Tutorial

Tutorial
SAFE®
Analysis and Design of Floor Systems

ISO SAF052621M3 Rev. 0

Proudly developed in the United States of America May 2021
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Contents

Part I – R/C Example 1

The Project 2

Navigating Through SAFE 3

Step 1 Begin a New Model 4

Define the Grid 4
Save the Model 8
Step 2 Define Properties 8
Define Material Properties 9
Define Slab and Drop Properties 11
Define Beam Properties 14
Define Column Properties 16
Define Wall Properties 19
Step 3 Define Static Load Patterns 20
Step 4 Define Load Cases 21

Step 5 Draw Objects 23

Draw Floors 23
Draw Columns 26
Draw Walls 29

i
SAFE - Tutorial

Draw Beams 33
Draw Openings (Shell Objects) 34
Draw Support Lines 35
Step 6 Add Design Strips 37

Step 7 Set Display Options 39

Step 8 Assign Loads 41

Step 9 Run the Analysis and Design 43

Step 10 Graphically Review the Analysis

Results 44

Step 11 Design Display 47

Step 12 Run Detailing 52

Step 13 Create Report 54

Part II – P/T Example 57

The Project 57

Navigating Through SAFE 58

Step 1 Begin a New Model 59

Define the Grid 60
Save the Model 65
Step 2 Define Properties 65
Define Material Properties 66
Define Slab Properties 68
Define Tendon Properties 71
Define Column Properties 72
Define Wall Properties 74
Step 3 Define Static Load Patterns 75

Step 4 Define Load Cases 77

ii
Contents

Step 5 Draw Objects 79

Draw Floors 79
Draw Columns 82
Draw Walls 83
Draw Openings (Shell Objects) 86
Draw Support Lines 88
Step 6 Add Design Strips 90

Step 7 Add Tendons 92

Step 8 Set Display Options 97

Step 9 Assign Loads 99

Step 10 Run the Analysis and Design 101

Step 11 Graphically Review the Analysis

Results 102

Step 12 Design Display 105

Step 13 Run Detailing 108

Step 14 Create Report 110

Part III – Composite Beam Example 113

The Project 113

Step 1 Begin a New Model 114

Save the Model 118

Step 2 Define Properties 118

Define Material Properties 119
Define Deck Properties 120
Define an Auto Select Section List 122

Step 3 Review Static Load Patterns 126

iii
SAFE - Tutorial

Step 4 Review Load Cases 126

Step 5 Assign Auto Select Properties 128

Step 6 Verify Loads 131

Step 7 Run the Analysis 134

Step 8 Graphically Review the Analysis Results 135

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams 138

iv
Tutorial

The three examples in this tutorial provide step-by-step

illustrations of how SAFE can be used to create, analyze, and
design concrete slab and steel beam composite floor systems. The
first example (Part I) is for a mild-reinforced concrete slab (R/C),
the second example (Part II) deals with a post-tensioned structure
(P/T), and the third example (Part III) utilizes steel composite
beams and metal deck. Although the general procedure is similar
for all examples, the structures and specific details differ.

Part I - R/C Example

The intent of this tutorial is to give you hands-on experience via
step-by-step instructions on how to use SAFE to model, analyze,
and design mild reinforced concrete slabs. Fundamentals of the
model creation process are identified, and various model construc-
tion techniques are introduced. As you complete this Part I tutori-
al, you will build the model shown in Figure 1.

1
SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Figure 1 The Project Model

The Project
The tutorial project is an irregularly shaped suspended concrete
slab, with overall dimensions of 113 feet by 120 feet. A large
opening exists in the interior for stair access. The 10-inch thick
slab is supported by 12-inch-thick walls, 16-inch-thick drop pan-
els on columns, and 18-inch by 24-inch beams on two perimeter
sides. Columns are 18 inches square, drop panels are typically 6
feet square, and the story height below the slab is 12 feet. The
model will be analyzed for a uniform dead load of 30 pounds per
square foot (psf) plus the self-weight of the structure and a live
load of 50 psf.

Concrete Materials:
Concrete strength, f’c = 4000 psi
Unit weight of concrete = 150 pcf
Mild-steel reinforcing:
fy = 60 ksi

2 The Project
Navigating Through SAFE

Navigating Through SAFE

The SAFE program provides the user with two principal ways to
navigate through program commands: menu commands or toolbar
buttons. All commands are available through the main menu bar
(e.g., Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects > Draw
Floor/Wall), and most of the menu commands are also available
as buttons on toolbars (e.g., Draw Floor/Wall, ). The icon to
the left of the menu command, as shown in Figure 2, is an indica-
tion of what the button on the toolbar will resemble.

Figure 2 Draw Menu

In this tutorial, the reference to various commands will be given

using the narrative description, i.e., Draw menu > Draw
Floor/Wall Objects > Draw Floor/Wall command, in lieu of the
associated button.

Navigating Through SAFE 3

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Step 1 Begin a New Model

In this Step, the dimensions and basic grid will be defined, which
will serve as a guide for developing the model. This model will be
built without using the automated template tools provided in
SAFE to demonstrate how to construct a model from scratch.
However, as a general rule, we highly recommend using templates
to start models whenever possible because they provide a quick,
easy way of generating a model. Consult the SAFE Help topics
for information about templates.

Define the Grid

A. Start the program. The Start Page will display.

B. Click the New Model button on the Start Page to access the
Model Initialization form shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3
Model Initialization
form

C. Choose the Use Built-in Settings With: option.

D. Select US Customary from the Display Units drop-down list

and United States from the Region for Default Materials
drop-down list on the Model Initialization form. To review
the display units, hold the mouse cursor over the infor-
mation icon . To change the units once initialized, click
the Options menu > Display Units command.

4 Step 1 Begin a New Model

Step 1 Begin a New Model

E. Select ACI 318-19 from the Concrete Design Code drop-

down list. Click the OK button and the New Model Quick
Templates form shown in Figure 4 will display.

F. The New Model Quick Templates form is used to specify

the starting point of the model creation: a Blank screen, a
screen with a Grid Only, or one of eight templates. Click the
Grid Only button - as stated earlier, this tutorial will show
how to create a model without using templates. Verify that
the Story Height Below in the Story Dimensions area is set
to 12.

Figure 4 New Model Quick Templates form

G. In the Grid Dimensions (Plan) area, select the Uniform Grid

Spacing option.

H. Set the Number of Grid Lines in the X Direction to 6 and in

the Y Direction to 7. Set the Spacing in the X Direction to
20 feet and in the Y Direction to 18 feet.

Step 1 Begin a New Model 5

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

I. Select the Custom Grid Spacing option and click the Edit
Grid Data button to display the Grid System Data form
shown in Figure 5. The Grid System Data form is used to
modify and edit the grid definition, and to set the display
options associated with the grids. It is advisable to spend
time carefully planning the number and spacing of the grid
lines as an accurate grid will expedite model creation.

Figure 5 Grid System Data form

1. In the Rectangular Grids area, select the Display Grid

Data as Spacing option.

2. In the X Grid Data table, change the X spacing as fol-

lows:

Grid ID Change X Spacing to

A 26
D 27
3. In the Y Grid Data table, change the Y spacing as fol-
lows:

6 Step 1 Begin a New Model

Step 1 Begin a New Model

Grid ID Change Y Spacing to

3 24
4 24
4. Click the OK button to accept your changes and return
to the New Model Quick Templates form.

J. In the Add Structural Objects area, make sure the Grid On-
ly button is highlighted. Click the OK button to close the
form.

Upon closing the New Model Quick Templates form, the

grid system displays in the main SAFE window with two
windows tiled vertically: a Model Explorer window on the
left and a Plan View on the right. The number of view win-
dows can be changed using the Windows List button in
the top-right corner of the display window.

You should now have a display similar to that shown in

Figure 6.

Display Title Bar

(Active Window)

Units Button

Global Axes

Figure 6 SAFE Main Window

Step 1 Begin a New Model 7

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Note that the Plan View window is active. When a window

is active, the display title bar is highlighted. Set a window
active by clicking anywhere in the window.

Note also that the Global Axes are displayed, and that the Z
positive is in the “up” direction. When SAFE refers to the
direction of gravity, this is in the negative Z direction, or
“down.”

Save the Model

Save your model often! Click the File menu > Save command.
Specify the directory in which to save the model. For this tutorial,
specify the file name as RCSlab.

Although typically a model would be saved with the same name

throughout development, in order to record work at various stages
of model evolution or as a backup, use the File menu > Save As
command to save the file using another name.

Step 2 Define Properties

In this Step, material and section properties for the slab, beams
and columns (frame objects), and walls are defined. Note that pre-
viously defined materials and sections
may be reviewed and modified using
the Model Explorer window (see Figure
7). To do this, expand any of the prop-
erty items on the tree by clicking the +
node, and then double click on the de-
sired item to display the associated
form.

Figure 7 Model Explorer window

8 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

Define Material Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Material Properties command to
access the Define Materials form shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8 Define Materials form

B. Highlight 4000Psi in the Materials area and click the Modi-

fy/Show Material button to display the Material Property
Data form shown in Figure 9. That form lists the properties
associated with 4000psi concrete; this is the concrete prop-
erty that will be used in our model.

Step 2 Define Properties 9

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Figure 9 Material Property Data form

C. Click the OK button to accept this material as defined.

D. In the Materials area of the Define Materials form, highlight

A615Gr60.

E. Click the Modify/Show Material button to display the Ma-

terial Property Data form shown in Figure 10. This form

10 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

lists the properties associated with Grade 60 reinforcing;

this is the rebar property that will be used in our model.

F. Click the OK button to accept this material as defined.

G. Click the OK button on the Define Materials form to accept

all of the defined materials.

H. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Figure 10 Material Property Data form

Define Slab and Drop Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Slab Sec-
tions command to access the Slab Properties form shown in
Figure 11.

Step 2 Define Properties 11

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Figure 11 Slab Properties form

B. In the Slab Property area, highlight Slab1.

C. Recall that for this tutorial project, the slab thickness is 10

inches. To adjust the default dimensions of Slab1, click the
Modify/Show Property button to access the Slab Property
Data form shown in Figure 12.

1. Select Slab from the Type drop-down list in the Proper-

ty Data area if not already done; this ensures that any
area object with this property assignment will be identi-
fied as a slab member.

2. Type 10in in the Thickness edit box in the Property Da-

ta area.

Note: Input may be done in units other than those

shown on the form by explicitly stating the units. For
example, if for this case the thickness was to be 18
inches, input could be 1.5ft, and the program automati-

12 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

cally converts the number input to be consistent with

the units shown on the form.

3. Click the OK button to accept the changes and return to

the Slab Properties form.

Figure 12 Slab Property Data form

D. Recall that the project has 16-inch-thick drop panels on col-

umns. To specify a property for the drop panel, click the
Add New Property button on the Slab Properties form and
complete the following.

1. Type DROP in the Property Name edit box on the Slab

Property Data form.

Step 2 Define Properties 13

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

2. Select Drop from the Type drop-down list in the Prop-

erty Data area.

Note: When multiple shell objects occupy the same lo-

cation in plan, SAFE determines which property value
to use in the stiffness formula based on the following
hierarchy: the Drop type has priority over a Slab type.

3. Type 16 in the Thickness edit box.

4. Click the OK button to accept the changes and return to

the Slab Properties form.

E. Click the OK button to end the slab property definitions.

Click the File menu > Save command to save the model.

Define Beam Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Frame Sec-
tions command to access the Frame Properties form shown
in Figure 13.

Figure 13 Frame Properties form

14 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

B. Click the Add New Property button to access the Frame

Property Shape Type form.

1. In the Shape Type area, select Concrete L from the Sec-

tion Shape drop-down list.

2. Click the OK button to access the Frame Section Prop-

erty Data form shown in Figure 14. Recall that the
beams for the project are 18 inches by 24 inches.

a. Type BEAM in the Property Name edit box on the

Frame Section Property Data form.

b. In the Section Dimensions area, type 24 into the To-

tal Depth edit box, type 5ft into the Total Width ed-
it box, type 10 into the Horizontal Leg Thickness
edit box, type 18 into the Web Thickness At Flange
edit box, and 18 into the Vertical Leg Thickness At
Tip edit box.

Figure 14 Frame Section Property Data form

Step 2 Define Properties 15

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

c. In the Section Type area, select the Beam Section

option. This will identify that this frame section is
to be designed as a beam. If desired, click the
Modify/Show Data button in the Design Property
Data area to review design properties.

d. Click the OK button to close the Frame Section

Property Data form.

C. Click the OK button to leave the Frame Properties form.

Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Define Column Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Frame Sec-
tions command to access the Frame Properties form, as pre-
viously done to define the beam property.

B. In the Properties area, highlight ConcCol.

C. Click the Modify/Show Property button to access the

Frame Section Property Data form shown in Figure 15. Re-
call that the columns for the project are 18 inches square
and that the drop panels are 6 feet square.

Figure 15
Frame Section
Property Data form

16 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

1. In the Shape area, verify that the Section Shape drop-

down list is set to Concrete Rectangular.

2. In the Section Type area, verify that the Column Section

option is selected.

3. In the Section Dimensions area, type 18 into the Depth

edit box and type 18 into the Width edit box.

4. Make sure that the Include Automatic Rigid Zone Area

Over Column option is checked. This option restricts
deformation of the slab at the column location, which
prevents unrealistic peaks in moment distribution from
occurring.

5. Click the Drop Panel/Column Capital Dimensions

button to display the Drop Panel and Column Capital
Dimensions form shown in Figure 16.

Figure 16 Drop Panel and Column Capital Dimensions form

Step 2 Define Properties 17

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

a. In the Automatic Drop Panel Dimensions area,

check the Include Automatic Drop Panel Over Col-
umn option. This option automatically adds a drop
panel when a column with this property is drawn.

b. In the Automatic Drop Panel Dimensions area, type

6ft into the Parallel to 2-Axis edit box and type 6ft
into the Parallel to 3-Axis edit box.

c. In the Automatic Drop Panel Dimensions area, se-

lect DROP from the Slab Property drop-down list.

d. Click the OK button to leave the Drop Panel and

Column Capital Dimensions Data form.

6. Click the OK button to leave the Frame Section Proper-

ty Data form.

D. In the Filter Properties List area, select Concrete Rectangu-

lar from the Type drop-down list.

E. In the Properties area, highlight ConcCol, the column prop-

erty defined in the previous steps.

F. Click the Add Copy of Property button to access the

Frame Section Property Data form.

1. In the General Data area, type COL-NODROP in the

Property Name edit box.

2. Click the Drop Panel/Column Capital Dimensions

button to access the Drop Panel and Column Capital
Dimensions form.

a. In the Automatic Drop Panel Dimensions area, un-

check the Include Automatic Drop Panel Over Col-
umn option.

b. Click the OK button to return to the Frame Section

Property Data form.

18 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

3. In the Section Dimensions area, confirm that both the

Depth and Width are set to 18.

4 Click the OK button to leave the Frame Section Proper-

ty Data form.

G. Click the OK button to accept the column property defini-

tions.

Define Wall Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Wall
Sections command to access the Wall Properties form.

B. In the Wall Property area, highlight Wall1.

C. Click the Modify/Show Property button to access the Wall

Property Data form shown in Figure 17. Recall that the
walls for the project are 12 inches thick.

Figure 17 Wall Property Data form

Step 2 Define Properties 19

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

1. In the Property Data area, type 12 into the Thickness

edit box if this is not the default value.

2. Make sure that the Include Automatic Rigid Zone Area

Over Wall option is checked. This option restricts de-
formation of the slab at the wall location, which pre-
vents unrealistic peaks in moment distribution from oc-
curring.

3. Click the OK button to leave the Wall Property Data

form.

D. Click the OK button to accept the wall property definition.

This completes the material and section property definition phase

of the model creation. The slab and beam properties will be as-
signed in the model datum plane, while the columns and walls
will be assigned to objects in the story below. Supports also can
be assigned as joint restraints, joint springs, line springs, or area
springs.

Step 3 Define Static Load Patterns

In this Step, the dead and live static load patterns are defined.
That is, we will name the various types of loads and specify the
self-weight multipliers. The loads will be assigned to objects, and
the values for the loads specified (uniform dead load of 30 psf and
live load of 50 psf), in Step 8.

A. Click the Define menu > Load Patterns command to ac-

cess the Define Load Patterns form shown in Figure 18.

20 Step 3 Define Static Load Patterns

Step 4 Define Load Cases

Figure 18 Define Load Patterns form

B. Note that load patterns Dead and Live are defined by de-
fault.

C. Recall that the project will be analyzed for the dead load
plus the self-weight of the structure. Thus, the Self Weight
Multiplier should be set equal to 1 (this will include 1.0
times the self-weight of all members) for the Dead load.
Only the Dead load pattern should have a non-zero Self
Weight Multiplier.

D. Click the OK button to accept the defined static load pat-

terns.

E. Click the File menu > Save command.

Step 4 Define Load Cases

In this Step, the Load Cases are defined. This is where the type of
analysis is specified.

A. Click the Define menu > Load Cases command to access

the Load Cases form shown in Figure 19.

Step 4 Define Load Cases 21

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Figure 19 Load Cases form

B. With the Dead Load Case Name highlighted, click the

Modify/Show Case button to display the Load Case Data
form shown in Figure 20. This data form changes based on
the type of load case specified.

1. In the General area, select Linear Static from the Load

Case Type drop-down list. Nonlinear Static, Nonlinear
Staged Construction, Modal, and Hyperstatic are also
available as load case types.

Nonlinear Static allows for uplift and cracking analysis.

Cracking analysis may be for either short-term or long-
term. For our tutorial example, a Linear Static analysis
will be performed for Dead and Live.

2. In the Loads Applied area, verify that the load pattern is

Dead with a scale factor of 1.

3. Click the OK button to close the Load Case Data form.

22 Step 4 Define Load Cases

Step 5 Draw Objects

Figure 20 Load Case Data form

C. Review the Live load case, if so desired, by selecting it and

using the Modify/Show Case button as described for the
Dead load case.

D. Click the OK button to close the Load Cases form.

E. Click the File menu > Save command.

Step 5 Draw Objects

In this Step, floor slabs, columns with drops, beams, walls, and
openings will be drawn.

Draw Floors
Ensure that the Plan View is active (click anywhere in the display
window; a window is active when the Display Title Bar, just be-

Step 5 Draw Objects 23

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

low the horizontal toolbar, is highlighted). Now draw shell objects

to model the slab using the following Action Items.

A. Click the Draw menu > Snap Options command to display

the Snap Options form shown in Figure 21.

Figure 21 Snap Options form

B. In the Snap to area, make sure that the Joints and Grid In-
tersections options are checked. These snap options will as-
sist in accurately positioning objects when drawing.

C. In the Snap Increments area, make sure that the (Imperial in

Inches) Snap at length increments of option is checked.
When drawing slab edges, beams and walls, a dimension
line will appear, and the object will snap to the values speci-
fied in this edit box.

D. Click the OK button to close the Snap Options form.

E. Click the Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects >

Draw Floor/Wall command to display the Properties of
Object form shown in Figure 22. To move the Properties of

24 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

Object form, click on the title tab, hold down the mouse
button, and drag it to a different location.

Figure 22 Properties of Object form for floors

F. Make sure that the Property is set to Slab1. If it is not, click

once in the drop-down list opposite the Property item and
select Slab1. This is the slab property defined in Step 2.

G. Click in the Edge Drawing Type drop-down list and select

Straight Line. Although not used in this project, slab edges
also may be drawn with arcs and curves.

H. To draw the first corner of the slab, click once in the Plan
View at the intersection of grid lines A and 7 (the cursor
should display Grid Point A 7 at the correct location). Then
moving clockwise around the grid (note how the slab edge
is dimensioned as you draw), click once at these grid inter-
sections in this order to draw the outline of the slab: F7, F1,
D1, D3, and A3. After clicking at grid A3, press the Enter
key on the keyboard. The shaded shell object should now
appear.

If you have made a mistake while drawing this object, click

the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window command to
leave the Draw mode and go to the Select mode. Then click
the Edit menu > Undo command, and repeat Items E
through H.

Step 5 Draw Objects 25

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

I. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Floor command.

J. Select the slab by clicking on it anywhere. The status bar in

the lower left-hand corner should show “1 Shells, 6 Edges
selected.” If you make a mistake in selecting, press the Se-
lect menu > Clear Selection command and try again.

K. Click the Edit menu > Edit Shells > Expand/Shrink

Shells command to display the Expand/Shrink Shells form
shown in Figure 23.

L. Type 9 into the Offset Value edit box. We will use this form
to expand (a positive value expands) the slab by 9 inches at
each edge to create the perimeter overhang that is needed to
accommodate the width of the columns (1/2 of 18 inches).

Figure 23 Expand/Shrink Shells form

M. Click the OK button to finish the slab.

N. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Draw Columns
With the active window set as described in the preceding Draw
Floors section (i.e., Plan View window active and the snap to

26 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

joints and grid intersections enabled), use the following Action

Items to draw columns.

A. Click the Draw menu > Draw Beam/Column/Brace

Objects > Quick Draw Columns command to access the
Properties of Object form shown in Figure 24.

B. Click in the Property Below drop-down list and select

ConcCol. This is the property for the 18-inch by 18-inch
column with a drop panel defined in Step 2.

C. Click in the Property Above drop-down list and select None.

There are no columns above the slab.

Figure 24 Properties of Object form for columns

D. Verify that the Height Below is set to 144.

E. Click in the Cardinal Point drop-down list and select 5

(Middle Center).

F. Locate the mouse cursor just above and to the left of grid in-
tersection A6, hold down the left mouse button, and drag
diagonally to just below and to the right of E3 and release
the mouse button. Columns and drop panels should be
placed at every grid intersection enclosed by the window

Step 5 Draw Objects 27

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

just drawn. Note how the drop panels are trimmed at the
slab edges (Note: if the drop panels are not visible, click on
the View menu > Refresh Window command).

G. Locate the mouse cursor just above and to the left of grid in-
tersection D2, hold down the left mouse button, and drag
diagonally to just below and to the right of E1 and then re-
lease. Again, columns and drop panels should be added to
the grid intersections enclosed by the window.

H. Click in the Property Below drop-down list and select COL-

NODROP. This is the property for the 18-inch by 18-inch
column without a drop panel for use on the perimeter.

I. Left click once at each of the following grid locations to

draw the perimeter columns: A7, B7, C7, D7, E7, F7, F6,
F5, F4, F3, F2, and F1.

J. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Columns command.

K. Locate the mouse cursor just above and to the left of grid in-
tersection C6, hold down the left mouse button, and drag di-
agonally to just below and to the right of D5 and release the
mouse button. The status bar in the lower left-hand corner
should show “36 Joints, 4 Frames, 8 Shells, 32 Edges se-
lected.” If the selection is not correct, simply click the Se-
lect menu > Clear Selection command and try again.

L. Click the Edit menu > Delete command or press the Delete
key on the keyboard to remove the columns enclosed in the
window.

M. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

N. Click the Set Default 3D View button on the top toolbar

to display the model in 3D. Note how the columns extend
below the slab.

28 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

O. Click the View menu > Set Plan View command to return
to the Plan View before continuing the project.

Draw Walls
Similar to the preceding two sections, ensure that the Plan View is
active and that the snap to joints, grid intersections and the snap
increments options are enabled. Now use the following Action
Items to draw walls.

A. Click the Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects >

Draw Walls command to access the Properties of Object
form shown in Figure 25.

B. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Wall Property Be-

low item and select Wall1. This is the wall property for the
12-inch-thick wall defined in Step 2.

C. Click in the Wall Property Above drop-down list and select

None. There are no walls above the floor.

D. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Line Drawing Type

item and select Straight Line. Although not used in this pro-
ject, walls may also be drawn with arcs and curves.

E. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Drawing Control

Type item and select Fixed Length. In the Fixed Length edit
box, type 360 (for 30ft). This will fix the wall length at 30ft
when drawn.

F. Click in the Wall Height Below edit box and verify that a
value of 144 is entered. Click in the Wall Height Above edit
box and type 0. Note that the units are inches.

Step 5 Draw Objects 29

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Figure 25 Properties of Object form for walls

G. Left click at grid intersection C6 to begin drawing the first

wall. Move the mouse to position the wall along grid line C
(the wall is on grid line C if no angle measure is shown) in
the direction of grid line 5 and then click again. Hit the En-
ter key on the keyboard to complete the wall. This places a
wall 30 feet long along grid line C.

If you have made a mistake while drawing this object, click

the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window command to
leave the Draw mode and go to the Select mode. Then click
the Edit menu > Undo command, and repeat Items A
through G.

H. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Walls command.

I. Right click once at the end joint of the wall just drawn. A
Joint Object Information form similar to the one shown in
Figure 26 should appear.

1. Click on the Geometry tab. Verify that the Global X and

Y Coordinates are 46 and 72, respectively. If the coor-
dinates are not correct, delete and re-draw the wall fol-
lowing the instructions described in Item G above.

30 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

Figure 26 Joint Object Information form

2. Click the OK button to leave the Joint Object Infor-

mation form.

J. Click the Select menu > Select > Object Type command to
access the Select by Object Type form.

1. On the Select by Object Type form, highlight Walls and

then click the Select button.

2. Click the Close button to close the form. The wall pre-
viously drawn should be highlighted.

K. Click the Edit menu > Replicate command to access the

Replicate form as shown in Figure 27.

1. Click on the Linear tab.

Step 5 Draw Objects 31

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Figure 27 Replicate form

2. In the Increment Data area, type 20 into the dx exit box.

3. Click the OK button to replicate the wall and close the

form. A wall should now be added parallel to the first
along grid line D.

L. Click the Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects >

Quick Draw Walls command to access the Properties of
Object form for walls.

M. Click in the Wall Property Above drop-down list and select

None.

N. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Draw Objects

Using item and select Grids.

O. For the next wall located along grid line 6, left click once
along grid line 6 between grids C and D.

32 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

P. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Walls command. Your model should look similar to
Figure 28.

Figure 28 The model after drawing columns and walls

Draw Beams
Similar to the previous sections, ensure that the Plan View is ac-
tive and the snap to joints and grid intersections features are ena-
bled. Draw the beams as follows.

A. Click the Draw menu > Draw Beam/Column/Brace

Objects > Draw Beam/Column/Brace command to access
the Properties of Object form shown in Figure 29.

Step 5 Draw Objects 33

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Figure 29 Properties of Object form for beams

B. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Property item and

select BEAM. Recall that BEAM is the 18-inch by 24-inch
beam defined in Step 2.

C. Click in the Line Drawing Type drop-down list and select

Straight Line.

D. Left click once at the grid intersection A7. Click again at

grid intersections F7, followed by F1. Although only one
beam per side was drawn, the program will automatically
mesh this single object internally into multiple beam ele-
ments to provide the correct connectivity to the supporting
columns and slab elements.

E. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Beams command.

F. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Draw Openings (Shell Objects)

Similar to the previous sections, ensure that the Plan View is ac-
tive and the snap to joints and grid intersections features are ena-
bled. Draw a shell object to model the opening as follows:

34 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

A. Click the Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects >

Draw Rectangular Floor/Wall command to display the
Properties of Object form shown in Figure 30.

B. Click once in the drop-down list opposite the Property item

and select Opening.

Figure 30 Properties of Object form for openings

C. Left click at the intersection of grid lines C and 6, and while

holding the left mouse button down, move diagonally down
to the wall end point located along grid line D between
grids 4 and 5 and release the button. A shell object with di-
agonals and no shading should appear, indicating that an
opening for the stairs has been drawn. An opening takes
priority over an object with assigned slab properties when
the program determines the stiffness formulation.

D. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Rectangular Floor/Wall command.

E. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Draw Support Lines

Similar to the previous sections, ensure that the Plan View is ac-
tive and the snap to joints and grid intersections features are ena-
bled. Support lines are used to identify the path a slab “spans” be-
tween vertical supports, and generally it is best if design strips fol-
low these paths to ensure efficient placement of the reinforcement.
Draw support lines as follows:

Step 5 Draw Objects 35

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

A. Click the Draw menu > Draw Support Lines command to

display the Properties of Object form shown in Figure 31.
(Note that an alternate method to drawing support lines is to
use the Edit menu > Add/Edit Support Lines command.)

Figure 31 Properties of Object form for support lines

B. Click once in the drop-down list opposite the Support Line

Layer item and select A. Support lines may be assigned to
either layer A or layer B, and in this model support lines in
the X direction will be assigned to layer A and support lines
in the Y direction to layer B.

C. Left click once at the grid intersection D1. Click again at

grid intersection F1. Hit the Enter key on the keyboard to
complete the support line. A support line should be placed
connecting the three columns along grid line 1.

D. Repeat Item C for grid lines 2 through 7, i.e., draw a layer A

support line along each X direction grid line.

E. On the Properties of Object form, click once in the drop-

down list opposite the Support Line Layer item and select
B.

F. Left click once at grid intersection A3. Click again at grid

intersection A7. Hit the Enter key on the keyboard to com-
plete the support line. A support line should be placed con-
necting the five columns along grid line A.

G. Repeat Item F for grid lines B through F, i.e., draw a layer

B support line along each Y direction grid line.

36 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 6 Add Design Strips

H. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Support Lines command.

Step 6 Add Design Strips

In this step, design strips will be added to the model. Design strips
determine how reinforcing will be calculated and positioned in the
slab. Forces are integrated across the design strips and used to cal-
culate the required reinforcing for the selected design code.

Typically design strips are positioned in two principal directions:

Layer A and Layer B. Because the design strips in this tutorial are
being added to the model using support lines, the layers associated
with the design strips will be inherited from the support lines, i.e.,
the design strips in the X direction will be Layer A, and those in
the Y direction will be Layer B.

Similar to the previous sections, ensure that the Plan View is ac-
tive and the snap to points and grid intersections features are ena-
bled. Add design strips to the model as follows:

A. Click the Select menu > Select > Object Type command to
display the Select by Object Type form.

1. On the Select by Object Type form, highlight Support

Lines Layer A and click the Select button.

2. Click the Close button.

B. Click the Edit menu > Add/Edit Design Strips > Add De-
sign Strips Using Selected Support Lines command to
display the Add Design Strips Along Support Lines form
shown in Figure 32.

C. In the Option for Middle Design Strips area, select the Cre-
ate Middle Design Strips option. This will add design strips
in between those located along the support lines.

Step 6 Add Design Strips 37

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

D. In the Parameters area, select the Auto option. The added

design strips will automatically adjust their width to align
with adjacent strips.

Figure 32 Add Design Strips Along Support Lines form

E. Click the OK button to leave the Add Design Strips Along

Support Lines form. Design strips in the X-axis direction
should now appear.

F. Click the Select menu > Select > Object Type command to
display the Select by Object Type form.

1. On the Select by Object Type form, highlight Support

Lines Layer B and click the Select button.

2. Click the Close button.

38 Step 6 Add Design Strips

Step 7 Set Display Options

G. Click the Edit menu > Add/Edit Design Strips > Add De-
sign Strips Using Selected Support Lines command to
display the Add Design Strips Along Support Lines form.

H. In the Option for Middle Design Strips area, select the Cre-
ate Middle Design Strips option. This will add design strips
in between those located along the support lines.

I. In the Parameters area, select the Auto option. The added

design strips will automatically adjust their width to align
with adjacent strips.

J. Click the OK button to leave the Add Design Strips Along

Support Lines form. Design strips along the support lines in
the Y-axis direction should now appear – these will be asso-
ciated with layer B.

Note: The program will automatically ignore the portion of

a design strip that extends beyond a slab edge.

K. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Step 7 Set Display Options

In this Step, the set display options will be used to alter the objects
displayed.

A. Click the View menu > Set Display Options command.

When the Set View Options form displays, uncheck the De-
sign Strips and Support Lines check boxes in the Objects
Present in View area, as shown in Figure 33. This action
will turn off the display of the design strips and support
lines.

Step 7 Set Display Options 39

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Figure 33 Set View Options form

B. Click the OK button to accept the changes, and the model

now appears as shown in Figure 34.

Figure 34 Model after all objects have been drawn

40 Step 7 Set Display Options

Step 8 Assign Loads

Step 8 Assign Loads

In this Step, the dead and live loads will be assigned to the slab.
Ensure that the Plan View is still active, and that the program is in
the select mode (Draw menu > Select Object command).

A. Select the slab by clicking on it anywhere that is not a

beam, wall, column, drop panel, or opening. The status bar
in the lower left-hand corner should show “1 Shells, 6 Edg-
es selected.” If you make a mistake in selecting, click the
Select menu > Clear Selection command, and try again.

B. Click the Assign menu > Shell Loads > Uniform com-
mand to access the Shell Load Assignment - Uniform form
shown in Figure 35.

C. If it is not selected already, select Dead from the Load

Pattern Name drop-down list.

D. Select Gravity from the Direction drop-down list in the

Load Direction area.

Figure 35 Shell Load Assignment - Uniform form

E. In the Uniform Load area, type 30 in the Load edit box.

Step 8 Assign Loads 41

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

F. Click the Apply button to accept the dead load assignment

and leave the Shell Load Assignment – Uniform form open.
SAFE will display the loads on the model.

G. With the Shell Load Assignment – Uniform form still open,

click anywhere on the main slab to reselect the slab or click
the Select menu > Get Previous Selection command to se-
lect the slab.

H. On the Shell Load Assignment – Uniform form, select Live

from the Load Pattern Name drop-down list.

I. Type 50 in the Load edit box in the Uniform Load area.

J. Click the OK button to accept the live load assignment. Use

the Assign menu > Clear Display of Assigns command to
remove the assignments from the display, if desired.

K. To review the assignments to the slab, right click on the

slab anywhere that is not a beam, wall, column, drop-panel,
or opening to access the Slab Information form shown in
Figure 36.

L. Select the Loads tab and note that the Dead Load Pattern
has a uniform load of 30lb/ft2, and that the Live Load Pat-
tern has a uniform load of 50lb/ft2.

M. Click the OK button to close the Slab Information form.

N. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

42 Step 8 Assign Loads

Step 9 Run the Analysis and Design

Figure 36 Slab Information form

Step 9 Run the Analysis and Design

In this Step, the analysis and design will be run.

A. Click the Analyze menu > Run Analysis & Design

command to start the analysis. The program will create the
analysis model from your object-based SAFE model and
will display information in the status bar in the lower left-
hand corner as the analysis and design proceeds. Additional
information about the run may be accessed at a later time
using the Analyze menu > Last Analysis Run Log
command.

Step 9 Run the Analysis and Design 43

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

B. When the analysis and design are finished, the program

automatically displays a deformed shape view of the model,
and the model is locked. The model is locked when the
Analyze menu > Lock/Unlock Model icon appears
depressed. Locking the model prevents any changes to the
model that would invalidate the analysis results.

Step 10 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

In this Step, the analysis will be reviewed using graphical displays
of the results.

A. Click the Set Default 3D View button on the top toolbar

to display the deformed shape for the Dead load case in 3D.

B. Click the Start Animation button in the lower right-hand

corner of the display to animate the deformed shape. Speed
of the animation may be adjusted by using the slider control
adjacent to the button. Click the Stop Animation button to
end the animation.

C. Click the Display menu > Show Deformed Shape com-

mand to access the Deformed Shape form shown in Figure
37.

D. In the Load Case/Load Combination/Modal Case area, se-

lect the Case option.

E. Select LIVE from the Case drop-down list.

F. Select the Automatic option in the Scaling area.

G. Check the Draw Contours on Objects checkbox in the

Contour Options area.

H. Click the OK button to generate a 3-D deformed shape with

contours for the Live load case.

44 Step 10 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

Step 10 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

Figure 37 Deformed Shape form

I. Click the Display menu > Show Force/Stress Diagrams >

Shell Stresses/Forces command to bring up the Shell
Forces/Stresses form shown in Figure 38.

J. Select LIVE from the Case drop-down list.

K. Select Resultant Forces from the drop-down list in the

Component Type area.

L. Select the M22 option in the Component area.

Step 10 Graphically Review the Analysis Results 45

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Figure 38 Slab Forces/Stresses form

M. Select Display on Deformed Shape from the drop-down list

in the Contour Appearance area.

N. Click the OK button to generate the moment diagram

shown in Figure 39.

46 Step 10 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

Step 11 Design Display

Figure 39 M22 Moment Diagram

Note that as you move the cursor over the moment diagram,
the values are displayed at the cursor and in the lower left-
hand corner of the window.

O. Click the Display menu > Show Undeformed Shape

command to clear the display of the moment diagram.

P. Click the View menu > Set Plan View command to return
to the Plan View.

Step 11 Design Display

In this Step, design results for the slab and beams will be dis-
played. Note that the design was run along with the analysis in
Step 9. Design results are for the ACI 318-19 code, which was se-
lected in Step 1. Design preferences may be reviewed or changed
by going to the Design menu > Concrete Slab/Beam Design >
View/Revise Preferences command (some design preferences are
also set on the section property data forms); be sure to re-run the
analysis and design (Step 9) if changes to the preferences are
made.

Step 11 Design Display 47

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A. Click the View menu > Set Display Options command.

When the Set View Options form displays, check the De-
sign Strips check box on the General tab and then click the
OK button.

B. Click the Display menu > Show Slab Design command to

access the Slab Design form shown in Figure 40.

Figure 40 Slab Design form

C. In the Choose Display Type area, select Strip Based from

the Design Basis drop-down list and Enveloping Flexural
Reinforcement from the Display Type drop-down list.

D. In the Choose Strip Direction area, check the Layer A

checkbox and uncheck the Layer B checkbox. This will dis-
play the design results in the Layer A (X) direction only.

48 Step 11 Design Display

Step 11 Design Display

E. In the Rebar Location Shown area, check the Show Top Re-
bar checkbox and uncheck the Show Bottom Rebar check-
box.

F. In the Reinforcing Display Type area, select the Show Total

Rebar Area for Strip option.

G. Click the Apply button to display the slab design results.

The top flexural reinforcing required in the Layer A direc-
tion is displayed for both column and middle strips.

Positioning the cursor at any location on a Layer A design

strip causes the required top and bottom reinforcing values
to be displayed at the cursor and in the lower left corner of
the window.

H. To view the required reinforcing in the other direction, on

the Slab Design form select Finite Element Based from the
Design Basis drop-down list in the Choose Display Type
area. This option displays the required reinforcing calculat-
ed on an element-by-element basis as intensity contours -
integration across the defined design strips is not performed.

I. In the Reinforcing Direction and Location area, select the

Direction 2 – Bottom Rebar option. Direction 2 refers to the
object local axis 2 direction.

J. In the Show Rebar Above Specified Value area, select the

None option.

K. Click the OK button to leave the Slab Design form and dis-
play the slab design results for the local axis 2 direction.
The view will be updated to that shown in Figure 41. Again,
positioning the cursor anywhere on the slab will result in the
display of the reinforcing values at the cursor and in the
lower left-hand corner of the SAFE window.

Step 11 Design Display 49

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Figure 41 Direction 2 reinforcing

L. To view the required reinforcing in the beams, click the

Display menu > Show Concrete Beam Design command.
The Beam Design form shown in Figure 42 displays.

M. In the Choose Display Type area, select Longitudinal Rebar

from the Display Type drop-down list and Flexure-Strength
from the Rebar Type drop-down list.

N. Review the other selected options and then click the OK

button to close the Beam Design form.

The view will be updated to show the flexural reinforcing

required in the beams along the two perimeter sides. Posi-
tioning the cursor on the beams will result in the display of
the reinforcing values in the lower left-hand corner and at
the cursor.

50 Step 11 Design Display

Step 11 Design Display

Figure 42 Beam Design form

O. Right click on a beam to display the Design Details form

shown in Figure 43.

Figure 43 Design Details form

Step 11 Design Display 51

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Scroll through the form to see all the design information associat-
ed with the selected beam. Click the X button in the top-right cor-
ner of the form to close the form.

Step 12 Run Detailing

In this Step, detailing will be run and displayed. Detailing may be
run only after analysis and design are complete.

A. Click the Detailing menu > Bar Selection and Curtail-

ment Rule > Slab/Mat/Footing Bar Selection and Cur-
tailment Rule command to display the Bar Selection and
Curtailment Rule form shown in Figure 44. Use this form to
set the curtailment options, to control which bars are de-
tailed, to enforce user minimums, and to specify additional
bars at openings and columns.

Figure 44 Bar Selection and Curtailment Rule form

52 Step 12 Run Detailing

Step 12 Run Detailing

B. Review the settings on this form (we will accept the default
selections), and then click the Edit Rebar Selection Rules
button to display the Rebar Selection Rules for Strip form
as shown in Figure 45.

Figure 45 Rebar Selection Rules for Strip form

1. Review or change the bar sizes (smallest, largest, & pre-

ferred), and the minimum and maximum spacing. We
will accept the default settings.

2. Click the OK button to accept the selections and return

to the Bar Selection and Curtailment Rule form.

C. On the Bar Selection and Curtailment Rule form, click the

OK button to close the form.

D. Now that the detailing preferences have been reviewed,

click the Detailing menu > Start Slab/Mat/Footing

Step 12 Run Detailing 53

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Detailing/Check command to display the Slab/Mat/Footing

Detailing Editor form shown in Figure 46.

This form allows the reinforcing layout for the slab to be

reviewed in plan and section, as well as edited.

Figure 46 Slab/Mat/Footing Detailing Editor form

E. Select different views of the reinforcing layout by expand-

ing the tree in the Explorer window.

F. Click the X button in the top right-hand corner of the

Slab/Mat/Footing Detailing Editor form when done review-
ing the reinforcing layout.

G. Click the Display menu > Show Undeformed Shape

command to return to the model.

Step 13 Create Report

In this Step, a report describing model input and output results
will be created.

54 Step 13 Create Report

Step 13 Create Report

A. Click the File menu > Create Report > Show Project
Report command to display in the Report Viewer window
the Project Report, similar to that shown in Figure 47.

Figure 47 Cover Page for Project Report

B. Scroll through the report to find tables that list geometry

and properties, analysis results and design information, such
as that shown in Figure 48.

C. Click the X button in the top right-hand corner of the Report

Viewer window when done reviewing the report.

Step 13 Create Report 55

SAFE Tutorial – R/C

Figure 48 Typical Report information

D. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model
one last time.

Congratulations! You have successfully created, analyzed, de-

signed, detailed, and reviewed a SAFE reinforced concrete model.

56 Step 13 Create Report

Part II - P/T Example
The intent of this tutorial is to give you hands-on experience via
step-by-step instructions on how to use SAFE to model, analyze,
and design post-tensioned concrete slabs. Fundamentals of the
model creation process are identified, and various model construc-
tion techniques are introduced. As you complete the tutorial, you
will build the model shown in Figure 49.

The Project
The tutorial project is an irregularly shaped post-tensioned con-
crete slab as might be used for residential construction, with over-
all dimensions of 108 feet by 92 feet. Several openings exist in the
interior for stair access. The 8-inch thick slab is supported by a
combination of 8-inch-thick walls and 12-inch-square columns.
The floor-to-floor height is 10 feet. The model will be analyzed
for a uniform dead load (partitions + mechanical) of 35 pounds
per square foot (psf) plus the self-weight of the structure, and a
live load of 50 psf.

Concrete Materials:
Concrete strength, f’c = 5000 psi
Unit weight of concrete = 150 pcf
Prestressing Tendons:
Unbonded mono-strand
½” diameter strand; 0.153 square-inch area
fse = 175.5 ksi (216 ksi @ stressing – 40.5 ksi losses)
Reinforced Concrete:
fy = 60ksi

57
SAFE Tutorial – P/T

Figure 49 The Project Model

Navigating Through SAFE

The SAFE program provides the user with two principal ways to
navigate through program commands: menu commands or toolbar
buttons. All commands are available through the main menu bar
(e.g., Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects > Draw
Floor/Wall), and most of the menu commands are also available
as buttons on toolbars (e.g., Draw Floor/Wall, ). The icon to
the left of the menu command, as shown in Figure 50, is an indi-
cation of what the button on the toolbar will resemble.

58 Navigating Through SAFE

Step 1 Begin a New Model

Figure 50 Draw Menu

In this tutorial the reference to various commands will be given

using the narrative description, i.e., Draw menu > Draw
Floor/Wall Objects > Draw Floor/Wall command, in lieu of the
associated button.

Step 1 Begin a New Model

In this Step, the dimensions and basic grid will be defined, which
will serve as a guide for developing the model. This model will be
built without using the automated template tools provided in
SAFE to demonstrate how to construct a model from scratch.
However, as a general rule, we highly recommend using templates
to start models whenever possible because they provide a quick,
easy way of generating a model. Consult the SAFE Help topics
for information about templates.

Step 1 Begin a New Model 59

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

Define the Grid

A. Start the program. The Start Page will display.

B. Click the New Model button on the Start Page to access the
Model Initialization form shown in Figure 51.

Figure 51
Model Initialization
form

C. Choose the Use Built-in Settings With: option.

D. Select US Customary from the Display Units drop-down list

and United States from the Region for Default Materials
drop-down list on the Model Initialization form. To review
the display units, hold the mouse cursor over the infor-
mation icon . To change the units once initialized, click
the Options menu > Display Units command.

E. Select ACI 318-19 from the Concrete Design Code drop-

down list. Click the OK button and the New Model Quick
Templates form shown in Figure 52 will display.

F. The New Model Quick Templates form is used to specify

the starting point of the model creation: Blank; Grid Only;
or one of eight templates. In the Add Structural Objects
area, click the Grid Only button – as stated earlier, this
tutorial will show how to create models without using
templates.

60 Step 1 Begin a New Model

Step 1 Begin a New Model

Figure 52 New Model Quick Templates form

G. In the Grid Dimensions (Plan) area, select the Uniform Grid

Spacing option.

H. Set the Number of Grid Lines in the X Direction to 8 and in

the Y Direction to 6.

I. Enter 16 in the Spacing of Grids in X Direction edit box,

and 16 in the Spacing of Grids in Y Direction edit box.

Note: Input may be in units other than those shown on the

form by explicitly stating the units. For example, if for this
case the grid spacing was to be 10 feet, input could be
120in, and the program would convert the number input au-
tomatically to be consistent with the units shown on the
form.

J. In the Story Dimensions area, enter 10 for the Story Height

Above, and enter 10 for the Story Height Below.

K. Back in the Grid Dimensions (Plan) area, click the Grid

Labels button to display the Grid Labeling Options form
shown in Figure 53.

Step 1 Begin a New Model 61

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

Figure 53 Grid Labeling Options form

1. In the X Grid area, type 1 in the Beginning X ID edit

box. This will number the grids along the X-axis start-
ing with 1.

2. In the Y Grid area, type A in the Beginning Y ID edit

box. This will label the grids along the Y-axis starting
with A.

3. In the Y Grid area, select the Label Top to Bottom op-

tion; grid A will start at the top of the model.

4. Click the OK button to accept the changes and return to

the New Model Quick Templates form.

L. In the Grid Dimensions (Plan) area select the Custom Grid

Spacing option and click the Edit Grid Data button to dis-
play the Grid System Data form shown in Figure 54. The
Grid System Data form is used to modify and edit the grid
definition, and to set display options associated with the

62 Step 1 Begin a New Model

Step 1 Begin a New Model

grids. It is advisable to spend time carefully planning the

number and spacing of the grid lines as an accurate grid will
expedite model creation.

Figure 54 Grid System Data form

1. In the Rectangular Grids area, select the Display Grid

Data as Spacing option.

2. In the X Grid Data table, change the X Spacing as fol-

lows:

Grid ID Change X Spacing to

2 28
4 12
5 8
6 8
7 20
3. In the Y Grid Data table, change the Y spacing as fol-
lows:

Step 1 Begin a New Model 63

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

Grid ID Change Y Spacing to

F 20
E 12
C 28
4. Click the OK button to accept your changes and return
to the New Model Quick Templates form.

M. On the New Model Quick Templates form click the OK

button.

When you leave the New Model Quick Templates form, the
grid system displays in the main SAFE window with two
windows tiled vertically: a Model Explorer window on the
left and a Plan View on the right. The number of view win-
dows can be changed using the Windows List button in
the top-right corner of the display window.

You should now have a display similar to that shown in

Figure 55.

Display Title Bar

(Active Window)

Units Button

Global Axes

Figure 55 SAFE Main Window

64 Step 1 Begin a New Model

Step 2 Define Properties

Note that the Plan View window is active. When the win-
dow is active, the display title bar is highlighted. Set a win-
dow active by clicking anywhere in the window.

Note that the Global Axes are displayed as well, and that the
Z positive is in the “up” direction. When SAFE refers to the
direction of gravity, this is in the negative Z direction, or
“down.”

Save the Model

Save your model often! Click the File menu > Save command.
Specify the directory in which you want to save the model. For
this tutorial, specify the file name as PTSlab.

Although typically a model would be saved with the same name

throughout development, in order to record work at various stages
of model evolution or as backup, use the File menu > Save As
command to save the file using another name.

Step 2 Define Properties

In this Step, material and section properties for the slab, tendons,
columns (frame objects), and walls are defined.

Although we are going to define our materials and sections using

menu commands, previously defined materials and properties may
be reviewed and modified using the Model Explorer window (see
Figure 56). To do this, expand any of the property items on the
tree by clicking the + node, and then double click on the desired
item to display the associated form.

Step 2 Define Properties 65

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Figure 56 Model Explorer window

Define Material Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Material Properties command to
access the Define Materials form shown in Figure 57.

Figure 57 Define Materials form

66 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

B. Click the Add New Material button to display the Add

New Material Property form shown in Figure 58. This form
will be used to define the 5000psi concrete material for the
model.

1. Select Concrete from the Material Type drop-down list.

2. Select f’c 5000 psi from the Grade drop-down list.

Figure 58 Add New Material Property form

3. Click the OK button to exit the Add New Material

Property form and display the Material Property Data
form shown in Figure 59.

a. The Material Property Data form lists the properties

associated with f’c 5000 psi concrete, the concrete
that will be used in this model. Review the proper-
ties and then click the OK button to close the form.

C. In the Materials area of the Define Materials form, highlight

A416Gr270.

D. Click the Modify/Show Material button to again display

the Material Property Data form. This time the form lists the
properties associated with Grade 270 prestressing strands;
this is the tendon material property that will be used in our
model.

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1. Review the property data and then click the OK button

to close the form.

E. Click the OK button on the Define Materials form to accept

all of the properties.

F. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Figure 59 Material Property Data form

Define Slab Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Slab Sec-
tions command to access the Slab Properties form shown in
Figure 60.

B. In the Slab Property area, highlight Slab1.

68 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

Figure 60 Slab Properties form

C. Recall that for this tutorial project, the slab thickness is 8

inches. To adjust the default dimensions of SLAB1, click the
Modify/Show Property button to access the Slab Property
Data form shown in Figure 61.

1. In the General Data area, select 5000Psi from the Slab

Material drop-down list.

Step 2 Define Properties 69

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Figure 61 Slab Property Data form

Note: Additional material properties may be defined by

clicking on the “…” (i.e., ellipsis) button next to the
load pattern name. A “…” button returns you to the
form used to define the item in the adjacent drop-down
list, which in this case is the Define Materials form.

2. Select Slab from the Type drop-down list in the Proper-

ty Data area; this ensures that any area object with this
property assignment will be identified as a slab.

3. If not already displayed, type 8 in the Thickness edit

box in the Property Data area.

4. Click the OK button to accept the changes and return to

the Slab Properties form.

D. Click the OK button to end the slab property definition.

70 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

E. Click the File menu > Save command to save the model.

Define Tendon Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Tendon
Sections command to access the Tendon Properties form.

B. Click the Add New Property button to access the Tendon

Property Data form shown in Figure 62. Recall that the
strands for the tendons have an area of 0.153 square inches.

1. Type TENDON in the Property Name edit box in the

General Data area.

2. In the General Data area, make sure that A416Gr270 is

displayed in the Material Type drop-down list.

3. If not already entered, type 0.153 in the Strand Area

edit box in the Property Data area.

4. Click the OK button to end the tendon property defini-

tion.

Figure 62 Tendon Property Data form

Step 2 Define Properties 71

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C. Click the OK button to leave the Tendon Properties form.

D. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Define Column Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Frame
Sections command to access the Frame Properties form.

B. In the Properties area, highlight ConcCol.

C. Click the Modify/Show Property button to access the

Frame Section Property Data form shown in Figure 63. Re-
call that the columns for the project are 12-inch square.

1. In the General Data area, select 5000Psi from the Mate-

rial drop-down list.

2. In the Shape area, verify that the Section Shape drop-

down list is set to Concrete Rectangular.

3. In the Section Type area, verify that the Column Section

option is selected.

4. In the Section Dimensions area, type 12 into the Depth

edit box and type 12 into the Width edit box.

72 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

Figure 63 Frame Section Property Data form

5. Make sure that the Include Automatic Rigid Zone Area

Over Column option is checked. This option restricts
deformation of the slab at the column location, which
prevents unrealistic peaks in moment distribution from
occurring.

6. Click the OK button to leave the Frame Section Proper-

ty Data form.

D. Click the OK button to accept the column property

definition.

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Define Wall Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Wall
Sections command to access the Wall Properties form.

B. In the Wall Property area, highlight Wall1.

C. Click the Modify/Show Property button to access the Wall

Property Data form shown in Figure 64. Recall that the
walls for the project are 8-inch thick.

1. In the General Data area, select 5000Psi from the Wall

Material drop-down list.

2. In the Property Data area, type 8 into the Thickness edit

box.

3. Check the Include Automatic Rigid Zone Area Over

Wall checkbox. This option restricts deformation of the
slab at the wall location, which prevents unrealistic
peaks in moment distribution from occurring.

Figure 64 Wall Property Data form

74 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 3 Define Static Load Patterns

4. Click the OK button to leave the Wall Property Data

form.

D. Click the OK button to accept the wall property definition.

This completes the material and section property definition phase

of the model creation. The slab and tendon properties will be as-
signed in the model datum plane, while the columns and walls
will be assigned to objects in the stories below and above the da-
tum plane. Supports also can be assigned as joint restraints, joint
springs, line springs, or area springs.

Step 3 Define Static Load Patterns

In this Step, the dead, live, and post-tensioning static load patterns
are defined. That is, we will name the various types of loads
(dead, live, prestress-final, and so on), and specify the self-weight
multipliers. The loads will be assigned to objects, and the values
for the loads specified (uniform dead load of 35 psf and live load
of 50 psf), in Step 8.

A. Click the Define menu > Load Patterns command to ac-

cess the Define Load Patterns form shown in Figure 65.

Figure 65 Define Load Patterns form

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B. Note that load patterns Dead and Live are defined by de-
fault.

C. Recall that the project will be analyzed for the dead load
plus the self-weight of the structure. Thus, the Self Weight
Multiplier should be set equal to 1 (this will include 1.0
times the self-weight of all members) for the Dead load.
Only the Dead load pattern should have a non-zero Self
Weight Multiplier.

D. Highlight Dead in the Load column and type PT-Final.

E. Select Prestress-Final from the drop-down list under Type

for the PT-Final load pattern.

F. Click the Add New Load button.

G. Highlight PT-Final in the Load column and type PT-

Transfer.

H. Select Prestress-Transfer from the drop-down list under

Type for the PT-Transfer load pattern.

I. Click the Add New Load button. The Define Load Patterns
form should appear as shown in Figure 66.

Figure 66 Define Load Patterns form after all load patterns are entered

76 Step 3 Define Static Load Patterns

Step 4 Define Load Cases

J. Click the OK button to accept all of the defined static load

patterns.

K. Click the File menu > Save command.

Step 4 Define Load Cases

In this Step, the Load Cases are defined. This is where the type of
analysis is specified.

A. Click the Define menu > Load Cases command to access

the Load Cases form shown in Figure 67.

Figure 67 Load Cases form

B. With the Dead Load Case Name highlighted, click the

Modify/Show Case button to display the Load Case Data
form shown in Figure 68. This data form changes based on
the type of load case specified.

1. In the General area, select Linear Static from the Load

Case Type drop-down list. Nonlinear Static, Nonlinear
Staged Construction, Modal, and Hyperstatic are also
available as load case types.

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Nonlinear Static allows for uplift and cracking analysis.

Cracking analysis may be for either short-term or long-
term. For our tutorial example, a Linear Static analysis
will be performed for Dead, Live, PT-Final, and PT-
Transfer.

2. In the Loads Applied area, verify that the load pattern is

Dead with a scale factor of 1.

3. Click the OK button to close the Load Case Data form.

Figure 68 Load Case Data form

C. Review the other load cases, if so desired, by selecting a

case and using the Modify/Show Case button as described
for the Dead load case.

D. Click the OK button to close the Load Cases form.

78 Step 4 Define Load Cases

Step 5 Draw Objects

E. Click the File menu > Save command.

Step 5 Draw Objects

In this Step, floor slabs, columns, walls, openings, and design
strips will be drawn.

Draw Floors
Ensure that the Plan View is active (click anywhere in the display
window; a window is active when the Display Title Bar, just be-
low the horizontal toolbar, is highlighted). Now draw shell objects
to model the slab using the following Action Items.

A. Click the Draw menu > Snap Options command to display

the Snap Options form shown in Figure 69.

Figure 69 Snap Options form

B. In the Snap to area, make sure that the Joints and Grid
Intersections options are checked. These snap options will
assist in accurately positioning objects when drawing.

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C. In the Snap Increments area, make sure that the (Imperial in

Inches) Snap at length increments of option is checked.
When drawing slab edges, beams and walls, a dimension
line will appear, and the object will snap to the values speci-
fied in this edit box.

D. Click the OK button to close the Snap Options form.

E. Click the Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects >

Draw Floor/Wall command to display in the lower left-
hand corner the Properties of Object form shown in Figure
70. To move the Properties of Object form, click on the title
tab, hold down the mouse button, and drag it to a different
location.

Figure 70 Properties of Object form for floors

F. Make sure that the Property is set to Slab1. If it is not, click

once in the drop-down list opposite the Property item and
select Slab1. This is the slab property defined in Step 2.

G. Click in the Edge Drawing Type drop-down list and select

Straight Line. Although not used in this project, slab edges
also may be drawn with arcs and curves.

H. To draw the first corner of the slab, click once in the Plan
View at the intersection of grid lines 1 and A (the cursor
should display Grid Point 1 A at the correct location). Then
moving clockwise around the grid (note how the slab edge
is dimensioned as you draw), click once at these grid inter-
sections in this order to draw the outline of the slab: 8A, 8D,

80 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

4D, 4F, and 1F. If you mistakenly click at the wrong point,
use the ←Backspace key on the keyboard to “undo” the
point and try again. After clicking at grid 1F, press the En-
ter key on the keyboard. The shaded slab object should now
display.

If you made a mistake and wish to try re-drawing the entire

object, click the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window
command to leave the Draw mode and go to the Select
mode. Then click the Edit menu > Undo Area Add com-
mand, and repeat Items E through H.

I. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Slabs/Areas command.

J. Select the slab by clicking on it anywhere. The status bar in

the lower left-hand corner should show “1 Shells, 6 Edges
selected.” If you make a mistake in selecting, press the Se-
lect menu > Clear Selection command and try again.

K. Click the Edit menu > Edit Shells > Expand/Shrink

Shells command to display the Expand/Shrink Shells form
shown in Figure 71.

Figure 71 Expand/Shrink Shells form

L. Type 6 into the Offset Value edit box. We will use this form
to expand (a positive value expands) the slab by 6-inches at

Step 5 Draw Objects 81

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each edge to create the perimeter overhang that is needed to

accommodate the width of the columns (1/2 of 12 inches).

M. Click the OK button to finish the slab.

N. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Draw Columns
With the active window set as described in the preceding Draw
Floors section (i.e., Plan View window active and the snap to
joints and grid intersections enabled), use the following Action
Items to draw columns.

A. Click the Draw menu > Draw Beam/Column/Brace

Objects > Quick Draw Columns command to access the
Properties of Object form shown in Figure 72.

B. Click in the Property Below drop-down list and select

ConcCol. This is the property for the 12-inch by 12-inch
column defined in Step 2.

C. Click in the Property Above drop-down list and select

ConcCol.

Figure 72 Properties of Object form for columns

82 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

D. Click in the Height Below edit box and type 120. Note that
the units are inches.

E. Click in the Height Above edit box and type 120.

F. Click in the Cardinal Point edit box and select 5 (Middle

Center) from the drop-down list.

G. Left click once at each of the following grid intersections to

draw the columns: 1A, 1B, 1F, 2A, 2B, 2F, 3F, 4F, 5A, 5B,
5D, 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D.

If you have made a mistake while drawing the columns,

click the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window com-
mand to leave the Draw mode and go to the Select mode.
Then click the Edit menu > Undo command as many times
as needed to remove the incorrectly drawn columns, and re-
peat Items A through G.

H. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Columns command.

I. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

J. Click the Set Default 3D View button on the top toolbar

to display the model in 3D. Note how the columns extend
above and below the slab.

K. Click the View menu > Set Plan View command to return
to the Plan View before continuing with the project.

Draw Walls
Similar to the preceding two sections, ensure that the Plan View is
active and that the snap to joints, grid intersections and the snap
increments options are enabled. Now use the following Action
Items to draw walls.

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A. Click the Draw menu > Snap Options command to access

the Snap Options form.

B. Check the Line Ends and Midpoints checkbox in the Snap

to area.

C. Click the OK button to close the Snap Options form.

D. Click the Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects >

Draw Walls command to access the Properties of Object
form shown in Figure 73.

Figure 73 Properties of Objects form for walls

E. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Wall Property Be-

low item and select WALL1. This is the wall property for the
8-inch-thick wall defined in Step 2.

F. Click in the Wall Property Above drop-down list and select

WALL1.

G. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Line Drawing Type

item and select Straight Line. Although not used in this pro-
ject, walls may also be drawn with arcs and curves.

H. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Drawing Control

Type item and select None.

I. Click in the Wall Height Below edit box and type 120. Note
that the units are inches.

84 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

J. Click in the Wall Height Above edit box and type 120.

K. Left click at grid intersection 1C to begin drawing the first

wall. Draw the wall along grid line C to grid intersection 2C
and then click again. The snap increments dimension line
should show 16 ft. Hit the Enter key on the keyboard to
complete the wall. This places a wall 16 feet long along grid
line C.

If you have made a mistake while drawing this object, click

the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window command to
leave the Draw mode and go to the Select mode. Then click
the Edit menu > Undo command, and repeat Items D
through K.

L. For the next wall, also located along grid line C, left click at
grid intersection 3C to begin drawing the wall and at inter-
section 4C (the snap increment dimension line should show
16 ft) to designate the end of the wall. Hit the Enter key on
the keyboard to complete the wall.

M. Click at grid intersection 1E and then at intersection 2E to

draw the next wall along grid E. Hit the Enter key on the
keyboard to complete the wall.

N. Click at grid intersection 3E and then at intersection 4E to

draw the last x-direction wall along grid E. Hit the Enter
key on the keyboard to complete the wall.

O. Click at grid intersection 3A and then at intersection 3B to

draw the first y-direction wall along grid 3. Hit the Enter
key on the keyboard to complete the wall.

P. Snap the mouse to the Mid Point of the wall (a triangular

cursor should display) along grid line C between grids 3 and
4, and left click. Move the mouse to the Mid Point of the
wall along grid line E between grids 3 and 4 and click again
– the snap increment dimension line should show 28 ft. Hit
the Enter key on the keyboard to complete the wall.

Step 5 Draw Objects 85

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Q. Click at grid intersection 6C and then at intersection 6D to

draw the next y-direction wall along grid 6. Hit the Enter
key on the keyboard to complete the wall.

R. Click at grid intersection 7A and then at intersection 7B to

draw the last y-direction wall. Hit the Enter key on the
keyboard to complete the wall.

S. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Walls command. Your model should look similar to
Figure 74.

Figure 74 The model after drawing columns and walls

Draw Openings (Shell Objects)

Similar to the previous sections, ensure that the Plan View is ac-
tive. Draw a shell object to model the opening as follows:

A. Click the Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects >

Draw Rectangular Floor/Wall command to display the
Properties of Object form shown in Figure 75.

86 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

Figure 75 Properties of Object form for openings

B. Click in the drop-down list opposite the Property item and

select Opening.

C. Left click at the intersection of grid lines 3 and C, and while

holding the left mouse button down, move diagonally down
and to the right to the point where grid line D intersects the
adjacent y-direction wall, and release the button. A rectan-
gle (8 ft x 16 ft) marked with an X should appear, indicating
that an opening for the stairs has been drawn. An opening
takes priority over an object with assigned slab properties
when the program determines the stiffness formulation.

D. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Rectangular Slabs/Areas command.

E. Click the Draw menu > Snap Options command to access

the Snap Options form.

F. Check the Edges checkbox in the Snap to area.

G. Click the OK button to close the Snap Options form.

H. Click the View menu > Rubber Band Zoom command.

Left click just above and to the left of grid intersection 6A,
and while holding the mouse button down, drag a window
down and to the right of grid intersection 7B.

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I. Click the Draw menu > Draw Floor/Wall Objects >

Draw Rectangular Floor/Wall command to display the
Properties of Object form.

J. To draw the second opening, snap the mouse to the slab

edge at grid line 6 (the cursor should say Area Edge), and
while holding the left mouse button down, move diagonally
down and to the right to the Mid Point of the wall that lies
along grid line 7, and release the button.

K. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Rectangular Slabs/Areas command.

L. Click the View menu > Restore Full View command.

M. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Draw Support Lines

Similar to the previous sections, ensure that the Plan View is ac-
tive and the snap to joints and grid intersections features are ena-
bled. Support lines are used to identify the path a slab “spans” be-
tween vertical supports, and generally it is best if design strips fol-
low these paths to ensure efficient placement of the tendons and to
help identify the high and low points of the tendon profiles. Draw
support lines as follows:

A. Click the Draw menu > Draw Support Lines command to

display the Properties of Object form shown in Figure 76.

Figure 76 Properties of Object form for support lines

88 Step 5 Draw Objects

Step 5 Draw Objects

B. Click once in the drop-down list opposite the Support Line

Layer item and select A. Support lines may be assigned to
either layer A or layer B, and in this model support lines in
the X direction will be assigned to layer A and support lines
in the Y direction to layer B.

C. Left click at grid intersection 1A to begin drawing the first

support line. Click again at grid intersection 6A and hit the
Enter key on the keyboard to complete the support line.

D. Repeat Item C for the following pairs of grid intersections:

7A to 8A; 1B to 8B; 1C to 8C; 1E to 4E; and 1F to 4F.

E. Snap the mouse to the Point at the approximate intersection

of grids D and 3.5 (between 3 and 4) along the wall and left
click to begin the support line, and then click again at grid
intersection 8D. Hit the Enter key to complete the support
line. This completes the Layer A support lines.

F. On the Properties of Object form, click once in the drop-

down list opposite the Support Line Layer item and select
B. Support lines subsequently drawn will be assigned to
Layer B.

G. Left click at grid intersection 1A to begin drawing the first

Layer B support line. Click again at grid intersection 1F and
hit the Enter key on the keyboard to complete the support
line.

H. Repeat Item G for the following pairs of grid intersections:

2A to 2F; 3A to 3F; 4A to 4F; 5A to 5D; 6A to 6D; 7A to
7D; and 8A to 8D.

I. Click on the Select menu > Select > Pointer/Window

command or press the Esc key on the keyboard to exit the
Draw Support Lines command and return to the select
mode.

Step 5 Draw Objects 89

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Step 6 Add Design Strips

In this step, design strips will be added to the model using support
lines. Although design strips may be drawn in the model using the
Draw menu > Draw Design Strips command, it is often more ef-
fective to add them using support lines so that a support path will
be well defined. Design strips determine how tendons and rein-
forcing will be calculated and positioned in the slab. Forces are in-
tegrated across the design strips and used to calculate the required
reinforcing for the selected design code.

Typically design strips are positioned in two principal directions:

Layer A and Layer B. Because the design strips in this tutorial are
being added to the model using support lines, the layers associated
with the design strips will be inherited from the support lines, i.e.,
the design strips in the X direction will be Layer A, and those in
the Y direction will be Layer B. Additionally, for this model only
column strips will be defined, which follows the generally accept-
ed practice for post-tensioned slabs.

Similar to the previous sections, ensure that the Plan View is ac-
tive and the snap to points and grid intersections features are ena-
bled. Use the following Action Items to add design strips:

A. Click the Select menu > Select > Object Type command to
display the Select by Object Type form shown in Figure 77.

1. On the Select by Object Type form, highlight Support

Lines Layer A and Support Lines Layer B in the Object
Type area by holding down the Shift key on the key-
board while clicking on the items.

2. Click the Select button.

3. Click the Close button.

90 Step 6 Add Design Strips

Step 6 Add Design Strips

Figure 77 Select by Object Type form

B. Click the Edit menu > Add/Edit Design Strips > Add De-
sign Strips Using Selected Support Lines command to
display the Add Design Strips Along Support Lines form
shown in figure 78.

C. In the Option for Middle Design Strips area, uncheck the

Create Middle Design Strips option. As stated previously,
only column strips will be used in this model.

D. In the Parameters area, select the Auto option. The added

design strips will automatically adjust their width to align
with adjacent strips.

E. Click the OK button to leave the Add Design Strips Along

Support Lines form. Design strips along the support lines in

Step 6 Add Design Strips 91

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both the X- and Y-axis directions should now appear – these

will be associated with layers A and B, respectively.

Note: The program will automatically ignore the portion of

a design strip that extends beyond a slab edge.

Figure 78 Add Design Strips Along Support Lines form

F. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Step 7 Add Tendons

In this step, tendons will be added to the model. Although tendons
may be drawn in the model using the Draw menu > Draw Ten-
dons command, it is often more efficient to add them to the de-
sign strips, which is how tendons will be added to this project. If a
tendon is incorrectly added, it may be deleted and then either re-
drawn or replicated from another tendon.

The number of tendons (and strands) will be determined by the

program based on the following defaults: tendon jacking stress =
216 ksi; stressing losses = 27 ksi; long-term losses = 13.5 ksi; ten-
dons are jacked from the J-end (ending point) of the tendon.

92 Step 7 Add Tendons

Step 7 Add Tendons

Similar to the previous sections, ensure that the Plan View is ac-
tive. Add tendons to the design strips as follows:

A. Click the Select menu > Select > Object Type command to
display the Select by Object Type form.

B. Highlight Strips Layer A in the Object Type area.

C. Click the Select button to accept the selection and then the
Close button. The status bar in the lower left-hand corner
should now show “7 Strips selected.”

D. Click the Edit menu > Add/Edit Tendons > Add Tendons
Using Selected Strips command to display the Quick Ten-
don Layout form shown in Figure 79.

Figure 79 Quick Tendon Layout form

E. Select Banded from the Layout Type drop-down list. Ten-

dons will be banded in the Layer A direction and distributed
in the Layer B direction.

F. Type 0 into the Band Width edit box. By using a value of 0,

the program will calculate how many total strands are need-
ed.

Step 7 Add Tendons 93

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G. Select TENDON from the Tendon Property drop-down list.

This is the tendon property defined in Step 2.

H. Select Parabola from the Vertical Profile drop-down list.

I. Verify that the Self Load Balancing Ratios are set to 0.8 for
Maximum and 0.6 for Minimum. This controls how much
of the structure’s self-weight the program will try to balance
with the post-tensioning.

J. Click the OK button to leave the Quick Tendon Layout

form. A single tendon in each Layer A design strip should
now appear.

K. Click the Select menu > Select > Object Type command to
display the Select by Object Type form.

L. Highlight Strips Layer B in the Object Type area.

M. Click the Select button to accept the selection and then the
Close button. The status bar in the lower left-hand corner
should now show “8 Strips selected.”

N. Click the Edit menu > Add/Edit Tendons > Add Tendons
in Strips command to display the Quick Tendon Layout
form.

O. Select Distributed from the Layout Type drop-down list.

P. Type 38 into the Tendon Spacing edit box. The program

will determine how many strands are needed in each tendon
for this spacing.

Q. Select TENDON from the Tendon Property drop-down list.

R. Select Reverse Parabola from the Vertical Profile drop-

down list.

S. Verify that the Self Load Balancing Ratios are set to 0.8 for
Maximum and 0.6 for Minimum.

94 Step 7 Add Tendons

Step 7 Add Tendons

T. Click the OK button to leave the Quick Tendon Layout

form. Tendons in the Layer B design strips should now dis-
play.

U. Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and right click
once on any of the tendons just drawn. A selection list simi-
lar to the one shown in Figure 80 displays because multiple
objects exist at that location. In this case, one tendon and
one floor object exist at the same location. Note that the se-
lection list will display only when the Ctrl key is used with
the right click.

Figure 80 Selection List form

V. Highlight the tendon object and click the OK button. Be-

cause a right click action initiated the selection process, a
Tendon Vertical Profile form similar to the one shown in
Figure 81 will display.

This form displays the vertical profile of the tendon in ele-

vation and allows the tendon profile to be altered either
graphically, by grabbing a control point on the tendon and
moving it to a new position, or numerically, by selecting the
desired span and entering new values into the table.

Step 7 Add Tendons 95

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

Figure 81 Tendon Vertical Profile form

1. Click on the Tendon Loads button in the Tendon loads

and losses area to display the Tendon Load form shown
in Figure 82. Note that the Tendon Jacking Stress is
216,000 psi (216 ksi).

Figure 82 Tendon Load form

96 Step 7 Add Tendons

Step 8 Set Display Options

a. Click the OK button to close the Tendon Load

form.

2. On the Tendon Vertical Profile form, click the Tendon

Losses button in the Tendon Loads and Losses area to
display the Tendon Loss Options form. Note that the
losses are 27,000 psi for Stressing and 13,500 psi for
Long Term (for a total loss of 40.5 ksi).

a. Click on the OK button to close the Tendon Loss

Options form.

3. In the Tendon System, Stands and Layer area of the

Tendon Vertical Profile form, note the number of
strands associated with the selected tendon.

4. In the Click to area, click the Show Generated Tendon

Point Table button to display the Tendon Discretized
Points form that lists the global position of each point
along the tendon.

a. Click the Done button to close the form and return

to the Tendon Vertical Profile form.

5. Click the OK button to exit the Tendon Vertical Profile

form.

W. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Step 8 Set Display Options

In this Step, the set display options will be used to alter the objects
displayed.

A. Click the View menu > Set Display Options command.

When the Set View Options form displays, uncheck the
Tendon and Design Strips check boxes in the Objects Pre-
sent in View area as shown in Figure 83. This action will
turn off the display of the tendons and design strips.

Step 8 Set Display Options 97

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Figure 83 Set View Options form

B. Click the OK button to accept the changes, and the model

now appears as shown in Figure 84.

Figure 84 Model after all objects have been drawn

98 Step 8 Set Display Options

Step 9 Assign Loads

Step 9 Assign Loads

In this Step, the dead and live loads will be assigned to the slab.
Ensure that the Plan View is still active, and that the program is in
the select mode (Draw menu > Select Object command).

A. Select the slab by clicking on it anywhere that is not a wall,

column or opening. The status bar in the lower left-hand
corner should show “1 Shells, 6 Edges selected.” If you
make a mistake in selecting, click the Select menu > Clear
Selection command, and try again.

B. Click the Assign menu > Shell Loads > Uniform com-
mand to access the Shell Load Assignment - Uniform form
shown in Figure 85.

C. If it is not already displayed, select Dead from the Load Pat-

tern Name drop-down list.

D. In the Uniform Load area, type 35 in the Load edit box.

Note that the input units are set to psf.

E. Select Gravity from the Direction drop-down list.

Figure 85 Shell Load Assignment - Uniform form

Step 9 Assign Loads 99

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

F. Click the Apply button to accept the dead load assignment.

SAFE will display the loads on the model. The Apply but-
ton was used so that the form would remain open to allow
additional loads to be assigned.

G. Click anywhere on the main slab to reselect the slab, or

click the Select menu > Get Previous Selection command
to select the slab.

H. On the Shell Load Assignment – Uniform form, select Live

from the Load Pattern Name drop-down list.

I. In the Uniform Load area, type 50 in the Load edit box.

J. Click the Apply button to accept the live load assignment

and then the OK button to close the form.

K. Use the Assign menu > Clear Display of Assigns com-

mand to remove the assignments from the display, if de-
sired.

To review the assignments to the slab, right click on the slab

anywhere that is not a wall, column or opening to access the Slab
Information form shown in Figure 86.

Select the Loads tab and note that the Dead Load Pattern has a
uniform load of 35psf, and that the Live Load Pattern has a uni-
form load of 50psf. Click the OK button to close the Slab Infor-
mation form. Click the File menu > Save command to save your
model.

100 Step 9 Assign Loads

Step 10 Run the Analysis and Design

Figure 86 Slab Information form

Step 10 Run the Analysis and Design

In this Step, the analysis and design will be run.

A. Click the Analyze menu > Run Analysis & Design com-
mand to start the analysis. The program will create the anal-
ysis model from your object-based SAFE model and will
display information in the status bar in the lower left-hand
corner as the analysis and design proceeds. Additional in-
formation about the run may be accessed at a later time us-
ing the Analyze menu > Last Analysis Run Log com-
mand.

Step 10 Run the Analysis and Design 101

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

B. When the analysis and design are finished, the program

automatically displays a deformed shape view of the model,
and the model is locked. The model is locked when the
Analyze menu > Lock/Unlock Model icon appears
depressed. Locking the model prevents any changes to the
model that would invalidate the analysis results.

Step 11 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

In this Step, the analysis will be reviewed using graphical displays
of the results.

A. Click the View menu > Set 3D View command to display

the Set 3D View form.

1. On the Set 3D View form, click the 3d button in the

Fast View area and then the OK button to display the
deformed shape for the Dead load case in 3D.

B. Click the Start Animation button in the lower right-hand

corner of the display to animate the deformed shape. Speed
of the animation may be adjusted by using the slider control
adjacent to the button. Click the Stop Animation button to
end the animation.

C. Click the Display menu > Show Deformed Shape com-

mand to access the Deformed Shape form shown in Figure
87.

D. In the Load Case/Load Combination/Modal Case area, se-

lect the Case option.

E. Select PT-FINAL from the Case drop-down list. Note that in

addition to the Dead, Live, PT-FINAL and PT-TRANSFER
load cases that were previously defined, the program has au-
tomatically created a PT-FINAL-HP load case for hyper-
static analysis.

102 Step 11 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

Step 11 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

Figure 87 Deformed Shape form

F. Select the Automatic option in the Scaling area.

G. Check the Draw Contours on Objects checkbox in the Con-

tour Options area.

H. Click the OK button to generate a 3-D deformed shape with

contours for the PT-FINAL load case.

Step 11 Graphically Review the Analysis Results 103

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

I. Click the Display menu > Show Force/Stress Diagrams >

Shell Stresses/Forces command to bring up the Shell
Forces/Stresses form shown in Figure 88.

J. Select PT-TRANSFER from the Load Case drop-down list.

K. Select Shell Stresses from the Component Type drop-down

list, and then Top Face in the adjacent drop-down list.

L. Select the S11 option in the Component area.

Figure 88 Shell Forces/Stresses form

M. Select Display on Deformed Shape from the Contour Op-

tion drop-down list and check the Show Fill checkbox in the
Contour Appearance area.

104 Step 11 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

Step 12 Design Display

N. Click the OK button to generate the stress diagram shown

in Figure 89.

Figure 89 S11 Stress Diagram

Note that as you move the cursor over the diagram, the val-
ues are displayed at the cursor and in the lower left-hand
corner of the window.

O. Click the Display menu > Show Undeformed Shape

command to clear the display of the stress diagram.

P. Click the View menu > Set Plan View command to return
to the Plan View.

Step 12 Design Display

In this Step, design results for the slab will be displayed. Note that
the design was run along with the analysis in Step 9. Design re-
sults are for the ACI 318-19 code, which was selected in Step 1.
Design preferences may be reviewed or changed by going to the
Design menu > Concrete Slab/Beam Design > View/Revise
Preferences command (some design preferences are also set on

Step 12 Design Display 105

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

the section property data forms); be sure to re-run the analysis and
design (Step 9) if changes to the preferences are made.

A. Click the Display menu > Show Slab Design command to

access the Slab Design form shown in Figure 90.

Figure 90 Slab Design form

B. In the Choose Display Type area, select Strip Based from

the Design Basis drop-down list and Flexural Stress Check -
Transfer from the Display Type drop-down list.

C. In the Choose Strip Direction area, check the Layer A

checkbox and uncheck the Layer B checkbox. This will
display the stress check results in the Layer A (X) direction
only.

D. In the Stress Type Shown area, select the Tensile option.

E. To display the stress check results without closing the form,

click the Apply button. The tensile stresses at transfer are
displayed; if failed is displayed, the stress at that location
exceeds the allowable P/T Stress Check ratio specified on
the Design Preferences form accessed using the Design

106 Step 12 Design Display

Step 12 Design Display

menu > Concrete Slab/Beam Design > View/Revise

Preferences command.

Positioning the cursor at any location on a Layer A design

strip causes the top and bottom stress values to be displayed
in the lower left corner of the window and at the cursor.

F. On the Slab Design form, select Flexural Stress Check –

Long Term from the Display Type drop-down list in the
Choose Display Type area.

G. In the Choose Strip Direction area, uncheck the Layer A

checkbox and check the Layer B checkbox.

H. In the Stress Type Shown area, select the Compressive

option.

I. Click the OK button to leave the Slab Design form and dis-
play the long-term compressive stress check results for the
Layer B direction. The view will be updated to that shown
in Figure 91. Again, positioning the cursor anywhere on the
strips will result in the display of the stress check values in
the lower left-hand corner of the SAFE window.

Figure 91 Layer B Long-Term Compressive Stresses

Step 12 Design Display 107

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Step 13 Run Detailing

In this Step, detailing will be run and displayed. Detailing may be
run only after analysis and design are complete.

A. Click the Detailing menu > Bar Selection and

Curtailment Rules > Slab/Mat/Footing Bar Selection
and Curtailment Rule command to display the Bar
Selection and Curtailment Rule form shown in Figure 92.

B. Click the Slab tab. On this tab review or alter the rebar
curtailment and detailing options, reinforcing around
openings, as well as the minimum reinforcement required.
We will accept the default settings.

C. Click the Edit Rebar Selection Rules button to display

Rebar Selection Rules for Strip form.

1. The Rebar Selection Rules for Strip form allows for the
smallest, largest, and preferred bar sizes to be set, along
with the minimum and maximum bar spacing. We will
accept the default settings. Click the OK button to close
the form.

D. Click the OK button to close the Bar Selection and Curtail-

ment Rule form.

108 Step 13 Run Detailing

Step 13 Run Detailing

Figure 92 Bar Selection and Curtailment Rule form

E. Now that the detailing options have been reviewed, click the
Detailing menu > Start Slab/Mat/Footing Detail-
ing/Check command to generate reinforcing layouts and
display the Slab/Mat/Footing Detailing Editor shown in
Figure 93.

This form allows for the detailed reinforcement to be

displayed in a number of different ways, including plan
views, section views, and profiles, using the Explorer
window on the left-hand side of the form. Reinforcing may
also be revised and then checked for compliance with the
specified detailing rules.

Step 13 Run Detailing 109

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Figure 93 Slab/Mat/Footing Detailing Editor form

F. Click the Close [X] button in the top right-hand corner to

close the Slab/Mat/Footing Detailing Editor form.

G. Click the Display menu > Show Undeformed Shape

command to return to the model.

Step 14 Create Report

In this Step, a report describing model input and output results
will be created.

A. Click the File menu > Create Report > Show Project
Report command to display in the Report Viewer window
the Project Report, similar to that shown in Figure 94.

110 Step 14 Create Report

Step 14 Create Report

Figure 94 Cover Page for Project Report

B. Scroll through the report to find tables that list geometry

and properties, analysis results and design information, such
as that shown in Figure 95.

C. Click the Close button in the top right-hand corner of the

Report Viewer window when done reviewing the report.

D. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model
one last time.

Step 14 Create Report 111

SAFE Tutorial – P/T

Figure 95 Typical Report information

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created, analyzed, designed,

detailed, and reviewed a SAFE model of a post-tensioned concrete
slab.

112 Step 14 Create Report

Part III – Composite Beam Example
The intent of this tutorial is to give you hands-on experience via
step-by-step instructions on how to build a basic steel composite
beam floor model using the Steel Deck template in SAFE. As you
complete the tutorial, you will build, analyze, and design the
model shown in Figure 96.

The Project
The tutorial project is a small two-bay steel framed floor, with
overall dimensions of 40 feet by 24 feet. The metal deck with
concrete fill is supported by secondary steel composite beams,
which are in turn supported by steel beams spanning to steel col-
umns. The floor-to-floor height is 12 feet. The model will be ana-
lyzed for a uniform dead load (partitions + mechanical) of 25
pounds per square foot (psf) plus the self-weight of the structure,
and a live load of 80 psf.

The design constraints for the secondary (infill) beams specifies

that maximum beam depth cannot exceed that of a W16.

Figure 96 The Project Model

113
SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Step 1 Begin a New Model

In this Step, the Steel Deck template will be used to set the dimen-
sions, define the framing layout, and assign properties and loads.

A. Start the program. The Start Page will display.

B. Click the New Model button on the Start Page to access the
Model Initialization form shown in Figure 97.

Figure 97
Model Initialization
form

C. Choose the Use Built-in Settings With: option.

D. Select US Customary from the Display Units drop-down list

and United States from the Region for Default Materials
drop-down list on the Model Initialization form. To review
the display units, hold the mouse cursor over the infor-
mation icon . To change the units once initialized, click
the Options menu > Display Units command.

E. Select AISC15 from the Steel Section Database drop-down

list.

F. Select AISC 360-16 from the Steel Design Code drop-down

list. Click the OK button and the New Model Quick Tem-
plates form shown in Figure 98 will display.

114 Step 1 Begin a New Model

Step 1 Begin a New Model

G. The New Model Quick Templates form is used to specify

the starting point of the model creation: Blank; Grid Only;
or one of eight templates, including the Steel Deck template
that will be used in this tutorial. In the Grid Dimensions
(Plan) area, select the Uniform Grid Spacing option.

Figure 98 New Model Quick Templates form

H. Set the Number of Grid Lines in the X Direction to 3 and in

the Y Direction to 2.

I. Enter 20 in the Spacing of Grids in X Direction edit box,

and 24 in the Spacing of Grids in Y Direction edit box.

Note: Input may be in units other than those shown on the

form by explicitly stating the units. For example, if for this
case the grid spacing was to be 10 feet, input could be
120in, and the program would convert the number input au-
tomatically to be consistent with the units shown on the
form.

J. In the Story Dimensions area, verify that the Story Height

Above and Below are set to 12.

K. In the Add Structural Objects area, click the Steel Deck but-
ton to display the Structural Geometry and Properties for

Step 1 Begin a New Model 115

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Steel Deck form shown in Figure 99. This form is where

properties and loads will be assigned.

Figure 99 Structural Geometry and Properties for Steel Deck form

1. In the Secondary Beams area, verify that the Secondary

Beams checkbox is checked and select the Number op-
tion. Type 3 in the Number edit box. This will result in
3 secondary (composite) beams being placed in each
bay.

2. In the Structural System Properties area, verify that A-

CompBm is selected from the Secondary Beam drop-
down list. This is the default auto-select list of steel
composite beam sections.

3. In the Structural System Properties area, verify that

Deck1 is selected from the Deck/Floor drop-down list.

4. In the Load area, type 25 in the Dead Load (Additional)

edit box and 80 in the Live Load edit box.

116 Step 1 Begin a New Model

Step 1 Begin a New Model

5. Click the OK button to accept the changes and return to

the New Model Quick Templates form.

L. On the New Model Quick Templates form click the OK

button.

M. When you leave the New Model Quick Templates form, the
steel framed floor system consisting of metal deck with con-
crete fill, secondary beams, primary beams, and steel columns
displays in the main SAFE window with two windows tiled
vertically: a Model Explorer window on the left and a Plan
View on the right. The number of view windows can be
changed using the Windows List button in the top-right
corner of the display window.

You should now have a display similar to that shown in

Figure 100.

Display Title Bar

(Active Window)

Units Button

Global Axes

Figure 100 SAFE Main Window

Note that the Plan View window is active. When the win-
dow is active, the display title bar is highlighted. Set a win-
dow active by clicking anywhere in the window.

Step 1 Begin a New Model 117

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Note that the Global Axes are displayed as well, and that the
Z positive is in the “up” direction. When SAFE refers to the
direction of gravity, this is in the negative Z direction, or
“down.”

Save the Model

Save your model often! Click the File menu > Save command.
Specify the directory in which you want to save the model. For
this tutorial, specify the file name as StlCompBm.

Although typically a model would be saved with the same name

throughout development, in order to record work at various stages
of model evolution or as backup, use the File menu > Save As
command to save the file using another name.

Step 2 Define Properties

In this Step, material and section properties for the deck and com-
posite beams (frame objects) are defined.

Although we are going to define our materials and sections using

menu commands, previously defined materials and properties may
be reviewed and modified using the Model Explorer window (see
Figure 101). To do this, expand any of the property items on the
tree by clicking the + node, and then double click on the desired
item to display the associated form.

118 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

Figure 101 Model Explorer window

Define Material Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Material Properties command to
access the Define Materials form shown in Figure 102.

Figure 102 Define Materials form

Step 2 Define Properties 119

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

B. Verify that 4000Psi is shown in the Materials list. This is

the concrete material for use with the metal deck.

C. Verify that A992Fy50 is shown in the Materials list. This is

the steel material for the composite sections.

D. Click the OK button on the Define Materials form to accept

all of the properties.

E. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Define Deck Properties

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Deck
Sections command to access the Deck Properties form
shown in Figure 103.

B. In the Deck Property area, highlight Deck1.

Figure 103 Deck Properties form

C. For this tutorial project, the floor will consist of a 3” deep

metal deck topped with an additional 3.5” of concrete. To
review the default dimensions of Deck1, click the

120 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

Modify/Show Property button to access the Deck Property

Data form shown in Figure 104.

1. In the General Data area, select 4000Psi from the Slab

Material drop-down list.

Figure 104 Deck Property Data form

Note: Additional material properties may be defined by

clicking on the “…” (i.e., ellipsis) button next to the
load pattern name. A “…” button returns you to the
form used to define the item in the adjacent drop-down
list, which in this case is the Define Materials form.

Step 2 Define Properties 121

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

2. If not already displayed, in the Property Data area type

3.5 in the Slab Depth, tc edit box to set the depth of the
concrete over the metal deck.

3. If not already displayed, type 3 in the Rib Depth, hr edit

box to set the depth of the metal deck.

4. Verify that the Shear Stud Diameter is 0.75 in and that

the Shear Stud Height, hs is 6 in.

5. Click the OK button to accept the data and return to the

Deck Properties form.

D. Click the OK button to end the deck property definition.

E. Click the File menu > Save command to save the model.

Define an Auto Select Section List

An auto select selection list is simply a list of sections, for exam-
ple, W12X22, W14X26, W16X31, and W18X35. Auto select sec-
tion lists can be assigned to frame members. When an auto select
section list is assigned to a frame object, the program can auto-
matically select the most economical, adequate section form the
list when it is designing the member.

The program has a built-in auto select section list, A-CompBm.

This is the auto select section list assigned to the secondary beams
when using the Steel Deck template. However, a different auto se-
lect section list will be created in order to satisfy the requirement
that no secondary beam exceed a W16 in depth.

A. Click the Define menu > Section Properties > Frame

Sections command to display the Frame Properties form
shown in Figure 105.

122 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

Figure 105 Frame Properties form

B. Click the Add New Property button in the Click to area to

access the Frame Property Shape Type form shown in Fig-
ure 106.

Figure 106 Frame Property Shape Type form

Step 2 Define Properties 123

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

1. In the Shape Type area, select Auto Select from the Sec-
tion Shape drop-down list.

2. Click the OK button to display the Frame Section Prop-

erty Data form shown in Figure 107.

Figure 107 Frame Section Property Data form

a. In the General Data area, type StlCompBm in the

Property Name edit box.

b. In the Choose Sections in Auto Select List area un-

der Available Sections, find the W12X14 section.

124 Step 2 Define Properties

Step 2 Define Properties

Click once on that section to highlight it – this is the

first section in the auto select section list.

c. Scroll further down the list of sections in the

Choose Sections in Auto Select List area under
Available Sections to find the W16X31 section.
Press the Shift key on your keyboard and then click
once on the W16x31 section. You should now have
all of the sections between the W12X14 and the
W16X31, inclusive, highlighted.

d. Click the Add button to move the highlighted sec-

tions to the Auto Select List on the right side of the
form.

e. Note that in the Starting Section area, Median Sec-

tion by Area should be showing in the Stating Sec-
tion in Auto Select List edit box. The median sec-
tion will be used in the initial analysis/design cycle.

f. Click the OK button to return to the Frame Proper-

ties form.

C. On the Frame Properties form in the Properties area, the list

should now show the auto select list just added,
StlCompBm.

D. Click the OK button to close the form.

E. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

This completes the material and section property definition phase

of the model creation. In a typical floor design study, sections for
the columns and primary beams would have also been reviewed
and defined, but because in this tutorial our focus is on the sec-
ondary composite beams, we will skip any further investigation of
these properties and use those assigned by the Steel Deck tem-
plate.

Step 2 Define Properties 125

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Step 3 Review Static Load Patterns

In this Step, the load patterns are reviewed to verify that the dead
and live patterns specified in Step 1 in the model template are pre-
sent.

A. Click the Define menu > Load Patterns command to ac-

cess the Define Load Patterns form shown in Figure 108.

Figure 108 Define Load Patterns form

B. Note that load patterns Dead and Live are defined.

C. Recall that the project will be analyzed for the an additional

dead load plus the self-weight of the structure. Thus, the
Self Weight Multiplier should be set equal to 1 (this will in-
clude 1.0 times the self-weight of all members) for the Dead
load. Only the Dead load pattern should have a non-zero
Self Weight Multiplier.

D. Click the OK button to accept the defined static load pat-

terns.

E. Click the File menu > Save command.

Step 4 Review Load Cases

In this Step, the Load Cases are reviewed. This is where the type
of analysis is specified.

126 Step 3 Review Static Load Patterns

Step 4 Review Load Cases

A. Click the Define menu > Load Cases command to access

the Load Cases form shown in Figure 109.

Figure 109 Load Cases form

B. With the Dead Load Case Name highlighted, click the

Modify/Show Case button to display the Load Case Data
form shown in Figure 110. This data form changes based
on the type of load case specified.

1. In the General area, verify that Linear Static is selected

from the Load Case Type drop-down list.

2. In the Loads Applied area, verify that the load pattern is

Dead with a scale factor of 1.

3. Click the OK button to close the Load Case Data form.

Step 4 Review Load Cases 127

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Figure 110 Load Case Data form

C. Review the Live load case, if so desired, by selecting it and

using the Modify/Show Case button as described for the
Dead load case.

D. Click the OK button to close the Load Cases form.

E. Click the File menu > Save command.

Step 5 Assign Auto Select Properties

In this Step, the auto select section list defined in Step 2 will be
assigned to the secondary beams created by the template. Ensure
that the Plan View is active (click anywhere in the display win-
dow; a window is active when the Display Title Bar, just below
the horizontal toolbar, is highlighted).

128 Step 5 Assign Auto Select Properties

Step 5 Assign Auto Select Properties

A. Click the Select menu > Select > Properties > Frame
Sections command to display the Select by Frame Property
form shown in Figure 111.

Figure 111 Select by Frame Property form

B. In the Frame Properties area, highlight A-CompBm and

click the Select button. This will select the secondary
beams in the model as they were assigned the A-CompBm
property by the template.

Step 5 Assign Auto Select Properties 129

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

C. Click the Close button to close the Select by Frame Proper-

ty form. The status bar in the lower left-hand corner should
show “6 Frames selected.”

D. Click the Assign menu > Frame > Beam Section

Property command to display the Frame Assignment –
Section Property form shown in Figure 112.

Figure 112 Frame Assignment – Section Property form

E. In the Frame Sections area, highlight StlCompBm – this was

the auto select section list defined in Step 2.

130 Step 5 Assign Auto Select Properties

Step 6 Verify Loads

F. Click the OK button to close the Frame Assignment – Sec-

tion Property form and assign the auto select list to the se-
lected secondary beams. Your model should look similar to
Figure 113.

G. Note that the secondary beams are assigned the W14X22

section, which is the median section of the auto select sec-
tion list. This is the starting section and may change when
the program optimizes the design to select the most eco-
nomical section for the auto select list.

Figure 113 The model after assigning the auto select section list

H. Click the Assign menu > Clear Display of Assigns com-

mand to remove the section labels from the plan view.

I. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model.

Step 6 Verify Loads

In this Step, the dead and live loads assigned to the deck will be
verified using two different methods. Ensure that the Plan View is
still active, and that the program is in the select mode (Draw
menu > Select Object command).

Step 6 Verify Loads 131

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

A. Right click on the deck anywhere that is not a beam or col-

umn to access the Slab Information form shown in Figure
114.

Figure 114 Slab Information form

B. Select the Loads tab and note that the Dead Load Pattern
has a uniform load of 25psf, and that the Live Load Pattern
has a uniform load of 80psf, correct as specified in the Steel
Deck template.

C. Select the Assignments tab and note that the Section Proper-
ty is Deck1. The direction the deck spans is indicated by a
double-headed arrow on the plan view, and in this
tutorial the deck spans perpendicular to the secondary com-
posite beams.

D. Click the OK button to close the Slab Information form.

132 Step 6 Verify Loads

Step 6 Verify Loads

The gravity loads mays also be reviewed using a tabular display.

Make sure that the Model Explorer window is visible; if not, click
the Options menu > Show Model Explorer command.

E. Click the Tables tab in the Model Explorer to display the

tables tree. Click on the MODEL DEFINITION node
located under the Tables branch to expand the tree. The ta-
bles tab should now look similar to that shown in Figure
115.

Figure 115 Model Explorer with Tables tab selected

F. Click on the Area Assignments node and then on the

Area Load Assignments node to expose the Table: Area
Load Assignments – Uniform option.

G. Right click on the Table: Area Load Assignments – Uni-

form option and on the context sensitive menu select the
Show Table command to display the table shown in Figure
116.

Step 6 Verify Loads 133

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Figure 116 – Table for Area Load Assignments - Uniform

Each row in the table lists a shell object name, the associat-
ed load pattern, the direction of the applied load, and the
load value. Note that the Dead load is 25psf and the Live
load is 80psf, again correct as entered in the template.

H. Click the Done button to close table form.

I. File menu > Save command to save your model.

Step 7 Run the Analysis

In this Step, the analysis will be run.

A. Click the Analyze menu > Set Load Cases to Run com-
mand to access the Set Load Cases to Run form. Verify on
this form that the Action for each case is set to Run, and
then click the OK button.

B. Click the Analyze menu > Run Analysis command to start

the analysis. The program will create the analysis model
from your object-based SAFE model and will display in-

134 Step 7 Run the Analysis

Step 8 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

formation in the status bar in the lower left-hand corner as

the analysis proceeds. Additional information about the run
may be accessed at a later time using the Analyze menu >
Last Analysis Run Log command.

C. When the analysis is finished, the program automatically

displays a deformed shape view of the model, and the
model is locked. The model is locked when the Analyze
menu > Lock/Unlock Model icon appears depressed.
Locking the model prevents any changes to the model that
would invalidate the analysis results.

Step 8 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

In this Step, the analysis will be reviewed using graphical displays
of the results.

A. Click the Display menu > Show Force/Stress Diagrams >

Beam/Column/Brace Forces command to access the
Member Force Diagram for Beams/Columns form shown in
Figure 117.

1. In the Load Case/Load Combination/Modal Case area,

select the Case option.

2. Select Dead from the drop-down list.

3. In the Component area, select the Moment 3-3 option.

4. Uncheck the Fill Diagram option if it is checked.

Step 8 Graphically Review the Analysis Results 135

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Figure 117 Member Force Diagram for Beams/Columns form

5. Check the Show Values at Controlling Stations on Dia-

gram check box.

6. Click the OK button to generate the moment diagrams

shown in Figure 118.

Note that moment diagrams may be plotted with the moment on

either the tension side or the compressions side of the member
when viewing the model in 3D. Change the plot orientation, if
desired, using the Options menu > Moment Diagrams on
Tension Side command toggle.

136 Step 8 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

Step 8 Graphically Review the Analysis Results

Figure 118 Moment 3-3 diagrams

B. Right click on one of the secondary beams between grid

lines A & B to access the Diagram for Beam form shown in
Figure 119.

Figure 119 Diagram

for Beam form

Step 8 Graphically Review the Analysis Results 137

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Note that the applied load, shear, moment, and deflection

are shown for the beam, and the maximum values are iden-
tified on the Diagram for Beam form.

1. Click the Scroll for Values option in the Display Loca-

tion area and a scroll line appears in each diagram. Drag
the scroll line with your mouse to see values at different
locations along the beam.

2. Type 8 into the Display Location edit box and press the
Enter key. The load, shear, moment, and deflection val-
ues are displayed at this exact location along the beam.

3. Click the Done button to close the form.

C. Click the Display menu > Show Undeformed Shape

command to clear the display of the moment diagrams.

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

In this Step, the steel composite (secondary) beams will be de-
signed. Note that the analysis (Step 7) should be run before per-
forming the following items.

A. Right click on one of the secondary beams to display the

Beam Information form shown in Figure 120.

Note that the Design tab reports that the Design Procedure
is Composite Beam. The program assigned this default de-
sign procedure to this frame object because (1) it lies in a
horizontal plane; (2) the ends of the beam are pinned (i.e.,
moment is released); and (3) it is assigned a steel section
that is either I-shaped or a channel.

Review the information available on all four tabs of the

Beam Information form and then click the Cancel button to
close the form.

138 Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

Figure 120 Beam Information form

B. Click the Design menu > Steel Composite Beam Design >
View/Revise Preferences command to display the Compo-
site Beam Design Preferences form shown in Figure 121.

1. Verify that AISC 360-16 is showing in the Design Code

drop-down list.

2. Review the information available on all seven tabs in

the Composite Beam Design Preferences form as these
values will have a significant impact on selection and
design of the beams. Click the OK button to accept any
changes made to the form.

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams 139

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

Figure 121 Composite Beam Design Preferences form

C. Click the View menu > Set Display Options command to

display the Set View Options form. On the General tab in
the Special Effects area, uncheck the Object Fill checkbox.
This will remove the display of fill in the shell (deck)
object. Click the OK button to accept the change.

D. Click the Design menu > Steel Composite Beam Design >
Start Design/Check command to start the design process.
The program designs the steel composite beams, selecting
the optimum beam size from the StlCompBm auto select
list that was assigned to them in Step 5.

E. When the design is complete, the selected sizes are displayed

on the model. The model appears as shown in Figure 122.

140 Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

Figure 122 Model after the initial composite beam design

F. Click the Design menu > Steel Composite Beam Design >
Verify Analysis vs Design Section command. A message
similar to the one shown in Figure 123 should appear.

Figure 123
Analysis vs Design
Section warning
message for an
incomplete design

In the initial analysis (Step 7), the program used the median
section by area form the StlCompBm auto select section list.
During design (this Step), the program selected a W12X14
design section, which differs from the analysis section used.
The message in Figure 123 indicates that the analysis and
design sections differ. Click the No button to close the form.

The goal is to repeat the analysis (Step 7) and design (Step

9) process until the analysis and design sections are all the
same. Note that when the floor is reanalyzed (i.e., Step 7 is
repeated), SAFE will use the current design sections (i.e.,

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams 141

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

those selected in Step 9) as new analysis sections for the

next analysis run. Thus, in the next analysis for this tutorial,
the composite beams will be analyzed using the W12X14
analysis sections.

G. Right click on one of the composite beams to display the

Interactive Composite Beam Design and Review form
shown in Figure 124.

Figure 124 Interactive Composite Beam Design and Review form

Note that the current design section, W12X14, is

highlighted and the last analysis section is reported as
W14X22.

The Acceptable Designs list shows the beams in the

StlCompBm auto select section list and their respective
design ratios.

142 Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

1. Click the Report button on the Interactive Composite

Beam Design and Review form. The Composite Beam
Design Report shown in Figure 125 displays. This
report shows comprehensive design information about
the beam. Review the information in this report. Then
click the [X] button in the upper right-hand corner to
close the report.

Figure 125 Composite Beam Design Report

H. Click the Cancel button to close the Interactive Composite

Beam Design and Review form.

I. To rerun the analysis with the new analysis section, click

the Analyze menu > Run Analysis command.

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams 143

SAFE Tutorial – Composite Beam

J. When the analysis is complete, click the Design menu >

Steel Composite Beam Design > Start Design/Check
command to start the composite beam design process.

K. Click the Design menu > Steel Composite Beam Design >
Verify Analysis vs Design Section command. The message
shown in Figure 126 should display, indicating that the
analysis and design sections are the same for all composite
beams. If you do not get this message, repeat Items H, I,
and J until you do get it, before proceeding to the next Item.
Click the OK button.

Figure 126 Analysis vs Design Section warning for a complete design

L. Click the Design menu > Steel Composite Beam Design

> Verify All Members Passed command. The message
shown in Figure 127 should appear, indicating that all
composite beams passed the design check. Click the OK
button to close the form.

144 Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams

Figure 127
Verify All
Members
Passed
warning
message for
a complete
design

M. Click the Select menu > Select > All command to select all
objects in the model.

N. Click the Design menu > Steel Composite Beam Design >
Make Auto Select Section Null command and click the
OK button on the resulting message. This removes the auto
select section list assignments from the composite beam
members and replaces them with their current design sec-
tions.

O. Click the Select menu > Clear Selection command to clear

the selection.

P. Click the File menu > Save command to save your model
one last time.

Congratulations! The steel composite beam design tutorial is now

complete.

Step 9 Design the Composite Beams 145