Automated RC-column design to TCVN 5574:2018 using excel VBA–CSi API integration

Tóm tắt

In the Vietnamese structural engineering context, designing reinforced concrete columns to the updated standard TCVN 5574:2018 often involves time-consuming manual processes because mainstream software like ETABS does not yet natively support this code. This paper introduces an automated design approach directly linking ETABS with Excel through the CSi application programming interface (API), eliminating manual data export or import. The design procedure is implemented using Excel’s Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and CSi API macros, which programmatically control ETABS to control the model, retrieve analysis results and perform iterative design calculations to meet code requirements. By integrating analysis and design in a single automated loop, the workflow significantly accelerates the column design process and minimizes human errors compared to traditional manual or semi-manual methods. The verified results show that the tool can design multiple columns in just around 21 seconds instead of significant minutes. This efficient workflow saves time and provides a foundation for future enhancements, such as linking the system to AutoCAD for automatic reinforcement detailing.