Solid Wall Pier

Question

What is the best way to model a solid wall pier using RC Pier? 
 I am thinking there are two possibilities: 
 1) Model short cap (1' height or less) and one column (non-tapered in x and z direction) centered on footing 
 2) Model short cap (1' height or less) with multiple narrow columns which would almost create a solid wall 
 The pier I am designing is pile supported and I want to be sure to proper loads are calculated to be distributed to the piles. I am not sure that modeling a single column will prouduce the correct distribution of the loads to the piles. 
 I appreciate any help. 
 TIA 
 David

Vinay mysore · Accepted Answer

Hi David, 
 In the older versions I would have recommended you to select one column and then model it as wall pier. 
 In the latest version Wall Pier option is available . . 
 The latest version which is available on Bentley select server is V13.00.00.68 
 Please let me know if you need any additional information. 
 Thanks , 
 Vinay

David S · Answer

I downloaded the current version and the wall option is there! 
 Thanks!

Vinay mysore · Answer

Hi, 
 I would suggest you to download the latest version of RCPier from Bentley Select server and rerun the file. 
 The latest version which is available right now is V13.00.00.68 . 
 In the mean time I would like to test the file so that I can figure out why the program is showing so much reinforcement in X axis. 
 Please let me know your email address. 
 Thanks , 
 Vinay

Vinay mysore · Answer

I tried to email you but the email bounced back. 
 Please email me the Rcpier file you are working on so that I can test this issue on my computer. 
 my email is vinay.mysore@bentley.com 
 In structure model generally user can assign a hinge but generally the program assumes fixity between the stem and the footing, its default. 
 Program assumes very thin cap at top and stem is assumed like a stick model with abutment length as width and SD as depth of the cross section. 
 The stem will be designed at two locations mainly at the bottom of top of the stem. Program generates the design using the same approach as column design in pier design module

Vinay mysore · Answer

The program is showing 65#18 in X direction but the rebar&rsquo;s are placed perpendicular to X axis and not along the X axis. 65#18 is placed on one side of the wall . Please see the attached jpeg file M_2.jpg for more information. If you feel #18 is quite a big bar to be placed inside the wall then please try providing additional layers of bars to satisfy the design requirements. Or reduce the bar size and increase the number of rebar&rsquo;s. Just to let you know that Auto-design only considers one layer of reinforcement. Please see the attached jpeg file M_3.jpg for more information. Just make sure As_provided is greater than As_min and As required and the ratio should be greater than 1. 
 What the program is doing is fine it&rsquo;s just that certain modification can be made to satisfy the design requirements