Section BETA – A New-Generation Application for RC Section Checks according to EN 1992-1-1:2023

This means earlier access to EN 1992-1-1:2023, clearer and more transparent calculations, and a workflow that better reflects real engineering practice. 

IDEA StatiCa Section BETA is an application for designing reinforced concrete sections according to EN 1992-1-1:2023 (ULS). It allows defining arbitrary section shapes and reinforcement, performing finite-element-based calculations, and displaying results graphically, in tables, and as calculation equations. The Beta version provides an early preview of future development and is primarily intended for user feedback and validation.

The Beta version currently covers:

• RC sections
• ULS only
• EN 1992-1-1:2023
• Cross-section geometry
• Reinforcement geometry
• A material database compliant with the new code
• Core ULS checks
• Graphical, tabular, and equation-based result presentation

The Section application follows the style of other IDEA StatiCa applications (Connection, Detail). Its main workflow is organized into five tabs: Project, Design, Check, Report, and Materials.

The logic for creating cross-sections, defining reinforcement, and applying loads is the same as in the existing RCS application. For these principles, we recommend referring to RCS materials, including tutorials, etc., even though the UI differs significantly. 

Compared to RCS, a major advantage is the greater insight into results, as the Section app provides all formulas, including their numerical values, making it easier to verify them. See more in the Check section.

Project

The Backstage view provides access to preferences, opening and saving projects, and configuring initial project data through the startup wizard. Projects can be created from templates or built from scratch.

Design

Member data and geometry

Before defining a cross-section, member data and geometry can be configured, including parameters such as exposure class, relative humidity, and member length. These values serve as a basis for future calculations, including crack width analysis and flexural slenderness checks.

Cross-section definition

The application focuses on beam sections, supporting standard shapes like rectangles as well as arbitrary cross-section geometry, making it a general-purpose tool rather than being limited to a predefined catalog. Section properties are displayed in a read-only view, enabling immediate verification of area and other geometric characteristics within the workflow, reducing the need for external checks.

Calculation control

The "Calculation control" tab is available in the properties panel for both the entire member and individual cross-sections. Analyses can be enabled or disabled globally for the member or locally for specific sections, providing flexible control over the calculations performed.

Reinforcement definition and templates

Reinforcement is managed through reusable templates. Sections with identical geometry can share a template, while sections requiring a different layout can use a new template for independent definition. This approach minimizes repetitive input, supports families of similar sections, and allows both reuse and divergence as needed.

Load effects input

Load effects are managed through tables that support copying internal forces from Excel, pasting multiple values, adjusting and comparing extremes, and exporting data. Bulk input of load pulses is possible when "Load extremes" is selected, with extremes automatically generated from the number of rows added.

Check

• N-My-Mz Response

• N-My-Mz Capacity

• Shear

• Torsion

• Interaction

Result organization and presentation

Results are structured in a tree containing both sections and individual load extremes. Selecting an extreme displays the corresponding scene and data, while selecting a section shows the governing (worst-case) result from all associated extremes.

The application provides multiple result presentation modes, including scene-based graphical output, tables, and explicit equations. Calculations are not hidden behind summary numbers; every code check is presented as a full equation, showing the formula, input values, intermediate quantities, and relevant code references. This ensures full traceability and allows verification of the calculations directly from the displayed data.

A print preview function is available, displaying the section along with all formulas in a pop-up window, maintaining the same transparency as the interactive interface. The values shown in tables correspond exactly to those used in the governing code equations, enabling manual verification and improving clarity for advanced users, support teams, and internal review processes.

Calculations are based on finite element methods, with configurable element size for each cross-section. This provides a modern computational core rather than a simple spreadsheet-style implementation, supporting accurate, flexible, and high-resolution numerical analysis.

Report

Reports are integrated into the project and can include graphical results, tables, detailed equations, and code references. 

Materials

The Materials tab manages project materials, cross-sections, and reinforcement templates, consistent with IDEA StatiCa portfolio standards.