STRUCTURE TYPE AND CONTROL DATA

After modelling the structure, we need to define the structure type of the building.

Click on the Structure tab > Structure Type. A window will pop-up.

Select the following:

1.) Structure Type will be 3D. you may select a specific plane of
interest if you are only analyzing a 2D model.
2.) Mass Control Parameter. Let us leave it at default under lump
mass without consideration of the other factors.
3.) Check the box beside “Convert Self-weight to Masses” and
click on the button beside “Convert to X, Y, Z”. this is
important as this will allow the dead loads to be converted
to seismic loads.
4.) Check on the last 2 boxes. We want our beams and slabs to
aligned at the same plane. So we will model from floor to
floor height.

2
When we are done with that we now define the story data of the building.

Click on Control Data > Story... Or shortcut (F10). A window will appear.

Click on “Auto Generate Story Data” button. And make sure that all the lists are on the right side. Then
click ok. Auto Generate story data picks up all the points with different Global Z axis distances. So you may
edit out the story data that are not included in the floors.

If under the Floor Diaphragm, it says “Consider”. That means it considers all the nodes at that specific
plane to be one rigid diaphragm. If it says “Do not consider” that means all the nodes at that specific plane
are flexible diaphragm.

To achieve a semi-rigid diaphragm. You must model the slabs with plates with their corresponding
stiffness factors. An you must not consider its floor diaphragm.

3
SECTION STIFFNESS SCALE FACTORS
Click on Properties > Scale Factor. A window will pop up

This is where you input the section stiffness scale factors for the beams and columns that are required by
the code. Note that this is only for concrete, do not apply it on steel unless there is a necessary reason
why you are doing it.

The reason why we need to put scale factors for concrete members is because concrete cracks under high
tensile forces. And in the worst case scenario when the concrete cracks we already accounted for it.
Another important thing to note the scale factor directions are all in local direction.

1.) Click on the desired section.

2.) On the right hand side adjust the moment of inertia
according to the code. (For Column 0.7Iy & 0.7Iz, for beams
0.35Iy)
3.) Then click on “Add / Replace” button

Stiffness scale factors can be found in table 406.6.3.1.1

4
Define Supports
Click the Boundary tab > Define Supports

1. First you must define the support that is needed in the structure. You can
see that there are 2 parts, the “D-all & R-all”. D-all means that it restrains
all the directional movement and the R-all restrains all the rotational
movement. When you click on “D-all” it automatically checks the Dx, Dy,
& Dz. These means the directional restraint of x-direction, y-direction, z-
direction respectively. Same as with Rx,Ry, & Rz. Rw on the other hand
means the rotational warping of the support.
2. Most commonly we only use 2 kinds of support, the pin support and fix
support. If you want pin support check the “D-all”. If you want fixed
support check both the “D-all and R-all”.
3. Once you selected the type of support you want select the nodes that you
want to be supported then click on “Apply”.

5
SURFACE SPRING SUPPORT
In modeling mat foundation we need to define support using the surface spring support.
Click the Boundary tab > Surface Spring

1. Select element type: Planar

2. Spring type: Linear
3. And in the Modulus of subgrade reaction you need to calculate the for
1
the Kx, Ky, & Kz. The formula for Kz is 𝐾𝑧 = 𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 (𝑚) 𝑥 𝐹. 𝑆. 𝑥 𝑆𝐵𝐶 .
the values in the equation should be given in the soil test. But the average
allowable settlement for an isolated footing is 1in and 3in a big mat
foundation. F.S. means the factor of safety applied. SBC means the soil
bearing capacity, as recommended by the geotechnical report. Let us say
we are given a FS=2.5 and SBC = 383Kpa. Therefore our values will be
1
𝐾𝑧 = .075 𝑥2.5 𝑥 383 = 12,766.66𝐾𝑁/𝑚3 .
4. The values for Kx and Ky are assumed to be 10% of Kz therefore =
1,276.66.
5. Then click on the Plate element on the mat foundation and click “Apply”

6
BEAM END RELEASE
Beam end releasing is a function that allows the member to not carry moment at its ends. To simply put
it, it will become a simply supported beam. The question most designers often ask is why do we need to
apply beam end release in concrete members? Isn’t monolithically cast in place members considered as
fixed support?

Theoretically is correct. But we can arrange the reinforcing bars in such a way that it would act as a simply
supported beam. If we place only a few top bars on the supports, the moment capacity of the beam will
lessen and the moment on the support will transfer on the midspan. We would like to release the end
moments of the intermediate beams because we also want to reduce the torsion applied on the girder. If
the intermediate beam is continuous it is better to apply the end as fixed on the continuous end, because
there is a continuing beam that restrains the support.

To apply the beam end release, Click the Boundary tab > Beam End Release

A task pane will appear on the side of the tree menu. There are four classifications on the beam end
releases. You can choose either: Pinned-Pinned, Pinned-Fixed, Fixed-Pinned, Fixed-Fixed. When you select
“Pinned-Pinned” this means that it is going to release the moments on both ends of the selected element.
If you select the “Pinned-Fixed” This means that it is going to release the moments for only the Starting
node or the “i-Node” in Midas’ indication. Same as the “Fixed-Pinned” it only releases the j-Node. And
Lastly the “Fixed-Fixed” has no releases on the ends.

Once you selected the desired boundary condition. Click on the element and select “Apply”. The
indication for the releases in a green circle on the edge of the beam.

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PANEL ZONE EFFECTS
Another boundary condition that we need to apply is the panel-zone effect. This function shortens the
beam until the face of the column.

Without panel-zone effect Without panel-zone effect

Click the Boundary tab > Panel Zone Effects

1. Select the “Auto Calculate Panel Zone Offset

Distances.
2. Set the Offset Factor to 1
3. Output position to Panel Zone
4. Click on “OK”

8
STATIC LOAD CASES
SHORTCUT (F9)

We need to be able to define the primary static load cases that is needed in analyzing our structure. There
are four major static load namely: Dead Load, Live Load, Seismic Loads, Wind Loads. In each major load
cases we can subdivide them further into separate loadings. Below is a list of the major load cases that
can be further subdivided.

Dead Load Live Load Seismic Loads Wind Loads

Selfweight Live load < 4.8 Kpa Seismic at +X-direction Wind load At +X-direction
Super-imposed
Live Load ≥ 4.8 Kpa Seismic at +Y-direction Wind load At +Y-direction
Dead Loads
Permanent Live
Seismic at -X-direction Wind load At -X-direction
Load*
Seismic at -Y-direction Wind load At -Y-direction
*OPTIONAL

For the dead loads, selfweight and super-imposed dead loads can be grouped together in structures that
are smaller. It is good to separate them in cases you want to edit out specific loads.

For live loads we separated them into two major aspects, one is live loads having less than 4.80 Kpa and
the other is live loads having greater than or equal to 4.80 Kpa. We separate them for the very reason of
their load combination factors. We are allowed to reduce the factor at the load combination of those
having less than 4.80 Kpa. In some cases, the designer may classify live loads as permanent live loads,
some of the examples may be the generators and transformers. You may classify them as permanent live
load because it is very hard to move these around, this means that these type of live loads maybe classified
like a dead load having the same load combinations in the analysis and in the P-delta effects.

For seismic loads we have to break them down into four major directions that the earthquake moves
around the building. That means it is coming from both sides of the X and Y axes. If your building is regular
in shape you may only consider both X and Y direction at the positive side. Seismic loads may also hit at
an eccentricity from the center of the building, this will induce torsional loads, in actuality we would have
to sub classify the loads into positive eccentricity and negative eccentricity (For example: seismic at +X-
direction with positive torsional eccentricity & seismic at +X-direction with negative torsional
eccentricity), this is more crucial in irregularly shaped structures and tall buildings where you may only
apply them at these factors to simplify the analyses of the simple structures.

For wind loads application is same as the seismic loads on all four directions. Wind load also must consider
accidental eccentricity for the tall and irregularly shaped structures.

There are also other static load cases that might be used in specific projects like Earth Pressure,
Hydrostatic Forces, Prestressing Loads, and many more.

9
To input the Static Load Cases, click the Loads at the tab > Static load > Static Load Cases.

A window will pop up after.

Steps in applying static load cases.

1. Input the name of the static load cases (e.g. Selfweight (SW))
2. Select the Type or category of the static load case (e.g. Dead Loads (D))
3. You may include description though it is not important to the analysis just helps differentiate
other load cases from one another.
4. Then Click “Add”

If you want to modify a certain load case, then click the “Modify” button. If you want to delete a specific
load case, select the load case then click delete.

10
APPLYING LOADS
To help with the work flow you can input loads by the order of the icons in the ribbon. You can do it from
left to right so as not to miss a step. Some functions may not be explained here; we will be using only the
most common ones. More explanation can be taken from the midas help.

Under the Structure Loads:

1. Self Weight

a. Under the Load Case name select Self Weight (SW)

b. Input “-1” on the Z side of Self Weight Factor. This means
that we are adding gravity downwards of the Z plane.
c. Then click on Add

2. Loads to Masses

a. Select Mass direction (X,Y,Z)

b. Make sure that the gravity input is correct
c. Under the load case / factor, in the code for regular
occupancy loads 100% of the dead load shall be used. For
warehouse or storage structures 100% deadload + 25% of
liveload shall be used. In this case the building is not a
storage structure, therefore we only use 100% of Dead
load (both self-weight and super-imposed dead loads).
d. Click add
e. Click ok when you are done inputting the cases

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Under the Lateral:

1. Wind Loads

a. Select Add to generate the wind load definition

b. Select a Load Case name. we can start with +WLX+e
c. The Wind Lode Code according the prevailing code NSCP
2015 is fashioned after the IBC 2012 (ASCE7-10). Select IBC
2012
d. We are using the directional procedure
e. Basic Wind Speed is found in the NSCP 2015 wind maps.
Note that this is mph and in the NSCP 2015 is in kph, so we
have to convert it for the midas. In cebu city we use wind
speed of 270 kph (167.77mph).
f. Define the Exposure Category. (General thought: B - for
urban areas, C - for rural areas, D - for by the sea) the
exposure category is explained thoroughly in the code.
g. Mean roof height will automatically generate the height of
your top most story defined. Make sure that you have
generated
h. Input topographic effects if specified. In this case assume a
flat surface.
i. Directional Factor is 0.85 according to the code.
j. You must define first if structure is Rigid or Flexible. (Rule of
thumb: Rigid if during lateral movement the structure will move as one, flexible if there
is lagging or delay of movement from the higher floors. Usually for high rises). In this case
we select flexible structure
k. We need to change the parameter of the gust effect factor. If your building is rigid (this
usually means short and wide buildings) you may remain the gust effect factor as 0.85.
for flexible buildings (this usually means long and thin buildings) we need to calculate the
gust factor. Click on “…” under the gust effect factor. Another window will pop up.
l. If modeled correctly, it automatically calculates your building’s length and width.
Although you may be able to manually input them. The problem is inputting the natural
frequencies and the damping ratio. You can find the Code for the natural frequencies
under Section 207A.9. let us use the equation of C207A.9-6 for buildings lower than 120m
and C207A.9-8 for taller than 120m.

m. We will also use the code values for the damping ratios of wind. 1% for Steel and 2% for
concrete. (American Suggestion). Input all suggested frequencies and damping ratio then
click on the “Calculate” button. Then Click “OK”.

12
 n. Select the type of wind eccentricity according to the specified load
case (positive for +e and negative for –e)
o. Wind Load Direction Factor (scale Factor). When your wind direction
is at +X, input 1 on X-Dir and 0 on Y-Dir. When your wind direction is
at –Y, input 0 on X-Dir and -1 on Y Direction.
p. Click on Apply if you want to remain on the Wind load specifications.
Click ok to close the window.

Load Scale Factor

Eccentricity
Case X-Dir Y-Dir
+WLX+e 1 0 Postive
+WLX-e 1 0 Negative
+WLY+e 0 1 Postive
+WLY-e 0 1 Negative
-WLX+e -1 0 Postive
-WLX-e -1 0 Negative
-WLY+e 0 -1 Postive
-WLY-e 0 -1 Negative

2. Seismic Loads

a. Select Add Static Seismic Loads.

b. Select Load Case name. We can start with +SLX+e.
c. Seismic Load Code according to the prevailing code (NSCP
2015) we are using the UBC 1997 for our static seismic
analysis. Select UBC (1997).
d. Soil Profile Type. Input the specified soil type according to
the geotechnical report if any. If there is none provided you
may assume what bests fits for the actual site condition or
assume Sd as the code suggests.
e. Seismic Zone Factor. In the Philippines we only have to
Zones, either zone 2 or 4. The regions under different
seismic zones can be verified in the NSCP 2015. Select “4
(0.4)” for Seismic Zone 4.
f. Seismic Source Type. Some geotechnical reports will
suggest the seismic source type that will happen in the
specific site. But as a factor of safety you may assume
source type A with the largest magnitude that can happen
in the Philippines.
g. Input manually the Closest Distance to known Seismic
source. Some geotechnical report will show you the nearest
active fault to the site location, but you may also check it
yourself in the internet.
http://faultfinder.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/

13
h. For Period Calculation. Click on the “Period Calculator…” button and another window will
appear. Reminders that you need to generate story data to automatically input the story
height that it is asking for.
i. There are 3 choices for the period calculator that midas does not tell you which one is it
for. 1 is for steel structures, 2 is for concrete structures, 3 is for other structures like
maybe wood. Then click ok, a period will automatically be calculated for you.
j. Input Ductility Coefficient (R) according to the code. In this case for concrete structures
with special moment resisting frames system (SMRF), the R value is 8.5. Apply it to both
directions
k. For Seismic load direction factor. Same as the wind, when your seismic direction is at +X,
input 1 on X-Dir and 0 on Y-Dir. When your seismic direction is at –Y, input 0 on X-Dir and
-1 on Y Direction.
l. Select the type of accidental eccentricity according to the specified load case (positive for
+e and negative for –e)
m. Click on Apply if you want to remain on the Wind load specifications. Click ok to close the
window.

Load Scale Factor

Eccentricity
Case X-Dir Y-Dir
+SLX+e 1 0 Postive
+SLX-e 1 0 Negative
+SLY+e 0 1 Postive
+SLY-e 0 1 Negative
-SLX+e -1 0 Postive
-SLX-e -1 0 Negative
-SLY+e 0 -1 Postive
-SLY-e 0 -1 Negative

14
Under the Beam Loads:

1. Element Load

a. Click on Element load on the Beam Load Ribbon

b. Under “Load Case name” select the specified Load case. (SDL)
c. You may or may not add a load group to make things segregated.
d. Under “options” there are three different cases: Add (adds a new
element load), Replace (replaces all the existing element loads with the
new input), Delete (deletes all element loads on the element).
e. Under “Load type” you may choose different types of loading cases. For
this case in loading walls we will use uniform loads.
f. You may also specify the direction. The default direction would be
Global Z, that means going vertically downwards as gravity loads.
g. Under “value” there are two options: Relative and Absolute. Relative
means the length of the applied load is relative to the length of the
beam. So you may put the length ratios at the values x1 and x2. Absolute
means that it is the exact length measurement of the element load. To
have it at whole length of element you may select Relative and having
x1=0 and x2=1.
h. w is the applied load value. Let us say around -3.6 Kpa
i. click on apply to apply the loads. Remember to select the specified beam
loads before clicking on apply.

15
 2. Line Load

a. Input is almost like at the element loads but in applying the loads you select nodes instead
of elements. At the bottom portion of the load menu there is nodes for loading line, click on
the textbox and click on two nodes along a line and an element load will appear.

Under the Pressure Load:

1. Pressure Loads

a. Click on Pressure Loads

b. Under “type” you may choose either Load Case or Load Type. Under Load case you select a
specific load case and apply the loads one by one. Under Load Type you may define a load
group that compromises of different load cases. For this example, let us select “Load Type”.
c. Under “Load Type Name” select “…” to define the load group. A new window will appear.
d. Beside the Name: input the name of the specified load group. For example for a commercial
loading write “Commercial” in the textbox.
e. Under pressure load and load case, input the specified load cases that we need for the
commercial loading. Add SDL with pressure load of “-1.2Kpa”. add LL1 with pressure load of
“-2.4Kpa”.
f. Then Click on add. Then you may close the window.
g. Then select on the plates you want to add loads on and click on apply.

16
Under the Initial Forces/Misc.:

1. Assign Floor Loads

a. Sometimes When you do not model the slab. There is an automatic function from midas that
lets you assign floor loads directly to the beam. Click on the “Assign Floor Loads”
b. Under “Load Type” Click on “…” to add load group type. A window will appear.
c. Input “commercial” inside the textbox name.
d. Under floor load and load case, input the specified load cases that we need for the
commercial loading. Add SW with floor load of “-3.6Kpa”, add SDL with floor load of “-
1.2Kpa”, add LL1 with floor load of “-2.4Kpa”.
e. Click on add then close the window.
f. Select The Type of distribution (one way, two way, Polygon-Centroid, Polygon-Length).
g. In oneway load, it is important to model it in the right direction. Select the textbox under
“nodes defining load area” then select on the nodes that is under the floor area. But for
oneway loads select the direction of the short span first. So that the load distribution will be
at the long span.

17
APPLYING P-DELTA EFFECTS

a. Click on the Analysis Tab > P Delta. And a window will appear
b. Don’t change the control parameters.
c. Under P-delta Combination, we need to add the gravity load cases with
their corresponding scale factor in a load combination with the seismic
load. This means, use the load combination of (1.2DL + f1 LL + 1.0E). but
only input the gravity loads.
d. Click on ok to confirm the p-delta analysis

After you are done you may now click on “Perform Analysis” (shortcut F5)

18
LOAD COMBINATIONS
SHORTCUT (CTRL+F9)

After you are done analyzing. It is now time to input the load combinations.
Click the Results tab > Load Combination

A new window will appear.

To be able to use the auto design on steel members from Midas, you must input the load combinations
under Steel Design. To use the RC designer in Midas you must input the load combinations under Concrete
Design. You may also input in the load combinations under General but you won’t be able to use the
automatic designer.

In this case, let us select the Concrete Design tab. You may input load combinations manually but there is
a function to automatically input all combinations. Click on the “Auto Generation…” button.

A new window will appear.

a. Under options you can either click add if you want to add new
combinations. Or replace if you want to replace the previous load
combinations
b. For the Design code, we mostly fashion our load combinations
under the American code. So we select the latest American code.
ACI-318-14th, but in this version we only have ACI-318-11th but they
will yield the same results.
c. Then click “OK”

Our load combinations can be found in Section 203.3.1 of the NSCP. It is the
same as the ACI Code for their load combinations. There are still additional data
that we have to edit off the auto-generated load combinations.

19
Some Primary Load combinations to consider are:
1. Load Factor for Live Load below 4.8 Kpa
2. Load Factor for Vertical Seismic
3. Redundancy Factor for Seismic Loads

In Equation 203-4, 203-5 you can find f1 beside the Live load combination. This is because the value
changes depending on the occupancy load. f1 is 1.0 if the floor is in places of public assembly or greater
than 4.8 Kpa, f1 is 0.5 op live loads lesser than 4.80 kpa. That is why we separated the live loads in the
primary load combinations so that it is easier to edit them out. We should change the factor of the live
load (LL1) in the combinations including the lateral loads (Earthquake and Wind).

Next is we need to include the Vertical seismic and the Redundancy Factor for seismic loads. That can be
found in section 208.6

20
 E = ρEh + Ev
Ev = 0.5 Ca I D
ρ = is very hard to quantify so for simplicity use the biggest allowable factor (1.25)

Therefore,
E = 1.25(Eh) + 0.5 Ca I D

This goes in for all earthquake combinations. If you noticed that the vertical seismic is a function of the
dead load, that means that you have to add or subtract to the dead load combination to simplify the
formula. To auto-calculate it you may use the load combination excel.

21
DESIGN CONCRETE STRUCTURE

MEMBER ASSIGNMENT
This is a function in midas that allows a separated element to be designed as one continuous element.
When you place an intermediate beam on a girder, a node is required in between the girder and it will
separate the girder into two or more elements. And when you will begin to design you will have to design
them separately. But with this function we can group 2 or more continuous element so that we will be
able to design them as one beam or column.

Click on Design > General Design Parameters > Member assignment

1. Under “Assign Type” select Automatic.

2. Under “Selection Type” select All.
3. Then click on “Apply”. This means that it will allow midas gen to
automatically define the member for you. Sometimes it would not
give the desired output of the member, so we have to do the rest
manually. You can see the member link in the display options under
design tab.

4. To do them manually select the Manual & By Selection.

5. Select the designated elements then click Apply. It will overwrite the
previous elements.

22
LIVE LOAD REDUCTION
According to NSCP 2015, we are allowed to reduce the live
loads of the structure except as stated in section 205.5.

Assuming that the D = 4.8Kpa

And L = 1.9Kpa

4.8
So we have 𝑅 = 23.1 (1 + ) = 81.45%
1.9

This means that we need to multiply the live load with 0.8145.

Therefore, the effective live load will be 1.9 x 0.8145 =

1.5475Kpa

You may apply the live load reduction to all members, but if
we are being conservative we will apply to only the columns
and shear walls.

In Midas there is a method where in you can select the

members to reduce the live load for that specific member
instead of reducing the whole load.

To apply go to Design > General Design Parameters > Modify live Load Reduction Factor

23
 1. Select “Add/Replace” under option
2. Input the reduction Factor Calculated. In this case “0.8145”
3. Then check Applied Components “All Forces”
4. Then select the columns and walls then click “Apply”

MODIFYING CONCRETE PARAMETERS

To modify all the concrete parameters, it can be found under the RC Design tab.

First Click on RC Design Tab > Design Code

1. Select Design Code the latest ACI 318

2. Check on Torsion Design and apply Factor 0.125. Note that
we reduce the torsion only in analyzing beams with slab and
frame that can help distribute its torsion. But for isolated
beams we should not reduce the factor.
3. You may check the Apply Special Provisions for Seismic to
ensure the Ductility requirement of your building. But this
will increase the shear and moment demand of your
structure and your analysis time will be longer. I suggest to
apply this in irregular and tall buildings.
4. Then Click OK

24
Next Click on RC Design Tab > Modify Concrete Materials

1. First Click on the Material ID

2. Then Make sure the Concrete Material Selection Grade is the
desired one.
3. Then for Rebar selection. Select ASTM(RC) under code
4. Use Grade 60 for Main bars and Grade 40 for sub bars.
5. Click on Modify.

25
Click on RC Design Tab > Design Criteria for Rebar

In here you may edit the desired rebar selection that you want to use in
designing your members. You can also select the “Design Criteria for
Rebars by Member” if you want a specific member only to be different
in the size of its bars.

Click on OK if you are finished.

26
DESIGNING CONCRETE BEAMS, COLUMNS

Here are some shortcuts in Designing Members for Midas.

1. Design Concrete Beams = “Ctrl + 1”

2. Design Concrete Column = “Ctrl + 2”
3. Design Concrete Shearwall = “Ctrl + 3”
4. Design Steel Members = “Ctrl + 6”
5. Design Isolated Center Footing = “Ctrl + 9”

Let us try first designing the concrete beams by clicking on Ctrl+1. A new window will appear:

If you haven’t selected any beams this means that it will begin to analyze all the beams. But if you want
to analyze selected beams. You may select that beam then click “Ctrl+1” it will only design for that specific
beam. The default screen is sorted by property. You may change it to be sorted by member. This will give
a longer but more detailed list. You may click on “>>” to give you a more detailed list on each member.

27
The advantage of Midas is its beautiful presentation in its analyses. Click on Select all > Graphic.

It shows the rebar placements around the beam. It also shows the factored moment and the moment
capacity.

Next let us try Designing the Columns by pressing Ctrl+2.

You noticed that there is a member that is colored red. That means that specific property has failed in
the design requirements. You can immediately tell the type of failure on this screen. Here it says PM*
That means that it fails both in the Axial (denoted as P) and Bending (denoted as M). This is a list by
property, sometimes not all members with that same property actually failed in the design you can see
them if you sort it by member.

28
When you expand the detail list you can also select to see only the failed members by click on “NG”
below the Result View Option. Then you may also check the Connect Model View. This will enable the
linking of the model and the design list. So whenever you will select the failed member it will highlight
that member in the model.

To see the more detailed results you show the graphic design.

29
As you can see. Midas Gen will show the rebar placement that it used for its analysis. You can also see
the axial forces and moments compared to its capacity to see the difference between them. It also
shows the P-M interaction diagram curve and the shear ties spacing.

For the producing the structural analysis you can either print the graphic solution or the summary file,
which is a simple text file that would be smaller in size compared to the graphic detailed solution.

30