Eccentric Axial Loads - Combining P/A with Bending Stress for Column Base Plates and Beam-Columns
Check e = M/P against the h/6 kern before you trust P/A plus M/S on a base plate, with an 800 kN, 400 mm plate worked to CSA S16 and A23.3.
Structural Engineering Blog
Explore practical insights on Canadian structural engineering, from codes (NBCC, CSA) & design procedures to innovative ideas in steel, concrete & wood. Continuous learning for EITs & P.Eng.
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Sliding Shear Resistance for Basement and Retaining Walls - Checks You Shouldn’t Skip
Check a retaining or basement wall for sliding on unfactored loads: FS 1.5 on friction, 2.0 once a shear key counts, worked on a 3.5 m cantilever wall.
Punching Shear in Spread Footings to CSA A23.3
Size a spread footing for punching shear to CSA A23.3-24: the size effect factor, the 2d footing exemption, the depth quadratic and a one-way check.
Tension Development Length - Decoding the K-Factors in CSA A23.3
CSA A23.3-24 renamed the K-factors and added a grade factor, so a 25M top bar in 500W steel needs 1501 mm, 39 % more than in 400W. See which factors move.
A Practical Guide to Flexural Design of Reinforced Masonry Beams to CSA S304-24
Design a reinforced masonry beam for flexure to CSA S304-24: grouted f'm, the balanced limit as rho_b and K_b, course depths and an 85 kNm lintel worked out.
When Standard Hooks Are Your Only Option
CSA A23.3-24 rewrote the hooked bar equation: a 25M hook at 30 MPa grows from 460 to 721 mm. See how the cover and tie factors win the length back.
Arching Action Over Openings: What a Masonry Lintel Really Carries
Size a masonry lintel with arching: the 45 degree triangle, the 203 mm rule, and why the CSA S304 point load spread moves the moment more than arching does.