Upon clicking the design button I get the following message. The message ofcourse makes sense, but considering that software are expected to eliminate chances of data entry error to some extent, the message should not pop-up in the first place. What I'm trying to say is that the pop-up of this message means that the software gives the chance to the user to input multiple values for the same parameter. The parameter in this case is choosing which width to length ratio to be used.
It is also to be noted that the pop-up is invalid in the sense that the user is defining a range for the Length and Width values in case of choosing 'Calculate Dimension' option, not fixed values. Giving a range means that the user is not limiting the software for calculating/optimizing a rectangular footing using the 'Length/Width' ratio.
To conclude, knowing that the columns are not always equally sized, and are usually rectangular in shape, I believe most users who want use the 'Calculate Dimension' option will appreciate if they can give a range (where the width can equal the length in the lower limit, and length equal to width in the upper limit) with zero in the 'Length/Width Ratio' field.
We agree with your statements. A single dialog box through which to specify the minimum, maximum and the length to width ratio for all the footings in a job where each footing can have its own individual size and rectangular dimensions makes it difficult to receive all the input required for multiple footings.
As a pilot project, we implemented an alternative method for the Indian code that uses the respective column dimension + a minimum projection as the starting value (minimum size) for the individual footings. You will find it explained in the Help section in the topic
What's New in CONNECT Edition Update 4 (v8.4.0)
under the heading
Isolated Footings - New Method to Obtain Optimum Size
If this method is the solution that you are looking for, we will be glad to implement this for all codes.
Answer Verified By: dImeNsiOnFifTh
This is just what I expect. I hope this will be implemented for other codes as well. This is a more practical workflow that gives sensible dimensions. Having the plan dimension of the footing with the same ratio as that of the column looks awkward.
OK. It is included in the list of upcoming enhancements.