ACSAHE

Versión README en Español

ACSAHE is a desktop application designed to generate interaction diagrams for structural concrete sections subjected to combined axial load and biaxial bending, in full compliance with ACI 318-19(22), Chapter 22. Built with flexibility and accessibility in mind, ACSAHE enables structural engineers, students, and researchers to perform advanced section-level strength analysis without the need for expensive commercial software.

Key Features

• Full Biaxial Strength Diagrams
  Computes complete 3D interaction surfaces representing the axial–biaxial bending strength behavior of the section.

• Arbitrary Section Geometry
  Easily define and analyze any cross-sectional geometry, including complex or irregular shapes.

• Prestressed Reinforcement Support
  Enables the user to include prestressed reinforcement directly into the analysis—a rare feature among similar tools.

It was developed by Facundo L. Pfeffer in collaboration with Dr. Ing. Oscar Möller at the Institute of Applied Mechanics and Structures (IMAE) of the National University of Rosario.

Installation

There are currently two versions of the ACSAHE program:

New version: Windows app installation

The New version features a simpler installation as a Windows app, the ability to run everything from a simple .exe file, generate PDF reports, and more! Installation steps are:

1. Download the installer from the Releases section.
2. Run the Instalador_ACSAHE.exe file.
3. Follow the installation wizard instructions.
4. Once installed, you can start the program from the start menu or the desktop shortcut.

Legacy Excel/VBA Version

The original version of the program that integrates with Excel via VBA. This version is maintained but deprecated - new users should use the modern Windows app version.

For installation, simply download the compressed file, open the "ACSAHE" base spreadsheet, and then follow the instructions provided there. Download link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MHzbSE-l57YmWEzidX8B6qmdM4cQ-EQW/

For developers: See LEGACY.md for detailed information about the legacy Excel/VBA integration, including build instructions and architecture.

Building from Source

To build the ACSAHE executable from source:

Prerequisites

• Python 3.9, 3.10, or 3.11
• All dependencies from requirements.txt
• PyInstaller: pip install pyinstaller

Quick Build

1. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt
   pip install pyinstaller

2. Build the executable:

   pyinstaller ACSAHE.spec

3. Output: The executable will be created at dist/ACSAHE.exe

Building the Installer (Optional)

To create a Windows installer package, you'll need Inno Setup 6+:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Inno Setup 6\ISCC.exe" installer_sctipt.iss

The installer will be created at dist_installer/Instalador_ACSAHE.exe

Detailed Documentation

For comprehensive build instructions, troubleshooting, and advanced configuration options, see BUILD_AND_DEPLOYMENT.md.

Tutorials on YouTube Channel

To achieve better user understanding and software learning, a YouTube channel has been created where tutorials will be progressively added. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2vqHDQzjyupe7ISb2vA9EGn0Qr31nW7g

Featured YouTube Videos

References

[1] Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial (INTI), CIRSOC 201- REGLAMENTO ARGENTINO DE ESTRUCTURAS DE HORMIGÓN. 2005.
[2] American Concrete Institute, 318-19(22): Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary. American Concrete Institute, 2022. doi: 10.14359/51716937.
[3] Oscar Möller, HORMIGÓN ESTRUCTURAL, Segunda Edición. Rosario: UNR Editora, 2022.
[4] Mauro Poliotti, “HORMIGÓN ARMADO DIMENSIONAMIENTO DE SECCIONES DE HORMIGÓN ARMADO DE FORMA GENÉRICA SOLICITADAS A FLEXIÓN COMPUESTA OBLICUA,” Rosario, Argentina., 2013.
[5] Exacadesign, “Exacad,” www.exacadesign.com. Accessed: Jul. 14, 2024. [Online]. Available: www.exacadesign.com
[6] ENERCALC., “ENERCALC Structural Engineering Library,” 2024. Accessed: Aug. 27, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://enercalc.com/structural-engineering-library-sel/
[7] M. Menegotto, “Method of analysis of cyclically loaded RC plane frames including changes in geometry and non-elastic behavior of elements under normal force and bending,” 1973.
[8] Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial, “REGLAMENTO ARGENTINO PARA CONSTRUCCIONES SISMORRESISTENTES PARTE I CONSTRUCCIONES EN GENERAL,” 2018.
[9] American Society of Civil Engineers, ASCE 7-22. American Society of Civil Engineers, 2022. doi: 10.1061/9780784415788.