Concept Version 3

Concept V3 is an invaluable tool for the conceptual design of reinforced concrete frames which enables the comparison and determination of the optimum structural solution. It assists with concrete frame choice, member sizes and reinforcement estimates.  Concept V3 is now available free of charge!

Concept V3 provides an extremely fast way of helping to choose between different concrete frame options for a multi-storey scheme design. It can be used for time and cost comparisons and gives initial member sizing, quantities of formwork, reinforcement and concrete - all useful information when making a choice of frame.

Spans up to 12m (16m for wide beams) are catered for. Information such as the number of bays, spans, and load is simply entered. Cost and time data, and many of the base assumptions may be changed. The program sizes up and compares conceptual designs to Eurocode 2. Within 5 minutes, 13 forms of reinforced concrete frame construction can be considered then ranked in order of total or construction cost.

Concept V3 will automatically choose the best cost-optimised scheme from the following forms of reinforced concrete frame, or allow the user to investigate their preferred options.

• Flat slabs
• Post-tensioned flat slabs
• One-way slab, wide beam One-way slabs (X and Y)*
• Ribbed slab (X and Y)* (c/w downstand beams)
• Troughed slabs (X and Y)* (level soffit)
• Precast hollowcore and in-situ beam (X and Y)*
• Two-way slabs

*Spanning in X and Y direction

Alternatively, the automatic choice can be over-ridden, allowing alternative solutions to be investigated.

As it is spreadsheet, much of the program's work and data is available for inspection, avoiding the 'black box' scenario. The engineer can then proceed with verification and detailed design in the normal way.

Printed outputs include floor plans, sections, isometric stick diagrams, cost comparisons and material quantities. A construction cost summary can also be produced, based on default rates for construction costs or those put in by the user.

Once the structural frame has been decided the engineer may then use the suite of RC Design Spreadsheets for detailed design.

How to use the software

Open the file concept.xls using Microsoft Excel.

The spreadsheet uses macros, so you must ‘enable macros’ when asked.

If you cannot enable macros you should change your security setting within Excel as follows:

Click Tools-Macro-Security and set the security level to ‘Medium’ and restart Excel.

The welcome sheet gives instructions for use, but the following should be noted:

• Cells containing blue text are for data entry.
• Values in red or with a red background indicate errors.
• Do not copy and paste from one cell to another – this may cause errors.
• To get started, press ‘Start’ in the welcome sheet, and then use navigation area to proceed though the design stages.

An online user tutorial is available to view.

System Requirements

Windows 2000 or later

Excel 2000 or later

128MB of RAM (minimum)

450MB processor (minimum)

Tekton font is recommended to be used

For optimum display, please view at 1024 x 768 resolution and minimum of 16 bit colour.

Disclaimer

All advice or information from MPA - The Concrete Centre is intended for those who will evaluate the significance and limitations of its contents and take responsibility for its use and application. No liability (including that of negligence) for any loss resulting from such advice or information is accepted by MPA-The Concrete Centre or its subcontractors, suppliers or advisors. Users should note that all MPA-The Concrete Centre software and publications are subject to revision from time to time and they should therefore ensure that they are in possession of the latest version.