and all associated documentation are
proprietary and copyrighted products. Worldwide rights of ownership rest with
ACECOMS, AIT. Unlicensed use of the program or reproduction of the
documentation in any form, without prior written authorization from ACECOMS,
AIT., is explicitly prohibited.
Further information and copies of this documentation may be obtained from:
ACECOMS, AIT,
PO Box 4, Klong Luang
Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand.
Tel: (662) 524-5539
Fax: (662) 524-6059
E-mail: acecoms@ait.ac.th
Web: www.acecoms.ait.ac.th
Copyright ACECOMS, AIT, 2003.

The GEAR Logo is a trademark of ACECOMS, AIT.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
AutoCAD is a registered trademark of AutoDesk Inc.
DISCLAIMER
CONSIDERABLE TIME, EFFORT AND EXPENSE HAVE GONE INTO THE DEVELOPMENT
AND DOCUMENTATION OF ACECOMS GEAR. THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN
THOROUGHLY TESTED. IN USING THE PROGRAM, HOWEVER, THE USER ACCEPTS
AND UNDERSTANDS THAT NO WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY THE
DEVELOPERS OR THE DISTRIBUTORS ON THE ACCURACY OR THE RELIABILITY OF
THE PROGRAM.
THE USER MUST EXPLICITLY UNDERSTAND THE ASSUMPTIONS OF THE PROGRAM
AND MUST INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE RESULTS.
Contents
Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

What is ACECOMS GEAR
General Tools
Geometric Properties
RC Utilities
RC Members
Steel Members
Foundations
How to Install GEAR?
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6
1-7
Changing Authorization Level
1-12
Quitting the Program
1-14
Obtaining More Information and Technical Support1-14
ACECOMS GEAR
General Tools
Unit Converter
Using the Unit Converter
Basic Operations
Converting Units
Engineering Constants
Using the Engineering Constant Program
Basic Operations
Obtaining Engineering Constants
Dead Load Reference
Using the Dead Load Reference Program
Basic Operations
Obtaining Dead Loads
Factored Load
Using the Factored Load Program
Basic Operations
Obtaining Factored Loads
Load Combinations
Using the Load Combinations Program
Basic Operations
Calculating Load Combinations
Initial Setup
Triangle Solver
Using the Triangle Solver
Solving Triangles
Circle Solver
ii
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-4
1-6
1-7
1-7
1-10
1-12
1-13
1-13
1-15
1-17
1-18
1-19
1-21
1-26
1-28
1-28
1-31
1-36
2-1
2-1
2-1
2-1
2-4
2-7
Contents
Using the Circle Solver
Solving Circles
Polygon Solver
Using the Polygon Solver
Solving Polygons
Property Calculator
Using the Property Calculator
Obtaining Properties
2-7
2-10
2-13
2-13
2-16
2-19
2-19
1-22
iii

What is ACECOMS GEAR
ACECOMS GEAR is a software developed at the School
of Civil Engineering at the Asian Institute of Technology.
The software provides various tools of design, analysis
and general assistance for structural engineers. GEAR
stands for General Engineering Assistance and Reference.
The software consists of a variety of modules ranging
from basic unit converters to comprehensive designer
modules for individual members. These modules have
been logically grouped into six categories. This manual
describes in detail the Geometric Properties modules of
the software. A brief description of all the modules is provided in this chapter.
General Tools
Tools grouped under this category are the Unit Converter,
Engineering Constants, Dead Load Reference, Factored
Loads and Load Combinations. A brief introduction of
these modules is provided next.
Unit Converter
Unit Converter is a simple but comprehensive program
that can be used for converting values from one unit to
another, irrespective of their unit systems.
1
Engineering Constants is a program for easy reference to
common engineering constants such as density, viscosity,
energy, discharge, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity,
power, temperature, water quality, modulus of elasticity,
coefficient of expansion, specific gravity, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity and Poissons ratio.
Dead Load Reference

Dead Load Reference is a program for easy reference to
the dead loads of common materials such as masonry, partition, roofing, false ceiling, flooring, metals and concrete.
Factored Loads
This tool readily computes the factored loads combinations from basic load cases in accordance with the ACI318-95 and AASHTO design codes.
Load Combinations
This module is used for the detailed calculations of load
combinations. Standard and user defined load combinations may be calculated.
Programs related to the determination of basic geometric
properties of various shapes and cross-sections have been
grouped into this category. These include the Triangle
Solver, Circle Solver, Polygon Solver, and the Property
Calculator.
What is ACECOMS GEAR 1 -2
Triangle Solver
Any general triangle can be solved using this module. Triangle dimensions, angles and properties can be computed.
Circle Solver
Properties of solid and hollow circles (full, semi and quarter) and part of circles such as segment, arc, sector, etc.
can be calculated using this program.
Polygon Solver
This module solves regular polygons, both solid and hollow. The polygons may have any number of sides between
3 and 12.
Property Calculator
Basic properties of various cross-sections can be computed using this module. The properties are reported about
the centroid or any other user-specified location.
RC Utilities
Modules that help in the design and analysis of RC beams
and columns have been grouped here. These include the
Rebar Calculator, K-Factor Calculator and the Moment
Magnifier.
Rebar Calculator
This is a useful tool for calculating the required sizes, bar
spacing and bar combinations for standard and userspecified reinforcing steel bars.
KFactor Calculator
This module is meant for calculating the effective length
factor for columns. It can handle columns of various end
restrained conditions.
Moment Magnifier
This module helps in calculating the magnified moments
for columns to account for slenderness effects.
RC Members
Modules related to the design of RC members are grouped
into this category. These include Beam Designer, Column
Designer, Two-Way Slab designer and Flat Slab Designer.
Beam Designer
This simple, yet comprehensive tool can be used for the
design of reinforced concrete cross-sections subjected to
bending moment, shear force and torsion. The program
carries out a detailed calculation for computing the required reinforcement and for back computing the capacity
of a given section.
Column Designer
This is a simple, yet comprehensive tool for the design of
reinforced concrete cross-sections subjected to axial load
and moment about two axes. The program carries out a
detailed calculation for computing the required reinforcement and for back computing the capacity of a given section.
TwoWay Slab Designer

This module carries out a complete analysis and design of
two-way slabs using the coefficient method.
Flat Slab Designer

This module carries out the complete analysis and design
of flat slab, flat plate and beam slab structures using the
equivalent frame method. The program can handle slabs
with beams, drop panels, column capitals, and other types
of support.
Steel Members
Modules related to the design and analysis of steel structural members such as struts, beams and columns are
grouped here.
Strut Designer
This module designs steel members subjected to axial load
only. It recommends a cross-section for a given load. In
addition to design, it can also analyze a given crosssection to check if it is sufficient for a given loading. In
such a case it calculates the cross-section properties, effective length factor and slenderness ratio. The module
checks the allowable stresses by calculating the Combined
Code Stress Ratio. It also checks the adequacy of slenderness by checking the slenderness ratio.
Steel Beam Designer

This module designs steel members subjected to flexure
only. It recommends a cross-section for a given flexural
load. It takes into account the unbraced length to check
lateral deflection. The module recommends a crossWhat is ACECOMS GEAR 1 -5
section by calculating the coefficient of bending. In addition to design, this module also analyzes a given crosssection for a given flexural load. It calculates section
properties and slenderness ratio and checks the adequacy
of the section.
Steel Column Designer

This module designs steel members subjected to both axial
and flexural loads. It calculates the effective length factor
as well as the coefficient of bending and subsequently
recommends an adequate cross-section. It checks for the
Combined Code Stress Ratio. In addition to design, this
module also analyzes a steel column cross-section for a
given combination of loading. It calculates cross-section
properties, effective length factor, slenderness ratio, bending coefficient and column coefficient. It checks the adequacy of the cross-section by checking for the Combined
Code Stress Ratio and Slenderness Ratio.
Foundations
The modules related to the design and analyses of foundations have been grouped under this category. These included the Iso-Footing Designer, Combo-Footing Designer, Pile Cap Designer, and Driven Pile Designer.
IsoFooting Designer
This module performs comprehensive design and analysis
of reinforced concrete isolated footings. The detailing of
the footing is also performed.
ComboFooting Designer
This module performs comprehensive design and analysis
of reinforced concrete combined footings. The detailing of
the footing is also performed.
Pile Cap Designer

This module assists in the design of pile caps by using the
beam design approach. Pile caps can be designed for various pile arrangements and numbers.
Driven Pile Designer

This module calculates the capacity of a driven pile based
on blow count using any of the 11 different methods. The
program prepares professional reports containing the data
and procedures followed. It can also compute the required
number of blow counts for a specified capacity. Several
standard pile types and hammer types are supported.
How to Install GEAR

Thank you for selecting ACECOMS GEAR to assist you
in your professional work. Please follow the steps below
to install the program for the first time. If you have any
problems, please contact ACECOMS.
Use Windows Explorer or My Computer to locate the
folder in which you have saved the GEAR download file.
Note: If you are installing from an ACECOMS CD ROM, please go to step 4.
How to Install GEAR 1 -7
Step 1: Double -click My Computer on your desktop

Double-click the download file to extract it and then specify the folder to which to save the extracted files. Locate
the setup.exe (setup application) and double-click to
start the setup process
Step 2: Double-click on the folder in which you saved the download

file
Step 3: Specify the folder to which to extract the file and then click
Unzip.
Step 4: Go to the folder in which the extracted files have been saved
and double-click on GEAR folders. If you are installing from an ACECOMS CD ROM, double-click on the CD ROM drive to display the
above screen.
Step 5: Double-click on Setup.exe or Setup (the view may differ from

computer to computer).
Step 6: Press OK to continue with the setup or Exit Setup to cancel the
setup.
Step 7: Press the installation button as shown here. Also note the directory to which the software will be installed. If you want to install to another location (say D:\, etc.), click Change Directory and specify the
desired path.
Step 8: Press Continue to complete this step.
Step 9: The Setup Status dialogue will display the setup progress.
Step 10: The setup has been completed successfully.
All the modules available in GEAR will be installed.

However, only those that have been purchased will be in
"FULL" Authorization mode. All others will be in
"DEMO" mode. To upgrade from Demo to Full version
please see "How to change the Authorization Level" section of the help file.
Changing Authorization Level

All ACECOMS GEAR modules are available in Demo or
Full versions. You can upgrade from Demo version to Full
version by using the following procedure:
Changing Authorization Level 1 -12
1.
Get a New Authorization Code from ACECOMS
to upgrade the user level (Demo Version to Full Version).
2.
Start the program.
3.
Click on the Change Authorization command

from the File menu. This will open a dialogue box
as shown below:
4.
Enter the User ID. (User ID number can be obtained from the About the Module dialogue box from the
Help menu or from the order form).
5.
Enter the New Authorization Code (in capital letters) exactly as it appears on the instruction given by
ACECOMS and press the Apply button.
If you have entered the correct Authorization Code
and User ID, then the user level in the Current Authorization Level box will be changed and you will get
the message The authorization level has been upgraded, now press OK to Exit. Otherwise, you will
get a message Invalid Authorization, please try again
OR cancel at the bottom of the dialogue box.
Changing Authorization Level 1 -13
6.
Click on the OK button if you get the first message. If authorization is successful the program will immediately change to the full version without the need to
restart.
Quitting the Program

Click on the X icon provided on the top right corner of the
program screen or,
Select the Exit command from the File menu.
Obtaining More Information and

Technical Support
If you have questions about the ACECOMS GEAR or Individual programs features and functions, first look in the
Help files. If you can not find the answer in the location,
please contact ACECOMS.
Mail ing Ad dress

ACECOMS,
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT),
P.O. Box 4, Klongluang,
Pathumthani 12120,
THAILAND
Ph: (662) 524-5539, 524-5533
Fax: (662) 524-6059, 516-2126
We also offer services through Internet. Demo versions of
these programs can be downloaded from our site. Our addresses are as follows:
Quitting the Program 1 -14
E-mai l
acecoms@ait.ac.th
WEB s ite
http://www.acecoms.ait.ac.th
Obtaining More Information and Technical Support 1 -15
Chapter 1
General Tools
Chapter
General Tools
Unit Converter
The Unit Converter is a simple but comprehensive program
that can be used for converting values from one unit to another irrespective of their unit systems.
Using the Unit Converter

Menu and Toolbar System
The Unit Converter has only one screen for operation.
Whenever the Unit Converter program is activated, the following menu options are available on the form.
File
The menu commands under File let you open and print
the results.
New: Choose this command to start a new problem.
Save Result List: To save currently displayed results select this command.
Print: This menu command allows you to print the result
list to the default printer.
1-1
General Tools
Change Authorization: This menu command allows you

to modify the user authorization level.
Ed it
The Edit menu provides commands for copying and cutting selected text or results.
Copy: Selected information may be copied to the clipboard and then be pasted into other applications.
Cut: In addition to copying selected information, this deletes that information from the screen.
Op tions
This menu allows you to set some general parameters for
the program.
View: This menu provides the options of viewing either
the Full Form or only the Half Form. The Results View
Area is not displayed if you select the Half Form option.
Number Format: Use this menu to specify the number
format as either Decimal or Scientific.
He lp
This menu has all the commands related to help for the
program.
Help Topics: Use this command to get a list of Help
Topics.
Contacting ACECOMS: Use this command to contact
ACECOMS for technical reference and learn about the
ACECOMS activities.
About the Program: This menu command opens up a
dialogue box that contains Copyright information and inUnit Converter 1-2
General Tools
formation about the End User License Agreement with a

User ID Number for the Unit Converter program.
Apart from the menu system a toolbar is available within the
programs main window for simple operations. Instead of
opening menus and choosing commands you can click these
buttons. The toolbar options are described below:
Starts a new problem.
Saves the currently displayed Result List.
Prints the currently displayed Result List to the
default printer
Cuts the selected graphic or text and places it on
the Clipboard.
Copies the selected graphic or text to the Clipboard.
Displays the full form. You can view the Result
View Area.
Displays half form. You cannot view the Result
View Area.
Displays numbers in decimal format.
Displays numbers in scientific format.
Activates the Help file.
Unit Converter 1 -3
General Tools
Basic Operations
Ho w to Ad d Resu lts to the Resu lts Lis t
Once the conversion is complete, click on the

button to open up the other half form.
Click on the Add button. Now the results will be

added to the Results List. You can select text from
this area to copy and cut.
Click on the Clear button to remove all added results

from the list.
Co py Sele cted R esults (CTRL + C)

You can copy/cut text created in ACECOMS GEAR applications and in other applications.
Select the item to be copied
Choose the Copy command from the Edit menu, OR

press Ctrl+C OR, click on the
the Tool Bar.
button from
Go to the new location in the other application to

which you want to paste the item just copied and
then use paste, OR Ctrl+V or other functions provided by the application.
To Cut Se lected Item ( Ctrl+X)
Unit Converter 1-4
Select the item to cut.
General Tools
Choose the Cut command from the Edit menu. Albutton from the toolternatively, click on the
bar. Now the information will be placed in the clipboard and can then be pasted into another file.
Go to the new location in the other application and

paste it.
How to save th e resu lts for future us e
Once the results have been obtained, from the File

menu choose the Save command OR click on the
Save button from the toolbar.
In the File Name box, type a file name.
Under Save In, open the folder to which you want to

save the file.
Click the Save button.
NOTE: The results are saved in a standard Text (ASCII)

file and can be opened in any application supporting this
format, including most document editors. The figures are
not saved in the file. You may use the Cut/Copy functions
in the program to transfer the graphics/figure to other
documents or applications (such as Paint Brush) and then
combine them together as a single document.
How to Print t he Res ults
From the File menu, choose Print. Alternatively,

click on the
button from the toolbar.
NOTE: The above option will print the information to the

default printer. If you want to print to another printer set
that printer as the default by using Printers Option from
the Settings menu in Win95 and then print.
Unit Converter 1 -5
General Tools
Converting Units
Follow the procedure below to convert units using ACECOMS GEAR.
Start the Unit Converter.
Choose New from the File menu OR click on the

button to start a new problem.
Unit Converter 1-6
Choose the quantity to be converted from the Quantity to Convert list box. This will display all the
available units in the From and To list boxes.
Select units from the From and To list boxes for

conversion.
Specify the Number Format as either Decimal or

Scientific by using the View command from the Option menu OR clicking on the appropriate buttons
provided on the toolbar. You cannot change the
Number Format for a result set that has already been
added to the Result List Box. Make the change before adding the result to the Results List Box.
Enter the value to convert in the From text box provided at the bottom of the screen. Once entered, the
converted value will be displayed in the To text box.
Open the Full Form by clicking on the

button
and add the results to the Results List box for future
use. You can add any number of result sets to the
Results List box. Use the Clear button to remove result sets from the Result List box.
Print the current results display using the

ton or the Print command from the File menu.
but-
General Tools
You can also Cut or Copy the results list to use in

documents in different applications.
Use the Save Result List command from the File

menu to Save the results.
Once the conversion is complete, quit the program

by clicking on the Close button or selecting Exit
from the File menu.
The Engineering Constants is a program for easy reference
to common engineering constants such as density, viscosity,
energy, discharge, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity,
power, temperature, water quality, modulus of elasticity, co
efficient of expansion, specific gravity, thermal expansion,
thermal conductivity and Poissons ratio.
Using the Engineering Constant

Program
The Engineering Constants program has only one screen for
operation. Whenever the Engineering Constants program is
activated, the following menu options are available on the
form.

File
The menu commands under File let you start and print
the results.
Engineering Constants 1 -7
General Tools

Exit: Use this menu command to exit the module.
Ed it
Copy: Selected information may be copied to the clipboard to be pasted into other applications.
Op tions
This menu allows you to set the view of the program.
Working Units: Use this menu option to select the working units as SI, Metric or US.
View: This menu provides the option of viewing either
the Full Form or only the Half Form.
He lp
program.
Topics.
ACECOMS for technical reference and learn about
ACECOMS activities.
Engineering Constants 1-8
General Tools

dialogue box that contains Copyright information and information about the End User License Agreement with a
User ID Number for the Engineering Constants program.
default printer.
the Clipboard.
View Area.
View Area.
Sets the working units to Metric System.
Sets the working units to US System.
Sets the working units to SI System.
General Tools
Basic Operations
Ho w to Ad d Resu lts to the Resu lts Lis t



from the list.

You can copy/cut text created in ACECOMS GEAR and
other applications.
Select the item to be copied.
Select the Copy command from the Edit menu, OR

the Toolbar.
button from
Go to the new location in the other application

where you want to paste the item just copied and
General Tools

paste it.


save the file.


click on the

General Tools
Obtaining Engineering Constants
Start the program.
Set the working units to the desired system.

Choose the Engineering Constant required. This will

display the constant in the selected units.
button
Open the Full Form by clicking on the
and add the results to the Results List box for future
use. You can add any number of constant sets to the
Results List box. Use the Clear button to remove
constant sets from the Results List box.

ton or the Print command from the File menu.
You can also Cut or Copy the results list for use in
other applications.

Once the selection of constants is complete, quit the

program by clicking on the Close button or the Exit
command from the File menu.
but-
General Tools
Dead Load Reference

The Dead Load Reference is a program for easy reference to
the dead loads of common materials such as masonry, partition, roofing, false ceiling, flooring, metals and concrete.
Using the Dead Load Reference

Program
The Dead Load Reference program has only one screen for
operation. Whenever the Dead Load program is activated,
the following menu options are available on the form.

File
the results.
Exit: Use this menu command to exit the program.
Edit
Dead Load Reference 1 -13
General Tools
Op tions
This menu allows you to set the view of the program.
Working Units: This menu provides the options of
changing the unit systems. There are three unit systems
available: Metric, US and SI units.
View: This menu provides the option of viewing either
the Full Form or only the Half Form.
He lp
program.
Topics.
ACECOMS activities.
dialogue box that contains the Copyright information
and information about the End User License Agreement
with a User ID Number for the Dead Load Reference
program.
Dead Load Reference 1-14
General Tools

Saves the currently displayed Results List.
Prints the currently displayed Results List to the
default printer.
the Clipboard.
View Area.
View Area.
Sets the working units to the Metric System.
Sets the working units to the US System.
Sets the working units to the SI System.
Basic Operations
How to Add Res ults t o the R esults L ist

General Tools


from the list.

other applications.

the Toolbar.
button from

Dead Load Reference 1-16

paste it.
General Tools


save the file.


click on the

Obtaining Dead Loads
Start the program.

General Tools
Choose the material for which the dead loads are required. This will display the dead loads for that particular material.
Set the unit system using the Units command in the

Options menu OR using the appropriate buttons provided in the toolbar. Three unit systems are available: Metric, US and SI. You cannot change the
units for a result set that has already been added to
the Results List box. Make the change before you
add the result to the Results List box.
Open the full form by clicking on the

button
and Add the results to the Result List box for future
use. You can add any number of dead load sets to
the Results List box. Use the Clear button to remove
dead load sets from the Results List box.

ton or the Print command in the File menu.
You can also Cut or Copy the results list for use in
other applications.

Once the constants have been selected, quit the program by clicking on the Close button or the Exit
command from the File menu.
but-
Factored Load
This tool readily computes the factored loads combinations
from basic load cases in accordance with the ACI-318-95
and AASHTO design codes.
Factored Load 1-18
General Tools
Using the Factored Load Program

The Factored Load Reference program has only one screen
and a simple menu system for operation. Whenever the Factored Load Reference program is activated, the following
menu options are available on the form.

File
the results.
New Loads: Choose this command to start a new problem.
Save Current Results: To save currently displayed results select this command.
Print Current Results: This menu command allows you
to print the result list to the default printer.
Edit
Factored Load 1 -19
General Tools
Re port
The menu commands under Report let you prepare, format, preview and print the results.
Project Information: Select this command to provide
basic project information such as Project Name, Client,
Job Title, Engineer and Organization.
Report Item Content: Choose this command to select
the content of the report from various options listed.
Report Format: Report layout, text styles and contents
of the report can be specified using this command.
Print: This menu command prints the results that have
been added to the report.
Preview: Use this menu command to preview the formatted report before printing it. Note that in preview
mode, figures are shown as rectangle, however, at print
time actual figures are included.
Save Report Content: Choose this command to save the
report as simple text for future use.
He lp
program.
Topics.
ACECOMS activities.
Factored Load 1-20
General Tools
with a User ID Number for the Dead Load Reference

program.
default printer
the Clipboard
Copies the selected graphic or text to the Clipboard
Basic Operations
Preparing a Report
Use the Report menu to create a comprehensive, formatted
report of selected data and results. The Report menu lets you
specify the project information, contents of the report, target
printer, paper size, margins, character formats and header
and footers, preview the report and also save the report.
The Project Information dialogue box helps you to specify
the basic information about the project including name of the
engineer involved in the design, Project Name, Title, Organization, etc. The information given here is applicable for
Factored Load 1 -21
General Tools
all items in a particular module; however, the user can check

the contents of the items before clicking on the Add to Report button. You may use the Remove button to delete the
most recently added item. The Remove button become inactive until you add the next item to the report.
Use the Report Items Content to select the items and the content of each to be included in the report. You can select the
contents of the items by checking them. For example, you
can include only the Calculation Procedure and the Final Results for one item and some other contents such as Detailed
Calculation and the Final Results for another Item. However,
you have the option of removing some of the contents or
items from the report by using the Report format dialog box
or while previewing the report.
The Report Format dialogue box helps you to produce a
fully customizable and formatted report using style definitions, font selection, margins, footer/header, page layout, etc.
You can also view the items and contents that have been
added to the report and remove any unwanted items.
Apart from the above-mentioned options, the Report menu
also has options for Printing, Previewing and Saving functions. These functions are discussed in detail in the following
paragraphs.
Ho w to Pr epare the Rep ort

report of selected data and results. Follow the steps given below:
Factored Load 1-22
Choose the Project Information command from the

Report Menu.
Enter the data required in the Project Information

Dialogue Box such as Project, Title, Organization
and the name of the Engineer. Press OK.
General Tools
Choose the Report Item Contents command from the

Report menu and check the contents of the items to
be included in the report. After the selection is complete press OK.
Click on the Report Format command from the Report menu to format the report.
After the formatting is complete you can preview the

formatted report, print it or save it for future use.
Buttons are available to access Report Format, Preview and Print in the Report Frame section. You can
also access Print and Report Format from the Preview Form.
How to Add Res ults t o the R eport
Once you complete the computation, click on the

Add button.
Now the results will be added to the Report. Two

sets of results will be printed on one page.
Click on the Clear button to remove result sets from

the report.
Click on the Print button to print the contents that

have been added.
Preview ing a R eport

After adding the required results to the report you can start
printing the report. GEAR however, provides you with the
option of previewing the report before it is actually printed.
Using this feature you can make sure that the report contains
everything you need.
Several buttons are provided on this preview window. Use
these buttons to move up and down in the report or to view it
Factored Load 1 -23
General Tools
with different magnification. You may also print the report

by pressing the Print button provided in this window. The
following is the list of available buttons and their functions:
Display the first page of the report.
Display the previous page in the report.
Display the next page in the report.
Display the last page of the report.
Increase the magnification of the currently displayed page.
Reduce the magnification of the currently displayed page.
Close the preview window and return to the main
window.
To preview a Report do the following:
Factored Load 1-24
Click on the Preview button or go to the Report

menu and select Preview Report.
The Print Preview window will be shown. You can

use the above given buttons to move around in the
report or change the magnification of the preview.
Click the Print

report.
Click Close to return to the main window.
button to get a hard copy of the
General Tools
Copy Se lected Result s (CTRL +C)

other applications.

button from

the Toolbar.

To Cut Selecte d Item (Ctrl+ X)

paste it.

Factored Load 1 -25
General Tools

save the file.

Ho w to Pr int th e Resul ts

click on the

Obtaining Factored Loads
Start the program.

Factored Load 1-26
Select the code: ACI or AASHTO.
For ACI code enter the data for the unfactored loads
in the appropriate text boxes (Dead Load (D), Live
load (L), Wind Load (W), etc.).
For AASHTO code enter the data for the unfactored

loads in the appropriate text boxes: Dead Load (D),
General Tools
Centrifugal Force (CF), Earth Pressure (E), Buoyancy (B), Stream Flow Pressure (SF), Wind Load
(W), Wind Load on Live Load (WL), Rib shortening
R, Shrinkage (S), Temperature (T), Earthquake
(EQ), Ice Pressure (ICE), etc.
Press the Compute button to get the Factored Load

combinations in the Results Box.
The extreme combinations will be displayed in the

text boxes available beneath the data entry section.
Now click the Add button to include the results in

the report. Every time you add a set of results, a
message will appear in the status bar indicating the
number of cross-section result sets that have been
added to the report so far.

button OR using the Print option from the Report menu.
To print a report select the Print Report option from

the Report menu OR click on the Print button provided in the Print Report section. You can also preview the contents of a report by pressing the Preview
button.
You can also Cut or Copy the results list to paste to

documents in other applications.
Use the Save Report option from the Report menu

OR the Save button from the toolbar to Save the report.
Once the computation is complete, quit the program

by clicking on the Close button or choosing Exit
from the File menu OR press on the Reset button to
start a new problem.
Factored Load 1 -27
General Tools
Load Combinations
This is a tool for comprehensive calculation of load combinations. It considers nearly all possible load combinations
for the ACI, BS and ASSHTO codes.
Using the Load Combination Program

The Load Combination Calculator program has only one
screen and a simple menu system for operation. Whenever
the Load Combination Calculator program is activated, the
following menu options are available on the form.

Fi le
the results.
Ed it
Load Combinations 1-28
General Tools
Tools
This menu allows you to set some general parameters for the program. Before calculating the load
combinations the following selections have to be
completed.
Select Combination Tables: Use this menu to set the
combination tables to ACI-318-95, BS 8110,
AASHTO-SLD or AASHTO-LFD.
Options: Using this menu the levels of load cases
and load combinations can be selected. There are
three levels available: Primary, Pattern and Secondary.
Report
the content of the report from the various options listed.
Load Combinations 1 -29
General Tools

He lp
program.
Topics.
ACECOMS activities.
with a User ID Number for the Load Combination program.
Opens a currently saved file.
Saves the currently displayed Results List.
Prints the currently displayed Results List to the
default printer.
General Tools

the Clipboard.
Basic Operations
Preparing a Report
report of selected data and results. The Report menu lets you
specify the project information, contents of the report, target
printer, paper size, margins, character formats and header
and footers, preview the report and also save the report.
The Project Information dialogue box helps you to specify
the basic information about the project including name of the
engineer involved in the design, Project Name, Title, Organization, etc. The information given here is applicable for
all items in a particular module; however, the user can check
the contents of the items before clicking on the Add to Report button. You may use the Remove button to delete the
most recently added item. The Remove button become inactive until you add the next item to the report.
Use the Report Items Content to select the items and the content of each to be included in the report. You can select the
contents of the items by checking them. For example, you
can include only the Calculation Procedure and the Final Results for one item and some other contents such as Detailed
Calculation and the Final Results for another Item. However,
you have the option of removing some of the contents or
items from the report by using the Report format dialog box
or while previewing the report.
General Tools
The Report Format dialogue box helps you to produce a

fully customizable and formatted report using style definitions, font selection, margins, footer/header, page layout, etc.
You can also view the items and contents that have been
added to the report and remove any unwanted items.
Apart from the above-mentioned options, the Report menu
also has options for Printing, Previewing and Saving functions. These functions are discussed in detail in the following
paragraphs.
Ho w to Pr epare the Rep ort

report of selected data and results. Follow the steps given below:
Choose the Project Information command from the

Report Menu.
Enter the data required in the Project Information

Dialogue Box such as Project, Title, Organization
and the name of the Engineer. Press OK.
Choose the Report Item Contents command from the

Report menu and check the contents of the items to
be included in the report. After the selection is complete press OK.
Click on the Report Format command from the Report menu to format the report.
After the formatting is complete you can preview the

formatted report, print it or save it for future use.
Buttons are available to access Report Format, Preview and Print in the Report Frame section. You can
also access Print and Report Format from the Preview Form.
General Tools
How to Add Re sults t o the R eport
Once you complete the computation, click on the

Add button.
Now the results will be added to the Report. Two

sets of results will be printed on one page.
Click on the Clear button to remove result sets from

the report.
Click on the Print button to print the contents that

have been added.
Preview ing a R eport

After adding the required results to the report you can start
printing the report. GEAR however, provides you with the
option of previewing the report before it is actually printed.
Using this feature you can make sure that the report contains
everything you need.
Several buttons are provided on this preview window. Use
these buttons to move up and down in the report or to view it
with different magnification. You may also print the report
by pressing the Print button provided in this window. The
following is the list of available buttons and their functions:
Display the first page of the report.
Display the previous page in the report.
Display the next page in the report.
Display the last page of the report.
Increase the magnification of the currently displayed page.
General Tools
Reduce the magnification of the currently displayed page.

Close the preview window and return to the main
window.
To preview a Report do the following:
Click on the Preview button or go to the Report

menu and select Preview Report.
The Print Preview window will be shown. You can

use the above given buttons to move around in the
report or change the magnification of the preview.
Click the Print

report.
Click Close to return to the main window.
button to get a hard copy of the

other applications.

the Toolbar.
button from

General Tools
To Cut Selecte d Item (Ctrl+ X)

paste it.


save the file.


click on the
General Tools
Calculating Load Combinations
Start the program.

Set the Combination Tables and the Level of Options from the Tools menu.
Enter the data in the Basic Data tab. Load case

names will be initialized at the beginning. These
Load cases will vary depending on the Selection Table and the Level Options that you have chosen from
the Tools menu. You can enter the data in the table
by following the steps below:
To add more elements, press the Add button on the

Elements/Members. This will add a new element to
a section. To remove elements press the Remove
button.
To add more sections to an element, Press the Add

button on the Sections. This will add a new section
for the selected element. To remove elements press
the Remove button.
Enter the data for Nz, Vx, Vy, Mx, My and Tz for
each load case.
Once the data are entered, press the Compute button.

The status bar will show the selected code, levels of
loads and the levels of load combinations.
General Tools
The results of the computed combined loads for all

elements and sections will be displayed on the Combined Load tab.
Now the Load Combination for every level of Load

Case and Load Combinations can be obtained in table form from the Load Combination Table tab.
Now go to the Report tab and click on the Add button to include the results to a report. Every time you
add a set of results, a message will appear in the
status bar indicating the number of cross-section result sets that have been added to the report so far.
button OR use the Print Current Section option from the
File menu.
To print a report select the Print Report option from

the Report menu OR click on the Print button provided in the Print Report section. You can also preview the contents of a report by pressing the Preview
button OR choosing the Preview Report option from
the Report menu.
You can also Cut or Copy the results list OR the

graphic view of the cross-section to paste it in
documents in other Windows-compatible applications.
Use the Save Result option from the toolbar to save

the results to a file. These results are saved in simple
text format.
Once the design is complete, quit the program by

clicking on the X button or choose Exit from the File
menu.
Chapter 2
Chapter
Initial Setup
Setting Up Work Environment
ACECOMS GEAR initializes your work environment using
appropriate values for different parameters. Once you exit
the program, values of important parameters such as default
work units, rebar set, design code, etc. are saved automatically and are used to initialize these parameters next time
when you start the program. The working units and the number format can be changed using the Options menu.
Triangle Solver
Triangle dimensions, angles and properties can be computed
by using this module in a number of different combinations.
Using the Triangle Solver

The Triangle Properties Solver program has only one screen
and a simple menu system for operation. Whenever the Triangle Property Solver program is activated, the following
menu options are available on the form.
2-1

Fi le
The menu commands under File let you save and print
the results.
New: Choose this command to start a new problem. At
start-up all values will be set to default.
Save Current Result: To save currently displayed results
select this command.
Print Current Result: This menu command allows you
to print the currently displayed results to the default
printer.
Exit: Choose this command to quit the module.
Ed it
The Edit menu provides commands for copying and cutting selected text, graphics or results. This option is
available for the input data, result list and figure.
Copy: Selected information may be copied into the clipboard and may then be pasted into other applications.
Op tions
the program.
Triangle Solver 2-2
Number Format: Use this menu to change the number

format to either Decimal or Scientific.
Report
Preview: Use this menu command to preview the formatted version of the report before you print it. Note that
in preview mode, figures are shown as rectangle; however, at print time actual figures are included.
report as a simple text for future use.
Help
program.
Topics.
ACECOMS activities.
Triangle Solver 2 -3

User ID Number for the Triangle Solver.
default printer.
the Clipboard.
Solving Triangles
Start the program.

Triangle Solver 2-4
Now select the variables for entering values.
By default, all three Sides and Angles are activated.

There are three options you can go for:
Option 1: Select all three sides.
Option 2: Select two sides and the angle included by these sides.
Option 3: Select any two angles and any
one side.
NOTE: Once you have selected the required number of

variables, other variables become inactive. To change the
Options or Values press the Reset button and then proceed.
Do - Outside Diameter
Xo - Centroid Coordinate
Yo - Centriod Coordinate
A - Gross Area
W - Total Width
P - Outer Perimeter
H - Total Height
t - Wall Thickness
Iyy - Moment of Inertia
Ixx - Moment of Inertia
Enter values for the selected variables. If you enter

an inappropriate value OR the selected variables are
Triangle Solver 2 -5
incorrect, warning messages will appear in the status

bar.
Specify the number format as either Decimal or Scientific by using the View command from the Option
menu OR click on the appropriate buttons from the
toolbar. Make sure that the changes are made before
you add the result to the Report.
Note: You cannot change the Number Format for a result

set that has already been added to the Report.
Triangle Solver 2-6
Click on the Compute button. This will display the

results in the Results Box.
Now click on the Add button to include the results in

a report. Every time you add a set of results, a message will appear in the status bar indicating the
added to the report up to that time.

File menu. To print a report select the Print Report
option from the Report menu OR click on the Print
button provided in the Print Report section. You can
also preview the contents of a report by pressing the
Preview button OR choosing the Preview Report option of the Report menu.

graphic view of the polygon to paste it in documents
in other Windows-compatible applications.
Use the Save Result option from the toolbar to Save

the results in a file. These results are saved in simple
text format.

clicking on the X button or choose Exit from the File
menu.
Circle Solver
All properties of solid and hollow circle (full, semi, quarter),
and parts of circles (segments, sections, arcs) can be computed by using this module.
Using the Circle Solver

The Circle Properties Solver program has only one screen
and a simple menu system for operation. Whenever the Circle Property Solver program is activated, the following menu
options are available on the form.

File
the results.
printer.
Circle Solver 2 -7
Ed it
available for the input data, results list and figure.
Copy: Selected information may be copied into the clipboard and then pasted into other applications.
Cut: In addition to copying selected information, the cut
option deletes that information from the screen.
Op tions
the program.
Re port
Preview: Use this menu command to preview the formatted version of the report before you print it. Note that
Circle Solver 2-8
in preview mode, figures are shown as rectangles, however, at print time actual figures are included.
Help
program.
Topics.
ACECOMS activities.
User ID Number for the Circle Solver.
default printer.
the Clipboard.
Copies the selected graphic or text to the Clip-
Circle Solver 2 -9
board.
Activates the Solid Circle option.
Activates the Hollow Circle option.
Solving Circles
Start the program.

button to open a new file.
Circle Solver 2-10
Select the circle or part of the circle to be solved,

from the vertical toolbar. This vertical toolbar consists of full, semi, and quarter circles, sector, segment and arc.
Choose the type (Solid) or (Hollow) from the toolbar

OR choose Type from the Options menu.
Now select the known property or properties from

the Given Variable List. These selected properties
will appear at the bottom for entering values.
Do - Outside Diameter
Xo - Centroid Coordinate
b - Chord Width
Yo - Centroid Coordinate
A - Gross Area
W - Total Width
P - Outer Perimeter
H - Total Height
a - Length of Side
t - Wall Thickness
Iyy - Moment of Inertia
Ixx - Moment of Inertia
U - Tilt Angle: Counter clockwise angle from X-axis at origin to the Line of symmetry of the circle.
Circle Solver 2 -11
d - Included Angle: Included angle produced by the chord

with the center of the circle.
Enter values for the selected variables. If you enter

an inappropriate value a warning message will appear in the status bar.
NOTE: For a hollow circle, Wall thickness (t) must be

entered in addition to the other variables.

Scientific by using the View command from the Option menu OR click on the appropriate buttons from
the toolbar. Make sure that the changes are made before you add the result to the Report.
Note: You cannot change the Number Format for a result

set that has already been added to the Report.
Circle Solver 2-12

results in the Results Box.



graphic view of the polygon to paste it in documents
in other Windows-compatible applications.
Use the Save Result option from the tool bar to Save
text format.

clicking on the X button or select Exit from the File
menu.
Polygon Solver
This module can handle regular solid or hollow polygons of
3-30 sides. Properties can be calculated by providing various
parameters such as: Outside Diameter, Inside Diameter, Wall
Thickness, Gross Area, Outer Perimeter, Length of Side A,
Centroid Coordinates, Moment of Inertia, Total Width and
Height.
Using the Polygon Solver

The Polygon Properties Solver program has only one screen
and a simple menu system for operation. Whenever the
Polygon Property Solver program is activated, the following
menu options are available on this form.

File
the results.
Polygon Solver 2 -13
Save Current Result: To save currently displayed results

select this command.
Print Current Result: This menu command allows you
printer.
Ed it
available for input data, results list and figure.
Cut: In addition to copying selected information, this
Op tions
the program.
format either as Decimal or Scientific.
Polygons: This menu provides the option of selecting either a Solid or a Hollow polygon.
Re port
Polygon Solver 2-14

Help
program.
Topics.
ACECOMS for technical reference and learn about the
ACECOMS activities.
User ID Number for the Polygon Solver.

default printer.
the Clipboard.
Activates the Solid Polygon option.
Activates the Hollow Polygon option.
Solving Polygons
Start the program.

button to open a new file.
Polygon Solver 2-16
Select the polygon to be solved from the vertical

toolbar. This vertical bar contains three, four, five,
six, seven, eight and n sided polygons. For n sided

polygons, enter the number of sides in addition to
the other properties.
Choose the type of polygon (Solid) or (Hollow)

from the toolbar OR from the Options menu.
Now select the property from the Given Variable

List. This selected property will appear below the selection for entering a value.
Do
Outside Diameter
Gross Area
Xo
Centroid Coordinate
Outer Perimeter
Di
Inside Diameter
Total Height
Yo
Centroid Coordinate
Length of Side
Ixx
Moment of Inertia
Wall Thickness
Iyy
Moment of Inertia
Enter a value for the selected variables. If you enter

an inappropriate value a warning message will appear in the status bar.
NOTE: For a hollow polygon, Wall thickness (t) must be
entered in addition to the other variables.

Scientific by using the View command from the Option menu OR using the appropriate buttons provided on the toolbar. Make sure that the changes are
made before you add the result to the Report.
NOTE: You cannot change the Number Format for a

result set which has already been added to the Report.
Polygon Solver 2-18

results: Outside Diameter, Inside Diameter, Wall
Thickness, Gross Area, Outer Perimeter, Length of
Side A, Centroid Coordinates, Moment of Inertia,
Total Width and Height in the Results Box.



graphic view of the polygon to paste them in documents in other Windows-compatible applications.
Use the Save Result option from the tool bar to save
the results to a file. These results are saved in a simple text format.

clicking on the X button or choosing Exit from the
File menu.
Property Calculator
This tool is very convenient in computing the cross-sectional
properties of most commonly used shapes. The program uses
a graphical/visual approach for shape selection and dimension input. The properties are computed about the centroid or
any other user-specified location.
Using the Property Calculator

The Properties Calculator program has only one screen and a
simple menu system for operation. Whenever the Crosssection Properties Calculator program is activated, the following menu options are available on the form.

File
the results.
printer.
Property Calculator 2 -19

Ed it
available for the input data, results list and figure.
Cut: In addition to copying selected information, this
Op tions
the program.
Working Units: This menu provides the options of
changing the unit system. There are three unit systems
available: Metric, US and SI.
Re port
the content of the report from various options listed.
Property Calculator 2-20

Preview: Use this menu command to preview the formatted report before printing. Note that in preview
mode, figures are shown as rectangle. However at print
Help
program.
Topics.
ACECOMS for technical reference and know about the
ACECOMS activities.
User ID Number for the Property Calculator.

default printer
the Clipboard
Copies the selected graphic or text to the Clipboard
Obtaining Properties
Start the program.
Set the Working Units to SI, Metric or US by selecting from the Options menu.

Now select the cross-sectional shape from the vertical tool bar which contains about 20 shapes including: Rectangular, Split rectangular, Rectangular box,
Rectangle with a hole, General tee, Symmetric tee,
General I, Symmetric I, Fillet I, General Plus,
Trapezoid, Triangle, General C, Symmetric C, Circular, Shaft, Tee box and Inclined box.
Enter the dimensions in the dimension boxes provided in the cross-section figure.

Scientific from the Option menu OR click on the appropriate buttons on the toolbar. Make sure that the
changes are made before you add the result to the
Report.
NOTE: You cannot change the Number Format for a

result set that has already been added to the Report.
Select the point about which you want the properties

to be calculated. There are two options: At the Center of Gravity or at any point specified by the user. If
you select a point, enter the coordinates in the appropriate boxes.
Select the axis about which you want the properties

to be calculated. There are two options: At the
Global axis or at any angle specified by the user.

results in the Results Box, including:
Area of the cross-section A
Perimeter of the cross-section P
Centroid Xo
Centroid Yo
Properties at the Center of Gravity about
X,Y:
Moment of Inertia
Intertia Ixx
Inertia Iyy
Inertia Ixy
Modulus
Modulus-Sxx(T)
Modulus-Sxx(B)
Modulus-Syy(L)
Modulus-Syy(R)
Radius of Gyration
Radius rx
Radius xy
Principal Moment of Inertia
Moment of Inertia I11
Moment of Inertia I22
Principal Angle Tx1: Angle of principal axis
Width
Height



graphic view of the cross-section to paste it in
documents in other Windows-compatible applications.
Use the Save Result option from the tool bar to Save
text format.

clicking on the X button or choosing Exit from the
File menu.

Gear2003 Part A

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ACECOMS GEAR

General Engineering Assistant and Reference

USERS MANUAL AND

Asian Center for Engineering

Copyright ACECOMS, AIT, 2003.

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Changing Authorization Level

Quitting the Program

Obtaining More Information and Technical Support1-14

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Dead Load Reference

What is ACECOMS GEAR 1 -2

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

What is ACECOMS GEAR 1 -3

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

What is ACECOMS GEAR 1 -4

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

TwoWay Slab Designer

Flat Slab Designer

Steel Beam Designer

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Steel Column Designer

What is ACECOMS GEAR 1 -6

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Pile Cap Designer

Driven Pile Designer

How to Install GEAR

How to Install GEAR 1 -7

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Step 1: Double -click My Computer on your desktop

Step 2: Double-click on the folder in which you saved the download

How to Install GEAR 1 -8

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

How to Install GEAR 1 -9

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Step 5: Double-click on Setup.exe or Setup (the view may differ from

How to Install GEAR 1 -10

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Step 8: Press Continue to complete this step.

How to Install GEAR 1 -11

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Step 10: The setup has been completed successfully.

All the modules available in GEAR will be installed.

Changing Authorization Level

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Start the program.

Click on the Change Authorization command

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Quitting the Program

Obtaining More Information and

Mail ing Ad dress

Quitting the Program 1 -14

Welcome to ACECOMS GEAR

Obtaining More Information and Technical Support 1 -15

Using the Unit Converter

Change Authorization: This menu command allows you

formation about the End User License Agreement with a

Once the conversion is complete, click on the

Click on the Add button. Now the results will be

Click on the Clear button to remove all added results

Co py Sele cted R esults (CTRL + C)

Select the item to be copied