Running an Analysis

Before You Start

Verify that all inputs are configured:

1. Span data — at least one row in the project data table
2. Materials — all required material sections filled in
3. Mold selection — at least one mold selected (for catalog mode)
4. Design parameters — building code, objective, etc

The Generate Designs button is disabled if any validation errors exist. Check for red-highlighted fields.

Starting the Optimization

Click Generate Designs. The button changes to "Generating..." and a blue status message appears: "Submitting optimization request..."

The optimization explores thousands of design configurations to find the best solution.

During the Run

• The status bar shows a processing indicator
• A Cancel button appears if you need to abort
• You cannot modify inputs while the optimization is running
• Expect design generation to take no more than 2-3 minutes. Most problem formulations will run in less than a second. Adding more spans, molds, or materials increases the scope of the optimization and its runtime

When It Completes

A green status message confirms "Optimization complete!" with the date and time. Results appear in the right column immediately.

Status Messages

No Feasible Solutions

If the optimizer finds no designs that pass all ACI 318 checks, a yellow warning appears. This typically means:

• The span is too long for the selected mold depth
• Material strengths are too low for the applied loads
• Deflection limits are too tight

Try increasing the mold depth, using higher-strength concrete, or relaxing the deflection limit.